Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia uses AI and smart tech to enhance Hajj for nearly two million pilgrims, introducing AI robots, smart transport, health apps, and digital booking systems. These innovations aim to improve safety, convenience, and spiritual engagement during the pilgrimage.
Moroccan HR leaders explore AI’s impact on recruitment and workforce management at a Casablanca event hosted by LinkedIn and Trusted Advisor. The initiative supports Morocco’s digital transformation, emphasizing ethical AI use, skills development, and aligning with national strategies like Maroc Digital 2030.
Bangladesh is accelerating its AI adoption across key sectors including telecommunications, agriculture, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. By integrating AI, the country aims to boost operational efficiency, innovation, and global competitiveness. Collaboration between private and public sectors is essential to drive sustainable digital transformation and align with international standards.
Over 100 students graduated from MBZUAI, the world’s first AI-focused university, advancing research in healthcare, climate, and language tech. The UAE continues to cement its global AI leadership with expanded academic programs and a new US-backed $5 billion AI campus in Abu Dhabi.
Qatar and India join forces to advance AI education and research through a ten-year partnership. Plans include establishing an AI research center, launching training programs, and creating a dedicated AI-focused university campus, supporting Qatar’s goal to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and skilled talent development.
Egyptian startup Cloudilic launches Dragify, a no-code AI platform that builds autonomous digital agents to automate workflows. Adopted by fintech and real estate clients, it enables 24/7 intelligent automation without coding. Cloudilic targets MENA, GCC, and Europe markets with tiered SaaS offerings and international partnerships.
Saudi Arabia introduces the AI-powered Manara Robot at Mecca’s Grand Mosque to assist pilgrims with religious guidance in 11 languages during Hajj. The robot offers video access to Islamic scholars, integrates traditional design with modern tech, and is part of wider smart crowd management and robotics initiatives advancing Vision 2030.
IFS will showcase its industrial AI-powered Asset Lifecycle Management solutions at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi, helping utilities modernize infrastructure and enhance operational resilience. The launch of IFS Cloud 25R1 enables predictive maintenance and smarter decision-making to support energy transition and sustainability goals.
Saudi Arabia launches a national AI incubator to support 20 early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and technical partnerships. This initiative supports Vision 2030’s goal to diversify the economy and build a competitive AI ecosystem, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global technology leader.
G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank, and Cisco partner to build Stargate UAE, a 1-gigawatt AI cluster in Abu Dhabi’s 5-gigawatt UAE–U.S. AI Campus. The facility offers cutting-edge AI infrastructure, low-latency computing, and sustainability, representing a milestone in global AI collaboration.