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’s unification of digital platforms is reshaping citizen experience, cutting inefficiencies, and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in AI-powered, citizen-centric governance.
Saudi shoppers are moving from browsing to buying directly on social apps, with Snapchat playing a major role in QSR, electronics, travel, and fashion. AI, AR, creators, and personal connections now define the path to purchase, giving brands powerful new ways to reach consumers in the Kingdom.
Spoilz, a Saudi gaming studio, has secured investment from Merak Capital, Impact46, and others to expand development and LiveOps services. The funding will strengthen its pipeline of culturally relevant, globally scalable mobile games while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global gaming hub.
Oman has chosen ‘Shahin’ as the official name for its national EV charging app, integrating all charging operators into one platform. Backed by MTCIT, the initiative supports net-zero goals, hydrogen mobility, and potential regional expansion, with more than 150 chargers and 1,500 EVs already in use.
Nepal recorded Rs 98.43 trillion in electronic transactions in FY 2024/25, a 71% jump from the previous year. RTGS dominated with Rs 74.9 trillion, while mobile banking, QR codes, and e-commerce payments also grew, reflecting strong momentum toward a cashless economy.
Jordan will pilot its first e-passport on September 1, offering biometric security, ICAO recognition, and online applications. The launch is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that includes new e-services and exploration of a central bank digital currency.
Egypt’s e-commerce market hit $10.2B in 2025 and is forecast to reach $19.3B by 2030. With 96M internet users, 72% of sales via mobile, and platforms like Rabbit and Talabat Mart scaling regionally, local expertise and digital fluency are driving Egypt’s transformation into a regional e-commerce powerhouse.
Africa’s content creation market is now worth $5.1B, projected to reach $30B by 2032. With 385M social media users and a young population, creators face monetization challenges but are leveraging YouTube, Facebook, and local platforms to grow. Rising youth-driven entrepreneurship positions Africa as a global creator economy hub.
Kuwait Airways and stc Kuwait have signed a cooperation protocol to integrate digital services across telecom and aviation. The agreement covers joint customer offerings, tech collaborations with Oracle, marketing initiatives, and CSR projects, aiming to enhance service quality and regional leadership.
Saudi Arabia has launched Humain Chat, its first Arabic AI app powered by the ALLAM 34B model built locally by Saudi experts. Available on mobile and web, the culturally attuned platform serves 350 million Arabic speakers worldwide, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s ambition to lead AI innovation.