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 Future Foundation (DFF), in collaboration with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA), has launched a cross-border AI trade & investment hub. This initiative will enhance AI startups’ access to global capital, markets, and networks across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, fostering innovation and development.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing AI adoption across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, and finance, as part of its Vision 2030 goals. With investments in AI infrastructure, research, and education, the Kingdom aims to become the Middle East’s AI epicenter, driving economic growth, innovation, and digital transformation.
Vodafone Oman has partnered with Sultan Qaboos University to drive research and innovation in Oman’s digital economy. The collaboration includes the Vodafone Innovation Award and a PhD scholarship in AI and Machine Learning. This partnership supports Oman’s Vision 2040, focusing on digital transformation and AI-driven economic growth.
Octolane, a startup co-founded by two Bangladeshi immigrants, raised $2.6 million to launch an AI-powered CRM platform that automates tasks like data entry and follow-ups. Targeting businesses using tools like Salesforce, the platform aims to increase productivity and reduce reliance on traditional CRM systems in the fast-growing sales tech market.
Huspy launched the GCC’s first AI-powered mortgage chatbot on WhatsApp at Dubai AI Week 2025. The chatbot offers real-time mortgage comparisons, eligibility assessments, and transparency for homebuyers and investors, simplifying the mortgage process. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision for AI and innovation in real estate and financing.
Egypt has partnered with Microsoft to advance its National AI Strategy 2025–2030. The agreement focuses on training 100,000 individuals in AI, fostering local talent, and promoting responsible AI use across government sectors. This collaboration aims to position Egypt as a leader in the digital economy and AI innovation.
Fortinet’s survey reveals that 85% of African businesses are investing in AI, with Kenya and Egypt leading adoption efforts. Despite the promise AI holds for enhancing operations and cybersecurity, companies face challenges like integration, staff training, and data privacy. AI’s potential in cybersecurity remains largely untapped across the continent.
AI-driven personalization in the GCC retail sector faces major challenges, primarily due to a lack of skilled professionals, data management issues, and executive support gaps, according to a new white paper from Al Futtaim Group. It calls for investment in talent development and ethical AI practices to meet evolving customer demands.
e& has launched an AI-powered, autonomous drone system for telecom tower inspections in the UAE. The system enhances safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability by using real-time data analytics, AI, and autonomous flight capabilities. It supports proactive maintenance, improving tower longevity and contributing to the UAE’s smart city ambitions.
The UAE has launched an AI-driven initiative to expedite lawmaking and amend existing laws, aiming to improve speed and accuracy by 70%. This ambitious project will be managed by the Regulatory Intelligence Office, with significant investments backing the country’s commitment to AI as a core element of future governance.