Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Congress, held from 10–17 August, brought together more than 100 Catholic journalists and media practitioners from over 20 African…
Microsoft unveiled its Agentic AI vision at GITEX Global 2025, showcasing autonomous AI systems capable of reasoning, planning, and acting independently. With UAE datacenters and trusted partnerships, Microsoft aims to support national AI initiatives responsibly, blending innovation with ethics, security, and human collaboration.
AI is reshaping retail in the Middle East, with procurement and customer experience leading adoption. The region is also outpacing global peers in AR and computer vision use, though challenges in complexity and regulation remain.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has partnered with Google Cloud to establish a global AI hub near Dammam. This collaboration aims to enhance the local workforce with AI programs and improve digital payment solutions. The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the AI sector.
Core42 and Gecko Robotics have partnered to integrate advanced robotics and AI-driven software into key sectors like energy and public infrastructure in the UAE. This strategic alliance aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and operational excellence across critical infrastructures, leveraging Gecko’s innovative technologies and Core42’s extensive industry insights.
Jordan is strategically leveraging its location and stability to become a digital gateway from Asia to Europe, complementing Saudi Arabia’s AI ecosystem. With advanced digital infrastructure and growing connectivity projects, Jordan aims to attract investment despite regional challenges and trade hurdles, positioning itself as a hub for future AI and digital growth.
Yango Oman has partnered with Esrar, Oman’s leading digital learning platform, to offer educational support to the children of its partner drivers. This collaboration aims to enhance academic performance through Esrar’s mobile platform, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and providing educational opportunities to uplift families and promote long-term success.
Port Sudan has become Sudan’s primary digital hub as conflict destroys telecom infrastructure elsewhere. By routing data through undersea cables and satellite backups, the city supports government services, banking, media, and humanitarian operations, helping keep the country partially connected despite ongoing war and widespread network damage.
KAUST spinouts have raised over $1bn, marking Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a serious deep-tech hub. The university is now courting global VCs, corporates, and accelerators to expand its funding base, accelerate clean-tech and critical-minerals innovation, and de-risk early-stage research under Vision 2030’s diversification drive.
The PFL has entered a multi-year partnership with StarzPlay to broadcast all its MMA events across the MENA region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Starting April 3 with the 2025 World Tournament, fans can also watch PFL MENA for free, including a key fight in Jeddah on May 9.