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 Saudi Digital Government Authority announced that its Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2024 rated at an advanced 85.04%. Evaluating 39 platforms, the index aims to enhance user satisfaction and digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, with top platforms like Tawakkalna achieving a high score of 91.29%.
Pakistan has launched four Special Technology Zones in Punjab, projected to generate $350 million in annual tech exports and create jobs for 50,000 professionals. These zones, focusing on key technology sectors, are part of a broader initiative to boost the economy amidst ongoing internet disruptions threatening significant financial losses.
Digital Rights Nepal has released two analysis papers scrutinizing Nepal’s cyber security policies. The papers critically assess the National Cyber Security Policy and the proposed National Internet Gateway, highlighting potential risks to human rights, internet freedom, and privacy due to increased surveillance and governmental control over digital content.
Mustapha Meloui, President of the Moroccan Observatory for Digital Sovereignty, highlighted Morocco’s strides toward becoming a leading “Digital Nation” in Africa, backed by strong ICT metrics and national programs. The upcoming “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy aims to position Morocco as a premier digital hub on the continent.
The UNESCO MIL Youth Hackathon highlighted the achievements of Jordan’s Youth Media Literacy Ambassadors Program (YMLAP), which won for its impactful community-based projects. This initiative empowers Jordanian youth to combat misinformation and promote media literacy, fostering a more informed and resilient society in the digital age.
TOD, the OTT platform from beIN Media Group, has partnered with Iraqi digital platform 1001 to expand its presence in Iraq. This multiyear agreement grants 1001 exclusive distribution rights for TOD packages, including premium sports and entertainment content. The collaboration aims to enhance streaming services, combat piracy, and deliver high-quality content to Iraqi audiences.
Kuwait has launched securities-based crowdfunding platforms to diversify financing for small projects through licensed digital platforms. This initiative, led by the Capital Markets Authority, marks a significant step in advancing Kuwait’s financial markets, promoting fairness, competitiveness, and transparency, and supporting the country’s digital infrastructure and entrepreneurial growth.
Ooredoo Kuwait, in collaboration with FASTtelco and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information, celebrates over 6 million views on the digital platform [51], marking a significant milestone in digital entertainment. Launched as a trial, [51] showcases Kuwaiti media on a global scale, aligning with “Kuwait Vision 2035.”
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched a digital platform through the Saudi Business Center to streamline key entertainment services, boosting business activity and investment. The initiative supports the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, part of Vision 2030, which saw a 130% rise in visitor numbers and increased licensing activity in 2024.
Arab Financial Services (AFS) and Samsung Gulf Electronics have launched Samsung Pay in Oman, marking a key step in the country’s digital transformation. This partnership combines AFS’s expertise in digital payments with Samsung’s technology, offering Omani consumers secure, convenient contactless payments and supporting Oman’s financial ecosystem and regulatory goals.