Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia has achieved a global milestone in artificial intelligence, ranking first in women’s empowerment in AI. The Kingdom also ranked highly in AI job growth, talent attraction, and leading AI models. These accomplishments reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to lead in AI as part of Vision 2030.
A new app developed by Virginia Tech and Medina Tech Ltd. aims to help Bangladeshi farmers identify and manage crop pests. The Groundnut IPM app provides crucial pest management information, using AI for real-time detection and GPS for location-based recommendations. The app, available in Bengali, is free and will be piloted to 1,000 farmers.
UNESCO Kathmandu organized a consultation on AI in Education, uniting over eighty stakeholders to explore AI’s transformative potential in Nepal’s education system. Discussions focused on integrating AI to enhance learning, promote inclusivity, and develop robust policies. This initiative aims to prepare students for a tech-driven future and improve educational outcomes.
Oman’s computing market is poised for steady growth, projected to generate US$180.8 million by 2025. With a focus on sustainability, reliability, and practical tech adoption, Oman presents unique opportunities for businesses to tap into a less saturated market. The country’s digital transformation offers long-term growth potential.
Sri Lanka’s 9th Cyber Security Summit stressed the critical need for comprehensive PDPA compliance, data protection culture, and coordinated breach response, highlighting legal frameworks, industry challenges, and practical solutions for sustainable digital trust.
Vodafone Qatar will participate in Web Summit Qatar 2025, showcasing innovations in 5G, IoT, and digital transformation tools. The company aims to support SMEs, SOHOs, and start-ups by offering tailored solutions to enhance business operations, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its commitment to digital innovation.
Maseera Holding has acquired ADVA, establishing it as a technology and data analytics hub for North Africa. The integration of Maseera’s AI will transform ADVA’s platform, providing inclusive, personalized lending solutions for underserved populations in Egypt, with a focus on essential services like healthcare and education.
Arthur D. Little’s report highlights Bahrain’s potential in video games and renewable energy. The gaming sector is the second fastest-growing in the Gulf, while renewable energy investments are surging. Bahrain’s strategic position in cloud services, financial transparency, real estate, and manufacturing further enhances its investment appeal.
Ooredoo Algeria has launched a blood donation campaign to support the country’s health system, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility. The initiative received strong employee participation, underscoring Ooredoo’s role as a responsible corporate entity that actively supports community welfare and addresses vital health needs.
Orange Jordan showcased innovations and supported entrepreneurs at the MENA ICT Forum 2024, highlighting projects from the Orange Digital Centers. Key highlights included the “MARS-JO Rover,” a virtual hospital project, and startup initiatives like ARFL and SAVERBOT. The forum emphasized technological synergy and future ICT developments in the MENA region.