Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt is preparing to launch a new Maspero digital platform as part of a major media sector overhaul aimed at monetising archives, strengthening social media presence, and restructuring state-owned channels for long-term sustainability.
Saudi Arabia has launched a digital guide to streamline coastal tourism regulations, starting with yachting activities. The platform centralizes requirements, improves transparency for tourists and investors, and supports sustainable tourism growth under Vision 2030.
JCDecaux Oman has launched Digital Impact, a new DOOH network of 15 digital roadside screens in partnership with Muscat Municipality. The initiative combines advertising, civic communication, sustainability, and local talent development to support Muscat’s smart city and urban transformation goals.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has implemented 15 projects under the Zero Bureaucracy Government Program to deliver proactive, integrated, and AI-enabled services. The initiatives streamline procedures, reduce duplication, and enhance customer experience across identity, residency, investment, travel, and border services.
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy contributed 16 percent of GDP in 2024, driven by strong growth in ICT revenues, telecommunications activity, and a sharp rise in ICT exports and imports, reflecting the sector’s expanding role in the national economy.
Morocco will implement customs reforms from January 2026 focused on digital oversight, expanded surveillance powers, blockchain-based document exchange, and stricter penalties. The measures aim to enhance transparency, speed up clearance, and strengthen enforcement against fraud and undeclared trade.
Superchat has launched Shop Anything, a WhatsApp-based feature that lets users search, compare, and buy products from any online store through a single chat. The launch reflects the UAE’s shift toward conversational, AI-driven commerce.
Mobile apps accounted for 81 percent of Pakistan’s digital transactions in FY2024–25, as digital payments surpassed Rs. 55 trillion in value. Strong growth was also recorded in Raast payments, card usage, and digital banking, highlighting the country’s accelerating shift toward mobile-led financial services.
Kuwait has launched new digital immigration services allowing foreign workers to issue, renew, and transfer residency permits online. The reforms introduce long-term residency options, standardised visa fees, and mandatory health insurance, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and long-term stability for expatriates and investors.
Iraq has digitally transformed 859 government entities, enabling the electronic exchange of around four million documents since 2020. Developed by Iraqi engineers, the e-governance programme reduces bureaucracy, cuts costs, strengthens document security, and supports faster, more transparent public administration across ministries and governorates.