Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia uses AI across healthcare, education, and fitness apps to promote health and activity under Vision 2030. King Faisal Hospital leads with predictive patient care and admin automation, while schools and apps tailor fitness to close gender gaps and boost engagement. The nation combines tech with cultural investment to drive lasting health impact.
The Law Association of Zambia has raised concerns over the newly enacted Cyber Security Act, arguing that it infringes on privacy, press freedom, and democracy. The law, signed into effect in April 2025, grants broad surveillance powers and raises fears of political control under the guise of national security.
Tunisia ranks 79th globally and 4th in Africa in the Digital Evolution Index 2025. The report highlights Tunisia’s progress in digital development, with Africa’s digital divide still evident compared to North America and Europe. The U.S. leads the rankings, followed by Singapore and Finland.
Oman’s telecommunications sector saw significant growth in 2024, marked by a surge in IoT subscriptions, expanded fiber broadband, and increased investments. Revenues grew, and broadband coverage expanded rapidly, supporting the country’s Vision 2040 digital goals. The government’s push for digital equity and national talent development further bolstered the sector.
ASUS and ROG Sri Lanka launched a new range of laptops, including the ultra-portable Zenbook A14 and powerful gaming devices like the ROG Strix SCAR and Zephyrus G16. With cutting-edge features like AI acceleration, long battery life, and high-performance processors, these laptops set a new benchmark in the country’s tech landscape.
Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, introduced the ‘Digital Nation Pakistan’ initiative, aiming to create a unified digital framework focusing on economy, governance, and society. The initiative will lead to the establishment of a National Digital Commission and a Digital Authority, promoting national digitization.
e& UAE and Open Innovation AI have launched a dedicated AI Lab to drive the UAE’s AI strategy, focusing on advanced AI technologies and fostering innovation across sectors like healthcare, finance, and government. This collaboration aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by 2031.
Nawy expanded into the Gulf proptech market by acquiring SmartCrowd, combining platforms to offer a pan-MENA real estate ecosystem tapping into growing fractional property investment trends.
BNET has successfully completed the transfer of Zain Bahrain’s fixed-fiber backhaul network assets, marking a significant step in enhancing Bahrain’s telecommunications infrastructure. This collaboration supports the country’s digital economy and strengthens its position as a regional leader in technological innovation, ensuring seamless service for Zain Bahrain’s customers.
The TP Innovation Centre has opened in Dubai Internet City, offering immersive experiences, design thinking labs, and workshops tailored to key industries like banking, healthcare, and retail. The center focuses on co-creation, talent development, and digital competitiveness, aiming to drive innovation and support Dubai’s ambitious digital future goals.