Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sadq, a Saudi startup, raised USD 1.46 million in pre-Series A funding, led by X by Unifonic Fund. The investment will help the company enhance its technology, scale services, and expand its digital signature solutions. Founded in 2022, Sadq focuses on digital trust and secure workflow authentication in Saudi Arabia.
Qatar Airways is the first airline to offer live sports streaming beyond the inflight system using Starlink connectivity, bringing IMG’s Sport 24 channels to passengers’ personal devices. This innovation enhances the travel experience with access to top global sports events in real time.
Egypt’s four telecommunication companies have agreed to new quality penalty mechanisms that hold operators accountable for meeting service standards. Financial penalties will be reinvested into network improvements, particularly in underserved areas, to enhance nationwide mobile service quality and boost Egypt’s standing in international telecom rankings.
The UAE Space Agency has partnered with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), launching the MBR Explorer spacecraft in 2028. This 13-year mission will study asteroids to deepen our understanding of the solar system and explore potential resource extraction.
Industrial AI adoption has nearly doubled in a year, according to IFS research, with 59% of companies now deploying it. While profitability gains are strong, the “AI Execution Gap” persists, as most organizations lack strategies, trust, and skills to scale impact. Reskilling and governance remain urgent priorities.
Iraq’s Federal Board of Supreme Audit has reported that Asiacell and Zain Iraq owe over 161 billion Iraqi dinars in accumulated debts to the state. The document highlights significant financial liabilities but provides no details on repayment mechanisms or potential government actions.
Cloudflare’s Q3 2024 report highlights significant increases in internet traffic and cyber threats in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE experienced a 3% rise in traffic, while Saudi Arabia saw a 65% increase. Both countries face growing cybersecurity challenges, necessitating enhanced measures to protect their digital landscapes.
Zain launched its 5G Advanced network in Kuwait, offering ultra-fast, reliable connectivity and enabling next-generation innovations aligned with Vision 2035. The rollout strengthens Kuwait’s digital infrastructure and Zain’s position as a regional tech leader.
ShipBee, an AI-driven logistics startup in Doha, raised $235,000 pre-seed funding led by GrowthX, positioning the company to expand technology, partnerships, and regional reach, supporting Qatar’s Vision 2030 for digital economy growth.
Pakistan’s government indicated that internet disruptions might continue indefinitely due to security measures. While some opposition members raised concerns over the throttling and impact on businesses, the Minister of IT defended the measures, highlighting improvements in internet speeds and IT exports. The National Assembly also passed the National Forensic Agency bill.