Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Tawakkalna app supports pilgrims during the 1446H Hajj by providing easy access to permits, verification via the Nusuk card, and helpful features like weather updates and prayer times. Developed by SDAIA, the app is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital strategy to enhance pilgrim services.
Bahrain’s iGA hosted a delegation from Oman’s Foreign Ministry to share best practices in digital transformation. The visit highlighted Bahrain’s innovative eGovernment services and the Global Digital Twinning Initiative, strengthening GCC collaboration for smarter, citizen-focused governance across the region.
Ncell and Uptrendly launch “League of Creators,” a nationwide contest empowering Nepali digital content creators with mentorship from top influencers, training, and a chance to win a Rs. 10 lakh brand deal. Open to creators aged 16+, it combines workshops, challenges, and live finale to boost Nepal’s digital creative ecosystem.
ISLAMWEB enhances its platform’s speed, security, and scalability by migrating to Google Cloud with support from Advanced Business Computing. The move strengthens ISLAMWEB’s digital presence across the MENA region, positioning it for future growth.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs intensifies digital outreach with four daily Hajj-themed programs streamed live on YouTube, enhancing global access to religious teachings and fostering engagement during the pilgrimage season.
Oman’s Environment Authority launches the Naqi app to provide real-time air quality updates via mobile and web platforms. Featuring an interactive map and colour-coded alerts, the app supports environmental awareness and public health in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Microsoft and Core42 launch a sovereign cloud framework for the UAE, enabling AI-driven, secure digital transformation across regulated sectors. The whitepaper guides tech leaders on data sovereignty, cloud adoption, and compliance, supporting the UAE’s vision of becoming a fully AI-native government by 2027.
UAE customers favor mobile banking but still rely on branches for complex needs. The survey urges banks to blend digital platforms with personalized in-branch advisory, enhancing self-service technologies and mobile wallets. Embracing “phygital” strategies will be key to delivering seamless, secure, and inclusive banking experiences.
Kuwait’s Finance Ministry partners with Google Cloud to lead the country’s digital transformation by adopting a cloud-based financial system. The initiative aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and service quality across government bodies through advanced technologies like AI.
Matarat Holding and Thales partner to deploy AI-driven digital platforms and smart infrastructure across 27 Saudi airports, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.