Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Grubtech raised $15 million to expand its restaurant management platform globally, with new offices planned in Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the UK. The funding, led by Jahez, supports Grubtech’s growth in managing digital operations for over 700 brands in 18 markets.
Dubai-based Holo secured pre-Series A funding to expand its digital mortgage platform in the UAE and GCC, starting with Saudi Arabia. The platform offers mortgage comparisons and application assistance, earning revenue from banks for client referrals. The funds will support regional growth and product expansion.
Beyon Solutions acquired Link Development, expanding its digital transformation services. This move enhances Beyon’s offerings and reach, creating a major regional hub. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, is the eighth exit for investment firm A15.
Google Cloud’s Doha Summit celebrated a year of growth and AI innovation in Qatar, with over 1,000 attendees highlighting the impact of Google Cloud’s services. Discussions focused on AI advancements, digital transformation, and future potential, emphasizing the region’s growing digital landscape.
IBM is releasing its AI models as open-source software and helping Saudi Arabia train an Arabic AI system. The Granite models, designed for faster code completion, are customizable, and IBM’s Watsonx tool ensures smooth operation in data centers.
AWS executive Kevin Miller emphasizes the UAE’s potential as a global tech leader, driven by AI models like Falcon. The UAE’s focus on AI and foundational research, combined with regional investments, fosters digital transformation and innovation, positioning the Middle East as a significant player in global technology.
SUPARCO is launching the PakSat MM1 satellite today with Chinese support, enhancing Pakistan’s communication infrastructure and digital connectivity. This marks a significant step towards a digitally connected Pakistan, following the historic iCube-Q lunar mission. The new satellite will provide various communication services and support socio-economic development.
Orange and AWS are launching the first AWS Wavelength Zones in Africa, in Morocco and Senegal, to support low-latency applications and local data residency across industries, fostering cloud adoption and digital transformation.
Informatica’s summit in Saudi Arabia highlights the kingdom’s drive towards a cloud-first, data-driven future. Featuring industry leaders like Accenture and Google, the event discusses AI-enabled data management and cloud computing, supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain has set new targets for BNET to ensure timely fibre service deployment. Residential properties must receive fibre within 10 days of a request, and businesses within 30 days. Amwaj will be included in future expansions.