Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia’s SAMI Advanced Electronics Co. and the National Unified Procurement Co. (NUPCO) have partnered to enhance the Kingdom’s healthcare system using digital technologies. The agreement will improve medication tracking, IT infrastructure, and local manufacturing of medical devices, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for advanced healthcare services.
Arab Financial Services (AFS) and Samsung Gulf Electronics have launched Samsung Pay in Oman, marking a key step in the country’s digital transformation. This partnership combines AFS’s expertise in digital payments with Samsung’s technology, offering Omani consumers secure, convenient contactless payments and supporting Oman’s financial ecosystem and regulatory goals.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has implemented advanced AI cameras to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations. This initiative, guided by the directives of Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Saud Al-Sabah, aims to reduce dangerous driving behaviors and improve overall safety. Motorists are urged to comply with traffic safety regulations.
Astra Tech has launched a ‘Send Now Pay Later’ service on its BOTIM app in the UAE, a first in the MENA region. This service allows instant international transfers with deferred payment options, aiming to transform financial transactions and enhance user flexibility.
Omantel’s ‘TechXelerate’ Technology Summit showcased innovations in digital transformation, gathering senior officials and industry leaders in Muscat. The event highlighted Omantel’s integrated telecom and ICT solutions, including the new ‘Intakhib’ voting system, aimed at enhancing transparency and engagement in Oman’s digital landscape.
Dubai AI Week 2025, held from April 21-25, will bring together global leaders, innovators, and experts to explore AI’s transformative impact on government services, economic growth, and society. The event will feature high-profile summits, hackathons, and global competitions, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global AI hub.
UNDP Bahrain has partnered with the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International, and Energy Studies (Derasat) to develop the National Human Development Report (NHDR), focusing on digital transformation. This initiative aims to promote inclusive growth aligned with Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
e& UAE, in partnership with Kindred.co, has launched the “Save & Grow” programme, offering discounts at over 9,000 retailers while supporting environmental sustainability. A portion of revenue from each transaction is dedicated to tree planting in the UAE, empowering users to save money and contribute to a greener future.
Tamkeen and Salica Investments have opened applications for the third cohort of the Riyada Business Accelerator, supporting early-stage Bahraini-led tech startups with mentorship, funding access, and growth support. The six-month program concludes with a Demo Day connecting founders to investors.
The Telecommunications Corporation has provided six million riyals worth of medicines to the Burns Center at Al-Thawra General Hospital in Hodeidah. The initiative, praised by local officials and hospital leaders, underscores the Corporation’s social responsibility and forms part of a broader plan to sustain healthcare support across Yemen.