The Middle East is emerging as a global leader in AI, with national strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 propelling the region’s tech growth. With advancements in agentic AI, smart city projects, and a focus on reskilling the workforce, the region is poised for long-term economic success.
Airbus has delivered the Thuraya 4 satellite to Kennedy Space Center ahead of its planned launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite, built on Airbus’s Eurostar Neo platform, will enhance telecommunications across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, enabling Space42 to launch 15 new products.
SLT-Mobitel won three awards at the National Best Quality ICT Awards 2024, including a Silver for “SenseGrid IoT Solution,” a Bronze for “Energen,” and a Merit for “AkazaHR.” These innovations reflect the company’s commitment to driving technological advancement and contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
SAMA has launched Samsung Pay in Saudi Arabia, integrated with the national payment system mada, to enhance the country’s digital payments infrastructure. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of financial inclusion and expanding fintech solutions, helping the region strengthen its position in the global fintech landscape.
LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s premier tech event, will be held from February 9 to 12, 2025. With a new ticketed format, it will feature groundbreaking innovations in AI, sports tech, and smart cities. The event will host 680+ startups, 1,000 speakers, and 1,800 global tech brands for networking and investment opportunities.
Asyad Group and Omantel launched the ASYAD Accelerator to support local tech startups in Oman’s logistics sector. The programme nurtures innovative digital solutions, focusing on cold chain logistics and operational efficiency. Four startups were selected for their scalability and potential to drive Oman’s logistics innovation in alignment with Vision 2040.
Omantel won two prestigious Effie MENA Awards 2024 for its innovative “WhatsApp Oman” and “Maqroo” campaigns. The Gold Award recognized the WhatsApp Oman initiative for its creativity and customer engagement, while the Bronze Award honored the Maqroo font for its impact on dyslexia awareness in the Arab world.
Orange Morocco has partnered with Microsoft to integrate Microsoft Azure into its cloud-managed services, enhancing cloud capabilities for B2B customers. This collaboration aims to drive innovation, streamline operations, and improve customer experiences in Morocco. Businesses will benefit from advanced tools in AI, data analytics, and IoT, boosting digital transformation.
Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, highlighted the country’s healthcare advancements, including the integration of AI and robotic surgery. New hospitals are set to open, and a digital transformation initiative is underway. The conference focused on AI’s impact on healthcare and Kuwait’s commitment to technological innovation.
Zain Kuwait’s CEO, Nawaf Al-Gharabally, shared insights during a panel discussion on Kuwait’s digital economy. He emphasized Zain’s role in AI adoption, workforce training, and supporting Vision 2035. The company continues to enhance digital infrastructure and sustainability efforts, positioning Kuwait as a global hub for financial and technological growth.
