Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with AI, blockchain, and IoT to digitize its economy, while Qatar Development Bank’s IBM-powered overhaul reflects the Gulf nation’s financial digitization drive. From national AI strategies to CBDC pilots, both countries are reshaping governance, finance, and services with emerging technologies to lead regional digital innovation.
At COMEX 2025, Oman reinforced digital transformation as the cornerstone of Vision 2040, driving innovation across industries. With AI, Digital Twins, blockchain, and robotics reshaping operations, the Sultanate is shifting toward a knowledge-based economy, positioning itself as a regional hub for technology, sustainability, and futuristic infrastructure.
South Korea and Egypt are expanding education cooperation through a $15 million digital project across 54 schools, focusing on ICT curricula, teacher training, and infrastructure. Alongside this, Korean language demand is rising in Egypt, with new institutes and plans for integration into the national curriculum.
Nepal Telecom has introduced a three-day free data and on-net calls offer to support citizens during the crisis. Subscribers can activate the services via short codes, gaining 1 Mbps internet and free voice calls within NTC’s network to stay connected with family and friends.
Qatar’s TASMU Accelerator has attracted 1,185 startup applications from 78 countries, generating QAR 479M in sales and QAR 228M in funding. Beyond financial gains, the program enabled 60+ pilot projects, 2,000+ mentorship hours, and strong ecosystem integration, cementing Qatar’s role as a digital innovation hub.
Oman has launched a digital archive of folk games to preserve cultural traditions under Vision 2040. The Children’s Culture Centre has recreated games like Al Anbar and Al Sayyad as interactive 3D experiences, blending heritage with technology to keep them relevant for today’s youth.
OMRAN Group has acquired a strategic stake in digital travel company Godoba to accelerate digital transformation in Oman’s tourism sector. The partnership will enhance corporate and government travel solutions, support SMEs, and expand Oman’s digital tourism footprint across the MENA region.
An international survey shows Moroccans turn to social media more than traditional sources for science information, reflecting the country’s growing digital ecosystem. At the same time, Al Akhawayn University and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University launched an AI research chair to foster innovation, talent, and regional cooperation in artificial intelligence.
Morocco has partnered with Al Barid Bank to digitize scholarship payments for vocational trainees, ensuring faster, transparent, and traceable disbursements. Covering 35,000 beneficiaries annually, the initiative expands access through a digital platform, merit-based criteria, and financial services packages, reinforcing vocational training’s role in national development.
Iraq has launched Tasheel, its first electronic document authentication system, allowing citizens to certify documents securely and remotely. The initiative aims to cut bureaucracy, reduce corruption, and improve transparency, with officials framing it as a milestone in the country’s wider digital transformation agenda.