Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Dubai Police’s 33 Smart Police Stations offer 24/7 automated access to 32 essential services, including criminal reporting and traffic permits. By utilizing AI and live video links, these stations provide a private, multilingual, and contactless experience. This initiative reinforces Dubai’s status as a global leader in smart policing and a pioneer in autonomous government services.
Schneider Electric has teamed up with Tradeling to launch its electrical and industrial automation products on the UAE’s largest B2B digital platform. This partnership enables faster, more transparent access to infrastructure solutions for regional businesses. By combining Schneider’s engineering expertise with Tradeling’s logistics and digital reach, the duo is accelerating the UAE’s transition toward a fully digitalized industrial economy.
Etisalat by e& and Samsung have introduced the “ALL-IN TV” bundle in the UAE, starting at AED 109/month. The package combines a Samsung Vision AI Smart TV with four major streaming services, professional installation, and a 24-month upgrade cycle. A massive billboard campaign currently spans major interstate highways, targeting commuters with a simplified, “all-in-one” digital lifestyle solution.
Saudi Arabia has named 2026 the “Year of AI” to catalyze its $100 billion investment in the sector. Backed by world-class infrastructure like the Shaheen III supercomputer and the National Data Lake, the Kingdom aims to move beyond regional leadership to become a primary global influencer in AI innovation and ethical governance.
Humain, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is spearheading Saudi Arabia’s transition into a global AI hub. By securing 211 land plots and deploying cutting-edge Qualcomm hardware, the company is building the “Humain Core”—a gigawatt-scale infrastructure designed for high-performance inferencing and sovereign AI development, including the “Allam” Arabic language model.
Qatar’s Ministry of Labour now offers 325+ online services, processing 250,000 transactions in the last month alone. The 24/7 digital portal allows workers and employers to manage administrative tasks remotely, marking a key achievement in the country’s national digital transformation efforts to improve government service efficiency.
Meta’s 2Africa subsea cable project has been paused in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea due to regional military conflicts. ASN has halted operations citing high risks to vessels, leaving key segments unconnected. The delay threatens to slow digital expansion across Africa, highlighting the vulnerability of critical global internet infrastructure during geopolitical crises.
Select Technologies Limited is moving toward a public listing on the PSX, appointing Arif Habib Limited as the lead manager for the IPO. Founded in 2021, Select has quickly become a key manufacturing arm for Air Link, already operating state-of-the-art assembly lines for global brands like Xiaomi. The upcoming IPO is expected to fund further capacity expansion, particularly in the domestic production of consumer electronics, reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported finished goods.
Ufone 4G’s parent company, PTML, acquired 180 MHz of 5G spectrum for $156.75 million in Pakistan’s latest auction. The allocation covers the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, providing the capacity needed for urban 5G rollout. This infrastructure will support Ufone, Onic, and Telenor subscribers, facilitating a nationwide shift toward ultra-fast mobile broadband and low-latency digital services.
Bank Nizwa has launched Apple Pay, offering its customers in Oman a secure and Sharia-compliant mobile payment solution. The service enables contactless transactions via Apple devices, utilizing tokenization for enhanced privacy. This rollout supports Oman’s national digital transformation goals and provides a modern, cardless banking experience for Islamic finance users.