Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kuwait has seen a 25% reduction in traffic violations following the implementation of AI-powered road surveillance cameras. These cameras have successfully detected violations like mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance, recording over 40,000 infractions in just 20 days, contributing to improved road safety and compliance with traffic laws.
Iran is set to establish its first AI park in Tehran by 2026, aiming to drive technological progress and provide key AI services. The country also plans to host an international AI conference to promote collaboration and innovation in the field.
GFH Financial Group has raised its US investments to over $200 million, focusing on data centers and AI development. The announcement aligns with the growing trend of GCC companies investing in high-tech infrastructure, with similar pledges from other major players like Hussain Sajwani and KKR.
Oracle is ramping up its AI and cloud infrastructure in the UAE to meet the GCC’s surging demand for AI and sovereign cloud solutions. With partnerships like Oracle Alloy, the company is supporting the region’s push toward modernizing systems while ensuring data security.
Meta is investing up to $65 billion in AI infrastructure this year, focusing on data centers, AI talent, and Nvidia GPUs. The company aims to compete with OpenAI and Google while pushing forward its AI-driven products and services. This follows a broader trend of major tech firms investing in AI.
Ericsson has secured a six-year deal with Grameenphone to implement one of the largest AI-integrated catalog-driven charging and mediation solutions. The partnership will enhance Grameenphone’s backend systems, improve efficiency, and enable new business models, preparing the telco for future innovations like 5G deployment.
Saudi Arabia is transforming its industrial cities into smart cities as part of its national diversification plan. The country is embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and 3D printing to drive economic growth, enhance manufacturing efficiency, and establish itself as a regional hub for technological innovation and research.
Egypt has unveiled its updated National AI Strategy for 2025–2030, aiming to become a regional AI leader in the Middle East and Africa. The strategy focuses on key areas like governance, technology, and talent, with plans to grow AI’s GDP contribution to $42.7 billion by 2030 and foster AI companies and experts.
At the World Economic Forum, experts discussed the “AI divide” in developing countries, emphasizing challenges such as limited energy, computing power, and talent. Deemah Al-Yahya stressed the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to bridge the gap, while promoting access to emerging technologies through digital assets.
Oracle is significantly expanding its cloud and AI infrastructure in the UAE to meet the region’s rapidly growing demand for digital transformation. The company is increasing its capacity in Abu Dhabi, adding GPUs to its data centers, and focusing on sovereign cloud solutions, including its Alloy platform, for government and public sector clients.