Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Microsoft has completed the construction of three Azure availability zones in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, set to be operational by 2026. This new data center will support the Kingdom’s cloud infrastructure, accelerating digital transformation in line with Saudi Vision 2030, fostering AI development and economic growth across sectors.
Saudi Arabia’s role in driving 5.5G innovation was highlighted at the 15th Global Mobile Broadband Forum. SAMENA Council emphasized the Kingdom’s leadership in fostering digital transformation, cross-sector collaboration, and AI-powered connectivity, paving the way for improved healthcare, education, and economic diversification in the region.
The UK and Qatar have launched a joint AI research commission, led by Queen Mary University of London and Hamad bin Khalifa University. The initiative focuses on enhancing cooperation in AI, exploring ecosystem development, policy, and security. The project is funded by the UK Government’s Gulf Strategy Fund.
Ooredoo celebrates the 15th anniversary of its Nojoom loyalty programme with a series of events, including a month-long shopping festival and Instagram contest. Members can earn Nojoom Points through purchases with partners and Ooredoo services, with a prize pool of five million points, enhancing customer engagement and rewards.
WhatsApp users in Oman can now make audio and video calls without using a VPN, marking a shift in the country’s VoIP restrictions. This unexpected change has sparked excitement among residents, though the Telecom Regulatory Authority has yet to officially announce any regulatory changes, leaving the shift uncertain.
MENOG 24, hosted in Muscat by AWASR, gathered experts to discuss advancements in internet infrastructure and the region’s digital transformation. The event, organized by the RIPE NCC, focused on IPv6 adoption, routing security, and emerging challenges. It provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Middle East stakeholders.
Tocaan Co. has opened its Digital Innovation Hub in Dubai, offering mobile app development, website creation, and digital marketing services tailored to GCC-based startups. The hub aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing resources and expertise to help them succeed in the digital economy, fostering innovation and growth.
stc has signed as the platinum sponsor for the NEXUS-Technology, Innovation, and Startup Event in Kuwait, set for December 5-7, 2024. The event will focus on AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and health tech, with stc showcasing its innovations and supporting local startups, highlighting its commitment to digital transformation.
Contact Pay has expanded its partnership with eKhales, a digital payment platform, enabling customers to pay installments and bills through eKhales’ network of over 600,000 point-of-sale (PoS) terminals across Egypt. This collaboration, announced at Cairo ICT 2024, enhances flexibility and accessibility for Contact customers nationwide.
e& Egypt and pmaestro have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation across Egypt and the MENA region. The collaboration focuses on boosting innovation, empowering businesses, and promoting digital inclusion by ensuring equitable access to technology for enterprises, SMEs, and startups in the region.