Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
TechOman has launched as a national technology community platform aligned with Oman Vision 2040, uniting students, academia, startups, and industry. Founded by Tariq al Barwani, it focuses on youth empowerment, hands-on learning, and startup support, bridging education with market needs to drive a knowledge-based, innovation-led economy.
Oman–UAE space cooperation is emerging as a regional benchmark, with joint satellite projects, knowledge exchange, and alignment on global frameworks like the Artemis Accords. Dr Sultan Al Neyadi said innovation, youth development, and strong partnerships are essential for building a sustainable space sector and unlocking economic value across the region.
e& UAE has become the first organisation in the country to achieve TM Forum’s “Running on ODA” status, validating its shift to a cloud-native, API-first architecture. The milestone confirms e&’s ability to operationalise open standards, dismantle legacy silos, and accelerate digital innovation across its ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia’s shift toward a cashless economy is accelerating, with 67% of consumers now relying mainly on digital payments. Visa reports declining cash use across everyday purchases as mobile and card payments gain ground. Coordinated efforts under Vision 2030 are driving safer, faster, and more convenient payment experiences nationwide.
Omani startup Raaz is building a mobile app that helps families understand spending, set goals, and gain financial confidence. Founded after a personal budgeting struggle, the platform uses analytics and machine learning to turn everyday transactions into actionable insights, with a full public launch planned soon.
Oman will receive its first dedicated MicroGEO satellite by early 2027 under a $200 million partnership between MB Group and Astranis. Launched via SpaceX, the satellite will provide sovereign, secure connectivity supported by local ground stations, strengthening national digital infrastructure and advancing Oman Vision 2040’s goals for resilience, growth, and innovation.
Morocco has refreshed its offshoring strategy, placing AI, big data, and cloud computing at its core. Backed by tax incentives and training bonuses, the framework aims to attract global firms, future-proof the sector, and expand a workforce already supporting nearly 149,000 jobs and MAD 26 billion in service exports.
Egyptian edtech firm eYouth has expanded into Iraq, launching the country’s first Arabic-first digital learning platform in partnership with Al-Majal Group. The initiative targets labour-market-aligned skills, aims to strengthen workforce readiness, and will roll out nationwide in phases throughout 2026.
Egypt’s Fatwa Authority has ruled that using AI tools like ChatGPT to interpret the Quran is impermissible, warning of misinterpretation and doctrinal error. It stressed that AI lacks true understanding and scholarly method, urging Muslims to rely on recognised tafsir, qualified scholars, and established religious institutions.
The UN has launched the 2026 Global Pulse Accelerator, offering $60,000 each to three data- and AI-driven projects with real-world impact. The programme targets solutions advancing sustainable development, humanitarian action, and social inclusion, providing funding, mentorship, and technical support to help teams scale.