Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
UAE startup YAL.ai has raised $12M in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered scam protection platform. Using on-device, self-learning AI, it blocks fraud across calls, SMS, apps, and emails while safeguarding privacy. The funding fuels R&D and partnerships to scale globally against rising telecom fraud.
Tunisia’s telecom regulator INT has launched a public consultation on fiber optic infrastructure sharing under the National Very High Speed Plan. Running until October 8, the initiative seeks industry input on mutualisation, deployment challenges, and fair access rules to accelerate nationwide high-speed internet rollout.
Sri Lanka is preparing to appoint a local IT firm to manage the SL-UDI platform once the MSI contract ends. The domestic MSP will take over in December 2025, ensuring local expertise drives the country’s digital ID system, with biometric data collection expected to begin in late 2026.
Dialog Axiata has upgraded its agriculture advisory platform Govi Mithuru with AI-powered features, including a trilingual chat and voice bot, image-based pest diagnosis, and a voice assistant via 616. The service expands access to smart farming tools, empowering both farmers and gardeners across Sri Lanka.
ByteBridge has partnered with Naizak to form a Saudi-based data center joint venture focused on hyperscale and AI-driven growth. The move supports Vision 2030 by attracting investment and boosting digital infrastructure. ByteBridge also signed an MoU with South Korea’s FuriosaAI for AI-focused collaboration.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, together with Qatar Tourism, hosted a workshop under the SMEs Go Digital Program to promote AI-driven innovation in the tourism sector. The initiative provides SMEs with digital tools, training, and support to improve customer experience, streamline operations, and strengthen Qatar’s global tourism competitiveness.
Qatar National Bank has adopted JPMorgan’s Kinexys blockchain platform for U.S. dollar corporate payments, enabling 24/7 settlement and cutting transfer times from days to minutes. The move strengthens regional adoption of on-chain banking infrastructure and supports programmable, transparent treasury operations.
Air Link Communication Limited will build a major production facility at Sundar Green SEZ, Lahore, spanning 1.4 million sq. ft. and powered by solar energy. Expected to be operational by late 2025, the plant will support exports of electronics while fiscal incentives and retail expansion strengthen the company’s growth outlook.
The CCP will conditionally approve PTCL’s USD 400 million acquisition of Telenor Pakistan after an 18-month review, imposing safeguards on pricing, infrastructure sharing, and competition. The decision balances market dominance concerns with potential efficiencies, setting a precedent for rigorous telecom merger oversight.
Oman Investment Authority has invested in UK-based Salience Labs to advance AI-driven optical chip technology. The move strengthens Oman’s AI portfolio, builds global partnerships, and supports the nation’s strategy to become a regional hub for innovation, digital infrastructure, and economic diversification.