Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saoud Hamad Al Riyami has been confirmed as CEO of Ooredoo Oman starting August 2025. Having served as Acting CEO since February, he brings over 20 years of telecom experience and leadership roles within Ooredoo, alongside academic credentials from Sultan Qaboos University and ILM.
Nillion has partnered with stc Bahrain to integrate its blind computing privacy technology into Web2 applications, aiming to advance privacy solutions in the Middle East. The partnership includes deploying nodes on Nillion’s PETnet network, leveraging Bahrain’s data laws and stc’s telecom infrastructure to develop scalable, secure applications.
Basata Holding will invest $7 million in 2026 while preparing new investment services and regional expansion into Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Kurdistan. The company, already serving over 120,000 merchants, aims to reach 150,000 this year and strengthen its leadership in Egypt’s fast-growing digital payments sector.
South Korea’s Rebellions has set up a Saudi unit in Riyadh to support Aramco’s AI data centers, following a USD 14.4m Wa’ed Ventures investment. The move strengthens its Middle East expansion, with plans to partner Saudi telecom and IT firms as the kingdom accelerates large-scale AI infrastructure projects.
Survey of supply chain decision-makers shows organizations scaling AI workflows, hiring for AI-specific roles, and prioritizing data-centric investments to better…
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt (ADIB) has announced an EGP 1 billion investment in technology and cybersecurity. The bank showcased its digital banking innovations and Islamic Sharia-compliant products at the Cairo ICT Exhibition. Subsidiaries like “Taka” and Arzaq also participated, highlighting advancements in consumer finance and microfinance.
Pakistan’s record IT export growth underscores the sector’s rising prominence as a key driver of foreign exchange and economic progress, with strategic plans in place to accelerate future expansion.
HCLSoftware has committed to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by launching its Total Experience platform, aiming to drive digital transformation in the kingdom. The platform focuses on AI, IoT, and digital infrastructure, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s technological goals and promoting empowerment of women in tech.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), highlighted Pakistan’s upcoming presidency of the DCO in 2026 as part of its strategy to become a global digital leader. The country’s IT sector continues to grow, with exports aiming to surpass $4 billion by the end of FY2025.
Ooredoo Kuwait and Ericsson are upgrading the operator’s charging system using Ericsson’s cloud-native technology to enhance 5G services, enable flexible monetization, and accelerate digital transformation in Kuwait’s telecom sector.