Smart home devices are booming in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with six million devices integrated into Alexa users’ lives. In 2023, users initiated 130 million smart home actions and 100 million music requests. The region saw a 50% YoY increase in smart home customers and a 90% increase in connected devices.
Swiss GRC has launched its flagship product, the GRC Toolbox, in the Middle East with a new office in Dubai. The GRC Toolbox offers advanced, customizable solutions in Arabic to help organizations enhance governance, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage risks effectively, supporting the region’s digital transformation.
Mikenopa expands into Saudi Arabia, partnering with AstroLabs to provide advanced digital solutions for the hospitality sector. This move aims to enhance guest experiences and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, positioning the country as a leading destination for tourism and investment.
OneOrder, an Egyptian logistics and supply chain tech company for the HoReCa industry, raised $16 million in a Series A round to expand into the GCC region. The company aims to streamline supply chains with AI-assisted technology, enhancing operations for over 1,370 customers with comprehensive solutions.
Edgnex Data Centres by Damac has announced a new state-of-the-art data centre in Jakarta, Indonesia, to support the region’s growing digital economy. Scheduled for completion in late 2025, this facility will enhance service reliability and meet the rising demand for cloud services, AI deployments, and internet usage in Southeast Asia.
PTCL and Mashreq Pakistan have signed an agreement for primary data centre colocation services at PTCL’s Tier-III Data Centre. This partnership aims to enhance Mashreq’s digital retail banking operations with state-of-the-art infrastructure and managed security, supporting PTCL’s role in advancing telecom infrastructure and economic growth in Pakistan.
Aramco and Pasqal have signed an agreement to install Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer, a 200-qubit system scheduled for deployment in 2025. This partnership aims to pioneer quantum computing in the energy sector and establish Saudi Arabia as a leader in quantum research and innovation.
Telecom Egypt and Huawei Cloud have launched the first locally based public cloud platform in Egypt and Northern Africa. This collaboration aims to position Egypt as a premier digital hub, offering advanced, secure cloud solutions to businesses, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities across the region.
Ooredoo partnered with ICIESTR 2024 to support innovation and knowledge exchange. Organized by UTAS and IEEE, the conference covered emerging technologies, AI, and sustainable engineering, bringing together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to foster digital transformation and technological advancement.
ToA Tanzania, part of Axian Telecom, secured $30 million from British International Investment to build 200 new telecom sites, enhancing connectivity and bridging the digital divide in Tanzania. The expansion focuses on rural areas, promoting inclusivity and sustainable development.
