Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sri Lanka unveiled its National AI Strategy to power the digital economy, integrating AI into education, upskilling, and governance. The plan includes Google’s student partnership, a National Cyber Security Centre, and an Ethical AI framework to ensure safe innovation and inclusivity in the country’s digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce market is projected to hit $708.7 billion by 2033, driven by AI, digital payments, and a tech-savvy youth population. Mobile commerce, social media sales, and fintech innovation are fueling double-digit annual growth under Vision 2030, making the Kingdom a digital retail powerhouse.
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first commercial Internet Exchange, hosted in Ooredoo’s data centre. The platform enables high-performance interconnection for global networks, cloud providers, and ISPs, advancing Qatar’s role as a regional connectivity and digital innovation hub.
Vodafone Qatar has signed a five-year deal as the exclusive telecom partner of the Seashore Phoenix Games, providing advanced connectivity and digital experiences for athletes and fans. The partnership supports Qatar’s vision of hosting world-class sporting events and promoting fitness across the community.
Pakistan is shifting its welfare system from cash handouts to mobile wallets under the BISP, transitioning over 10 million families into digital inclusion. The move aims to empower beneficiaries, especially women, while strengthening transparency, financial literacy, and participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
Oman has signed an MoU with Nova Technology to develop its esports ecosystem through the WAJH platform, a new Esports Academy, and major gaming tournaments. The initiative aims to position Oman as a regional esports hub, empower youth, and support innovation under Oman Vision 2040.
Morocco has launched a $38 million Digital for Sustainable Development Hub with the UNDP to advance AI, blockchain, and digital infrastructure across Arab and African nations. The initiative reinforces Morocco’s role as a regional digital leader while boosting innovation, economic growth, and cross-border collaboration.
Qatar’s Minister of Public Health led the country’s delegation to GCC health meetings in Kuwait, where member states discussed the Unified Gulf Health Strategy 2026–2030, drug prevention efforts, health insurance reforms, and digital health initiatives under the Gulf Virtual Health Platform.
The Community Media Network has opened registration for the regional conference “Community Media in the Digital Age,” to be held November 15–16, 2025, in Amman. Marking AmmanNet’s 25th anniversary, the event will explore inclusion, sustainability, and legal reforms to strengthen community media across the region.
Egypt’s Minister of ICT Amr Talaat announced that tech startup investments have risen sevenfold since 2020, fueled by innovation-friendly reforms and global investor interest. Programs like Creativa and Start IT, along with the upgraded EgyptInnovate platform, are helping position Egypt as a leading regional hub for innovation.