Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar is focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and energy sectors, aiming for greater collaboration with the United States. Sheikha Mayes Al-Thani, from the US-Qatar Business Council, emphasized the importance of talent development alongside capital investment to drive growth and innovation in these strategic areas for sustainable economic development.
Vodafone Qatar participated in the 6th Build Your House exhibition, showcasing smart home solutions. The company highlighted its range of services designed to integrate internet infrastructure and smart home tools into the homebuilding process. Vodafone aims to enable smarter, connected living for households across Qatar, supporting digital lifestyles.
STV has closed its US$100 million STV NICE Fund I, a non-dilutive capital fund aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia’s tech startups. The fund offers Sharia-compliant financing, allowing growth-stage companies to scale without equity dilution. Backed by public-private partnerships, it aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification efforts.
Saudi Arabia has been appointed to the ITU Digital Regulation Network Board, with Eng. Omar Alrejraje representing the Kingdom. This highlights Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in digital regulatory readiness and its significant role in shaping international digital transformation. The Kingdom continues to strengthen its influence in the global communications sector.
Climate Innovation Pakistan (CLIP) has been launched to foster homegrown climate tech solutions. The initiative, supported by Renewables First and New Energy Nexus, includes a Climate Tech Incubator and a New Energy Academy. It aims to address Pakistan’s climate challenges, promote innovation, and enhance the solar workforce.
ARY Digital Network and Paklaunch have partnered to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s tech ecosystem. The alliance aims to connect local startups with global investors, providing them with national visibility and support for scaling. This collaboration supports Paklaunch’s Vision 2030 to make Pakistan a top global tech ecosystem.
Oman is investing $260 million in its logistics sector, aiming to boost growth by developing free trade zones, airports, and ports. The sector, which currently accounts for 6% of GDP, targets an increase to $93 billion by 2040. Last year, Oman attracted over $10 billion in logistics-related investments.
Prepay Nation has partnered with OIFC Khedmah to offer Oman’s users access to a wide range of global prepaid services via the Khedmah app. The partnership includes mobile recharges, digital gift cards, and entertainment subscriptions, supporting financial inclusion and efficient international transactions in Oman.
GBM played a key role in the Kuwait Innovation Summit 2025, launching GBM CloudX and discussing the future of digital transformation in alignment with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. The event brought together over 400 attendees, including government representatives, and highlighted the nation’s growing investment in digital infrastructure.
Kuwait has launched a crackdown on cryptocurrency miners, accusing them of contributing to power shortages that cause blackouts. The operation has targeted homes in Al-Wafrah, with energy consumption in the area falling by 55%. Despite no laws specifically regulating mining, Kuwait aims to ease pressure on its power grid.