Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s Fatwa Authority has ruled that using AI tools like ChatGPT to interpret the Quran is impermissible, warning of misinterpretation and doctrinal error. It stressed that AI lacks true understanding and scholarly method, urging Muslims to rely on recognised tafsir, qualified scholars, and established religious institutions.
The UN has launched the 2026 Global Pulse Accelerator, offering $60,000 each to three data- and AI-driven projects with real-world impact. The programme targets solutions advancing sustainable development, humanitarian action, and social inclusion, providing funding, mentorship, and technical support to help teams scale.
Egypt will host Ai Everything MEA 2026, the region’s first all-AI global summit, bringing together over 350 companies from more than 30 countries. Backed by GITEX and Egypt’s MCIT, the event supports the country’s national AI strategy and positions Cairo as a bridge between Africa and the Middle East.
Bangladesh’s app-based banking is accelerating, with over 8.5 million users now transacting via mobile apps. Banks report sharp growth in volumes and users as customers seek convenience and 24/7 access. While digital payments surge, challenges around literacy, connectivity, and cybersecurity remain.
Bangladesh has launched e-learning in 12 schools across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with plans to expand to 149 more institutions. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus acknowledged long delays in digital access and committed to scaling the programme nationwide, aiming to reach 3,500 schools.
Gulf Air will introduce complimentary Starlink-powered Wi-Fi across its fleet, giving passengers free, high-speed internet from boarding to arrival. The move aligns Bahrain’s national carrier with regional and global peers and signals a shift toward fast, free connectivity becoming a standard feature of modern air travel.
Algeria has enacted a presidential decree mandating dedicated cybersecurity units across public institutions to counter rising digital threats. The framework enforces independent governance, risk mapping, audits, and incident reporting, following a year in which the country recorded over 70 million cyberattacks.
EY has launched Studio+ across Mena, bringing together regional and global expertise in design, technology, and customer experience. The new offering helps organisations deliver end-to-end, AI-powered transformation, with a focus on measurable impact. The launch in Riyadh also saw EY sign an MoU with stc to drive ecosystem-led innovation.
Tata Communications has appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as MD and CEO-Designate, pending regulatory approvals. With over 30 years of global enterprise leadership across ServiceNow and Airtel Business, he brings deep experience in automation, AI, and digital transformation, and will succeed A. S. Lakshminarayanan in April 2026.
Egyptian fintech Mogo has partnered with Saudi payments firm Geidea to integrate smart POS technology with consumer finance services. The collaboration enables merchants to offer seamless payments and instalments, supports SME digitalisation, and advances financial inclusion across Egypt’s growing digital payments ecosystem.