Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Riyadh Air and IBM are building the world’s first AI-native airline, eliminating legacy systems and using generative and agentic AI to transform operations, customer experience, and employee workflows. With 59 coordinated workstreams and over 60 partners, the airline is engineered for next-generation aviation and will begin commercial service in early 2026.
Abu Dhabi has launched the FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster to accelerate growth in next-generation financial services. Approved by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, the initiative is projected to add AED56 billion to GDP by 2045, create 8,000 jobs, and attract AED17 billion in investment. The cluster will strengthen digital assets, fintech, insurance, ESG finance, and alternative investments while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial innovation hub.
Rostro Group has entered the UAE fintech market after receiving a Category 5 licence from the Securities and Commodities Authority. The approval enables the group to expand its institutional and retail trading services across the GCC through its Scope Prime and Scope Markets brands. Backed by a fast-growing fintech ecosystem and strong regulatory support, Rostro’s move reinforces the UAE’s position as the leading fintech hub in the MENA region.
Qatar has launched Qai, a new sovereign-backed AI company under the Qatar Investment Authority, to invest in AI infrastructure and commercialize advanced technologies. Unlike regional peers, Qai will not build its own language models but will focus on deploying trusted AI systems and emerging technologies. The move signals Qatar’s formal entry into the Gulf’s rapidly expanding state-led AI race.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to build a high-speed rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha, with stops in Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The electric railway will reach speeds above 300 km/h and cut travel time between the capitals to around two hours. Expected to be completed within six years, the project aims to serve up to 10 million passengers annually and strengthen regional connectivity.
Google Trends 2025 shows cricket as Pakistan’s most dominant online obsession, cutting across class and region as a rare national unifier. Technology searches surged as Pakistanis explored AI tools, digital payments, and online learning. “How-to” queries highlighted everyday survival challenges, while climate, health, politics, and local entertainment reflected a society navigating uncertainty through digital dependence.
Oman will host the International Semiconductor Executive Summit on December 9–10, bringing together over 150 global leaders, CEOs, and experts to discuss the future of the semiconductor industry in the MENA region. Organized by MTCIT under the patronage of Oman Vision 2040 leadership, the summit will focus on building an integrated regional semiconductor ecosystem, showcasing advanced technologies, enhancing local talent, and supporting Oman’s long-term economic diversification and digital transformation strategy.
Electronic fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Oman’s digital ecosystem, prompting the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to organize a public dialogue on December 14 under its “Constructive Dialogue” series. The session will focus on identifying common scam techniques, understanding how networks facilitate fraud, and assessing public awareness. By bringing stakeholders together, the TRA aims to strengthen consumer protection frameworks, enhance cybersecurity awareness, and improve overall trust in telecom services.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman has taken legal action against companies selling unlicensed telecom devices used for unauthorized network setups, citing risks to consumer protection, data security, and service quality. Alongside this enforcement, the TRA will host a public engagement session on December 14 under its “Constructive Dialogue” initiative to address the growing challenge of electronic fraud, explore scam patterns, and develop stronger consumer protection measures through collaborative discussion.
Mobile operator Ncell has begun issuing numbers under a new 971 prefix after receiving approval from Nepal’s telecom regulator. The new range was introduced as the company’s existing number series approached exhaustion. Ncell has asked government bodies, banks, and service providers to update their systems to ensure seamless OTP delivery, digital transactions, and mobile-based services.