Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zain KSA partnered with Groq to deploy a Saudi-developed high-performance AI inference platform integrated into Zain Cloud. The initiative supports Vision 2030, enables AIaaS offerings, strengthens data localization, and positions Saudi Arabia as a growing hub for advanced cloud and AI technologies.
Qatar and Brookfield have formed a $20 billion joint venture to develop AI infrastructure, including an Integrated Compute Center, strengthening Qatar’s digital ecosystem and advancing Vision 2030. Brookfield invests through its global AI fund, supporting Qatar’s goal of becoming a regional hub for advanced computing.
Vodafone Qatar’s CTO delivered a lecture on AI-driven cyber risks and resilience at Barzan University College, highlighting deepfake threats, automated malware, and predictive defence strategies, while reinforcing the operator’s commitment to national cybersecurity and industry–academia collaboration.
Marjane has adopted Huawei’s AI-powered Xinghe Unified SASE platform to support its rapid retail expansion across Morocco. The solution enables faster branch deployment, improved checkout performance, and advanced cybersecurity for more than 10,000 daily transactions per store. The partnership strengthens Marjane’s nationwide growth with secure, scalable digital infrastructure.
Telenor Asia’s latest study shows that 96 percent of Bangladeshi internet users now regularly use artificial intelligence, reflecting rapid digital adoption across daily life and work. AI is increasingly used for learning, remote work, financial management, content creation, and personalized advice. The report highlights the growing responsibility of telecom operators to ensure secure, trusted digital infrastructure.
e& UAE has integrated Amdocs’ telco-specific AI agents across customer care, retail, and network operations using the amAIz generative AI platform, supported by NVIDIA AI Enterprise. The deployment introduces role-based security guardrails, operational automation, smarter customer interactions, and efficiency gains. The initiative positions e& UAE as a regional leader in production-scale generative AI adoption in telecom.
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.
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.
Telenor Asia’s 2025 report shows that AI adoption in Bangladesh has surged, with 96 percent of internet users now using AI regularly. Daily AI usage is widespread in content creation, education, and personal assistance, while workplace adoption has jumped to 62 percent. However, gaps remain in formal AI strategies, automation use, and digital inclusion, especially as younger users voice privacy and job security concerns.
This new UAE scholarship reflects a major strategic investment in future artificial intelligence leadership. By supporting hundreds of outstanding undergraduate students at MBZUAI, the programme combines financial backing with global exposure, industry placements, and mentorship. It reinforces the UAE’s commitment to building national AI talent, driving innovation, and securing global competitiveness in advanced technologies through education, leadership development, and entrepreneurship.