Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Two days after hacker group Jabaroot claimed a data leak from Morocco’s Ministry of Justice, the ministry denied any breach, confirming all systems are secure and operational. It emphasized strong cybersecurity measures and urged citizens to rely on official information, warning against spreading false rumors that could cause unnecessary alarm.
PwC’s report highlights the role of digital stadiums in Saudi Arabia’s sports sector transformation. By leveraging technologies like 5G and XR, Saudi Arabia aims to improve fan experiences and operational efficiencies, positioning itself as a global leader in sports. The digital stadium sector is projected to grow significantly by 2037.
Leading UAE telecom company e& reported a 6% increase in H1 2024 revenue, reaching AED28.3 billion ($7.7 billion), and a 17% rise in net profit to AED5.5 billion ($1.5 billion). The strong performance was driven by innovation and digital transformation, with the subscriber base growing to 175 million.
LINX and Digital Realty are launching the LINX Accra IXP in Ghana’s new ACR2 data centre, expanding LINX’s African footprint. This initiative aims to enhance low-latency connectivity and digital resilience, complementing existing LINX IXPs in Nairobi and Mombasa and supporting Africa’s growing internet ecosystem.
Flowwow and Admitad have released a report on the MENA e-commerce and gifting markets, showing significant growth in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia led the region in online orders, with a rise in average order values. The gifting market, especially flowers, saw remarkable growth, with Flowwow leading the surge.
Sabic reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth at the Boao Forum for Asia 2025, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and cross-regional partnerships. The company highlighted its investments in China, including a new petrochemical complex and plans for an engineering thermoplastics plant, and discussed the chemical industry’s role in the energy transition.
Nayatel has partnered with Agile Managex Technologies to deliver Bitdefender’s top-tier cybersecurity solutions across Pakistan. This collaboration aims to enhance endpoint security for businesses, offering AI-powered malware detection, real-time protection, and centralized management, helping protect against sophisticated cyber threats as Pakistan’s IT sector continues to grow.
SalamAir has launched a dedicated WhatsApp service that allows passengers to receive their tickets and boarding passes directly, enhancing the travel experience. This is part of the airline’s digital transformation strategy, aiming to offer greater flexibility and personalization with tech-driven solutions.
Standard Chartered’s fifth cohort of the Women in Tech accelerator programme, launched in partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub, has awarded a total of USD 100,000 in equity-free seed capital to the top three female-led tech startups in the UAE.
Qatar Foundation’s WISE has launched a new Edtech Accelerator cohort, selecting eight startups from over 300 applicants. The ventures span regions from MENA to Africa and Latin America, offering bold solutions in tutoring, coding, AI-driven learning, and digital credentials, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to education innovation and global impact.