Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - December 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Saudi Arabia

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission through collaborating with public and private sectors, as well
(CST) announced joining the Green Digital Action with the as the UN organizations. On the sidelines of COP28, CST is
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which includes organizing a panel discussion entitled "Circular Economy" to
several international entities and agencies. The Green Digital highlight the Saudi Arabia’s efforts in leading digital sustainability,
Action aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track industry-wide with the participation of ITU Deputy Secretary-General Thomas
commitments to addressing climate challenges, and put digital Lemanoskas, and representatives from countries that will apply
solutions at the forefront of climate action., by transforming to a the “E-Waste Management Regulations”, which was launched
digital infrastructure that enables environmental and sustainable by Saudi Arabia in partnership with the ITU. This initiative aims
solutions during the COP28 held in Dubai, with the presence of to implement the regulations in Zambia, Rwanda, and Paraguay,
the Secretary-General of ITU, Ms. Doreen Bogdan – Martin. CST which will contribute to providing innovative regulatory solutions
revealed that it will be leading the “Foster a circular ICT industry” to the challenges facing the treatment of e-waste globally, along
track as part of the Green Digital Action which consists of six with raising awareness among policymakers and industry owners
tracks including: reducing ICT sector emissions, advancing climate on the critical role of fair and practical economical regulations
solutions through open environmental data and technologies, in reducing e-waste production and carbon emissions. CST
implementing green standards, facilitating a green transition participated in the COP28 to promote Saudi Arabia’s endeavors
across all industries through digital technology, and leveraging in leading international efforts to enable digital sustainability, in
digital systems for disaster alerts and early warnings. By joining line with its directions in support of the circular economy. Saudi
this initiative, CST seeks to harness its efforts to provide digital launched on many initiatives that contributed to raising awareness
and sustainable solutions to address climate challenges, help and educating the public on the best practices for leveraging
improve and implement regulations that enable circular economy technology to create a sustainable future for all.
which contribute to reducing carbon emissions and climate (December 5, 2023) www.cst.gov.sa
change, and transfer to an eco-friendly digital infrastructure

Sri Lanka

The government of Sri Lanka has reportedly extended the deadline sale of the government’s 50.23% stake SLT-Mobitel has run into
for submission of Request for Qualification (RfQ) for the purchase problems due to a legal challenge instigated by its mobile arm
of a 50.23% stake in Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT-Mobitel) from 18 Mobitel against the national regulator, the Telecommunications
December 2023 to 12 January 2024. Further, with the country’s SOE Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), concerning the
Restructuring Unit (SRU) having ruled out any further extensions, sharing of spectrum via the proposed merger between Dialog
it now aims to issue its Request for Proposal (RfP), including the Axiata and Bharti Airtel Lanka. That court case will take place on
opening of pre-qualified bidders’ due diligence, in Q1 2024. The 12 December 2023. (December 11, 2023) www.commsupdate.com

United Arab Emirates

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Au- latest version, the platform strives to elevate digital participation
thority (TDRA) unveiled the latest version of the digital participa- as an integral component of the methodologies employed by gov-
tion platform in the UAE, Sharik.ae, aligning with cutting-edge con- ernment entities to refine their services and solutions in alignment
cepts in digital participation, incorporating global best practices, with the perspectives and expectations of their audience. Digital
and anticipating future requirements in this domain. participation also plays a pivotal role in enhancing decision-mak-
This announcement took place at a ceremony organized by TDRA, ing processes, supporting government entities in the design and
featuring the participation of representatives from federal govern- redesign of services based on the evolving needs of both individ-
ment entities. These entities have collaboratively worked over the ual and corporate clients. The celebration started with a speech
past years to enhance digital participation practices within the by H.E. Eng. Mohammad Al Zarooni, TDRA Deputy Director Gener-
broader framework of digital government enablers overseen by al for the Information and Digital Government Sector, wherein he
TDRA as the catalyst for digital transformation in the UAE. In its commended the endeavors of the digital transformation and dig-
94 DECEMBER 2023