Connect Money, an Egyptian fintech startup, raised $8 million in seed funding to expand in Egypt and Morocco. The funds will support new business verticals and enhance technological capabilities. Founded in 2024, Connect Money offers a white-label card issuing platform and various financial solutions, aiming to transform banking operations in North Africa.
Researchers at American University of Sharjah (AUS) have developed luminescent sensors that detect trace amounts of phosphorus-based toxic compounds. These sensors, patented and funded by AUS, can detect and neutralize chemical warfare agents and pesticides in real-time, offering significant applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and public safety.
In May 2024, Qatar topped the Speedtest Global Index for mobile internet speed, with a median download speed of 329.37 Mbps and an upload speed of 25.36 Mbps. It was followed by the UAE, Kuwait, Denmark, and Norway. Rankings require at least 300 unique user results per location.
The UAE’s AI Office has partnered with Rittal FZE to boost AI initiatives, enhance learning, and strengthen digital infrastructure. This collaboration, formalized at the AI Retreat 2024, aims to develop future competencies, support green technologies, and position the UAE as a global hub for AI innovation.
A new app developed by Virginia Tech and Medina Tech Ltd. aims to help Bangladeshi farmers identify and manage crop pests. The Groundnut IPM app provides crucial pest management information, using AI for real-time detection and GPS for location-based recommendations. The app, available in Bengali, is free and will be piloted to 1,000 farmers.
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) credits Saudi Arabia’s rise in cybersecurity rankings to initiatives like the Global Cybersecurity Forum and regional cooperation committees. Guided by Vision 2030 and Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision, the NCA emphasizes both security and growth, fostering international collaboration and robust domestic protection.
Dell Technologies and Presight have signed an MoU to develop AI and big data solutions, enhancing digital transformation in the UAE. The collaboration will focus on innovative edge, open RAN, and IoT analytics architectures, combining Presight’s AI expertise with Dell’s infrastructure solutions for sustainable and secure advancements.
Moro Hub and SAP announced a partnership to integrate SAP’s Business AI into the Moro Hub Data Centre by 2025. This collaboration supports the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, aiming to expedite AI adoption and drive technological advancement across the region, enhancing business efficiency and innovation.
Pakistan’s IT sector has grown significantly, with 20,000 registered companies and $2.283 billion in exports. The federal government proposed a 357% budget increase for 2024-25, allocating funds for new projects, digital economy initiatives, and IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi, reflecting the sector’s expanding role in the economy.
In 2023, Oman managed over 460 cybersecurity incidents and resolved 241 cybercrime cases. The country processed over 30 million electronic transactions and deployed 4,566 5G stations. Investments in AI and space technology reached RO31.2 million and US$155 million, respectively, showcasing Oman’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation.
