Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Flydubai and UAE tech firm Emaratech have partnered to introduce AI-powered smart biometric gates at flydubai’s Airport Operations Centre, streamlining immigration for pilots and cabin crew. This paperless, secure system enhances operational efficiency, reduces wait times, and supports the airline’s commitment to innovation and future-ready aviation solutions.
Futurity inaugurates Sri Lanka’s first AI-focused R&D centre in Colombo, enhancing local innovation and client delivery. The centre strengthens operational agility, supports growing AI demand, invests in talent, and lays groundwork for regional and global expansion.
Qatar now enjoys nationwide access to Starlink satellite internet, enhancing connectivity for consumers, businesses, and aviation passengers, and positioning the country as a Middle Eastern digital pioneer.
Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency won the WSIS 2025 Prize for its Cybersecurity Curriculum Project, highlighting its success in raising digital ethics and safety awareness across schools, parents, and teachers. The project supports Qatar’s vision to build a cyber safe society and become a global cybersecurity leader.
Saudi Arabia leads globally in mobile shopping with two-thirds of purchases via smartphones but faces high payment failures and friction, despite advanced infrastructure under Vision 2030. The kingdom’s digital payment adoption is strong, yet user experience issues reveal gaps needing urgent attention for seamless cashless transition.
Pakistan has launched Data Vault, its first AI-focused and fully solar-powered data centre, offering secure, compliant, and green infrastructure for AI innovation. It supports startups, researchers, and government with GPU services, local AI models, and talent development aligned with the government’s digital economy goals.
Pakistan’s IT Minister announced the Digital Nation Pakistan Act and a five-point framework to harness data and technology for climate action and sustainable development. Initiatives include a National Incubation Center for Climate AgriTech and Pakistan Stack, aiming to empower youth innovation and digital governance.
Oman ranked fourth globally among developing economies for ICT infrastructure FDI from 2020–2024, attracting $1.7 billion. Driven by the National Digital Economy Programme and AI initiatives, Oman aims to boost digital skills, AI research, and grow its digital economy’s GDP share to 10% by 2040.
Oman has completed the phased shutdown of all 3G networks, reallocating frequencies to enhance 4G and 5G coverage to 99% and 90%, respectively. The transition improves service quality, supports IoT expansion, and delivers significant energy savings, positioning Oman as a leader in telecom modernization.
Muscat hosts the second international conference on emerging technologies, featuring expert sessions on AI, digital transition, and innovative learning, complemented by a student exhibition showcasing multidisciplinary tech innovations.