Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The UAE has signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, with implementation set for 2027 and first exchanges in 2028. A public consultation is underway to shape clear rules, reinforcing the UAE’s balance of crypto innovation and global tax transparency.
The UAE will host the world’s biggest AI Film Award at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, offering $1 million for AI-generated films using Google Gemini tools. The initiative reinforces the UAE’s leadership in AI, creative innovation, and the global content creator economy
Pakistani fintechs are entering Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, securing deals at Money 20/20 Riyadh and forming partnerships like ABHI–TRAY for wage access services. With 100+ Pakistani firms registered in KSA, streamlined regulations and cultural ties make the Kingdom a key growth market for Pakistan’s IT and fintech sectors.
Mobile Telecommunications Company Saudi Arabia’s share price dropped 39% over five years despite steady EPS growth, though dividends softened losses to a -12% TSR. Recent gains show a 1.8% TSR over the past year, suggesting a potential turning point amid cautious investor sentiment.
HyperPay signed MoUs with Mastercard and Mozn to drive digital payments innovation and fraud prevention in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The partnerships will empower SMEs with secure, scalable solutions and support the region’s fintech growth under Saudi Vision 2030.
MWC25 Doha, the first Mobile World Congress in the Middle East, will be held on 25–26 November 2025. The event, part of Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 and National Vision 2030, will spotlight global innovations and Qatar’s role as a rising hub for technology, 5G, and AI-driven transformation.
The Oman Health Exhibition 2025 opened in Muscat with a strong focus on digital health and AI, featuring global hospitals and showcasing robotics, telemedicine, and AI-driven tools to boost efficiency. International partnerships and a 30% rise in pavilion participation reflect Oman’s growing healthcare innovation and investment opportunities.
Morocco plans to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan on digitizing labor markets, AI-driven transformation, and youth training between 2026–2028. With Morocco’s strong automotive and aviation sectors and Azerbaijan’s oil and gas potential, joint investments and experience-sharing will help build a skilled workforce and future-ready labor systems.
SNRT has launched Morocco’s first AI-powered news section on SNRTnews, offering 24/7 coverage with AI-generated articles, rapid verification, and human oversight. The platform blends ethics, analysis, and interactivity, positioning artificial intelligence as a partner in reshaping Morocco’s digital media landscape.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has rolled out AI-powered patrols with facial recognition, license plate detection, and real-time database integration. The initiative modernizes law enforcement, enabling faster identification of suspects and vehicles while advancing Kuwait’s digital transformation in security and public safety.