Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
inDrive has launched a safety awareness campaign in Nepal highlighting how informed choices and platform safety features can improve ride security. The initiative promotes shared responsibility among users and drivers through education, digital outreach, and community engagement to encourage safer ride-hailing practices.
Kuwait’s central bank has introduced a new cyber and operational resilience framework to protect banks from rising digital threats. The maturity-based model strengthens governance, third-party risk management, and incident response while aligning the sector with global security and technology standards.
stc Kuwait organized an autism awareness session for employees in partnership with Friends of Autism, supporting its CSR goals around health, inclusion, and social well-being. The initiative aimed to build understanding, encourage inclusive workplace practices, and promote positive community impact through education and engagement.
Nvidia hired Groq’s top executives under a licensing deal to strengthen its AI inference capabilities while Groq remains independent. The move highlights Nvidia’s push to counter rising inference competition through talent acquisition rather than full acquisitions.
Oman’s Hadatha Hackathon showcased strong national cybersecurity talent, delivering practical, telecom-focused solutions aligned with real industry needs. With support from regulators and operators, many projects demonstrated commercial potential, reinforcing the role of local innovation in strengthening Oman’s digital security ecosystem.
Iraq’s rapid digital expansion has connected millions of young people, but high youth unemployment highlights the challenge of turning access into jobs. By investing in digital skills, inclusive participation, and stronger public-private collaboration, Iraq can convert connectivity into sustainable economic opportunity and long-term growth.
Bangladesh’s mobile operators deployed portable towers, AI-based traffic management, and expanded capacity to maintain uninterrupted connectivity during Tarique Rahman’s reception. Preparations along key corridors helped manage heavy data and voice traffic, ensuring stable network performance despite large crowds.
Cash still accounts for over 65 percent of transaction value in Bangladesh despite growth in digital payments and mobile financial services. Central bank data show slow progress toward a cashless economy, with businesses favoring cheques, limited digital acceptance, and MFS largely confined to small-value transfers.
Sharjah Coop has partnered with LEAFIO to deploy an AI-powered retail platform aimed at improving inventory management, merchandising, and operational efficiency. The initiative supports the Coop’s digital transformation strategy and positions it as a leader in smart retail innovation in the UAE.
OCCI hosted the second CEOs’ Forum in Muscat, bringing together leaders of Omani tech and telecom startups with policymakers to advance digital transformation. The event highlighted AI, innovation, and partnerships as key drivers of economic diversification, while showcasing startups and Oman’s improving global digital competitiveness.