Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman Data Park has partnered with AIonOS to accelerate AI solutions development across key industries in Oman, including telecom, banking, and logistics. This collaboration aims to align with Oman’s Vision 2040, focusing on localized, scalable AI solutions, talent development, and innovation, leveraging ODP’s sovereign cloud infrastructure.
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Google Cloud have launched an upskilling initiative to advance AI leadership in Dubai’s government. The program will appoint Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) across entities, providing them with cutting-edge AI tools and training to drive innovation and achieve impactful deployments, furthering Dubai’s position as a global AI leader.
Octolane has raised USD 2.6 million in seed funding to launch the world’s first AI-powered self-driving CRM platform. The platform automates tasks like data entry, customer interaction analysis, and follow-ups, improving sales team productivity. Octolane aims to scale operations and refine its AI engine with this funding.
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.