Page 54 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2023

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

TDRA Empowers Youth for a Sustainable Future Through “Digital Skills Forum”

on International Youth Day

The Telecommunications Regulatory
Authority (TDRA) marked International
Youth Day with a resounding commitment
to the UAE's future by hosting a dynamic
"Digital Skills for a Sustainable Future"
forum. The event, orchestrated by the
TDRA Youth Council, gathered prominent
figures from esteemed government
entities, including the Ministry of Education,
the Federal Authority for Government
Human Resources, and the Emirati
Talent Competitiveness Council "Nafis".
In alignment with the UAE government's
visionary theme for 2023, "Today for
Tomorrow," the forum epitomized TDRA's
dedication to fostering the next generation
of leaders and visionaries who will drive
sustainable growth in the digital era. The
occasion was graced by the presence
of H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar,
Director General of TDRA, who highlighted Telecommunications Sector Youth Council, Manager for Galadari Brothers Group
the UAE's unwavering commitment elucidated TDRA's comprehensive strategy and representative of Nafis Youth
to youth empowerment, underscoring for nurturing digital competencies. This Council, delved into the significant career
their role in shaping a technologically strategy included initiatives tailored to domains enriched by digital skills, such as
empowered and sustainable future. Al different age groups, such as the "TDRA information technology, digital marketing,
Mesmar emphasized, "Gathering today, Virtual Camp" targeting students aged 7 programming, and blockchain. Ms. Maryam
to deliberate on both present challenges to 18, and the "TDRA Virtual Academy," a Al-Saadi, representative of the Youth
and future opportunities, signifies the platform offering diverse training programs Council of the Ministry of Education, shed
prominence of digital technologies. The to upskill professionals and enhance their light on the Ministry's initiatives, notably the
urgent questions of tomorrow underscore proficiency in cutting-edge technologies. "estedad" National Ambassadors Program,
the immense impact of digitalization. While Reflecting on the government's fostering digital education in collaboration
the discourse on AI potentially replacing commitment to human capital investment, with universities and esteemed institutions.
human roles prevails, experts contend that Ms. Maryam Al-Zarooni, Manager of the The forum embraced interactive workshops,
true success stems from our ability to lead Human Resources Planning Department delving into the realm of artificial
and harness technology for our collective at the Federal Authority for Government intelligence. Participants explored AI's
advancement." Distinguished voices Human Resources, emphasized their contemporary relevance, the mechanics
resonated throughout the forum, echoing holistic approach towards both digital and of algorithms, and its imminent influence
the importance of digital skills in shaping non-digital domains. This, she asserted, on business and human resources. These
a sustainable tomorrow. Mr. Mohammed was essential in elevating the efficiency discussions culminated in strategies for
Al Hassani, Senior Government Services and productivity of government personnel. harnessing digital advancements to elevate
Engineer at TDRA and Chairman of the Ms. Ahlam Al-Marzooqi, Emiratization performance benchmarks.

Lebanese Fixed Broadband Tariffs Hiked by 700%

Ogero, Lebanon’s state-backed national 80GB and connection speed up to 50Mbps time of the report’s publication), up from
fixed telecoms provider. The new rates (depending on local access facilities) the existing price of LBP60,000 in effect
for fixed broadband packages will take will now cost LBP420,000 (USD28 – but since last July.
effect on 1 September 2023. An entry- worth just USD4.70 using the local market
level volume-based monthly tariff with exchange rate of USD1 = LBP89,600 at the

54 JULY-AUGUST 2023