Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Naver Corp plans to establish its Middle Eastern headquarters, Naver Arabia, in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2024. This strategic expansion aims to harness AI, cloud computing, and robotics technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and enhancing Naver’s global business footprint.
Naseej for Technology will showcase its innovative digital solutions at LEAP25 in Riyadh from February 9-12, 2025. With a focus on building integrated, future-proof digital ecosystems, Naseej aims to empower organizations across various sectors. Their solutions align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for economic diversification and digital transformation.
UNESCO and Data Vault hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue in Islamabad to discuss ethical and inclusive AI in Pakistan. The event highlighted the National AI Policy pillars, institutional readiness, skills development, and global best practices, aiming to embed human rights, equity, and sustainability into Pakistan’s AI future.
A team from BUET won first place at the 2025 Johns Hopkins Healthcare Design Competition for NeoScreenix, an AI-based early breast cancer screening system. Their innovation, aimed at empowering women in low-resource settings, earned them a $5,000 prize, which they will invest in expanding the technology in Bangladesh.
Starlink will conduct a demo of its internet services at the Bangladesh Investment Summit on April 9. The event, focused on investment and networking, is expected to attract over 550 foreign investors. Key sectors such as digital economy, textiles, agriculture, and healthcare will be discussed, alongside startup showcase opportunities.
Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 has welcomed 23 new startups in its latest cohort, collectively securing over $53 million in funding. These startups will join the Company Building Programme and receive substantial incentives and cash for equity. The surge in applications reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as an innovation hub. The startups span various sectors, including FinTech and ClimateTech. Some will join Hub71+ Digital Assets, benefiting from a network of partners. Two ClimateTech startups focus on sustainability. Hub71 offers mentorship, support, and a vast network, enhancing startups’ growth prospects in Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem.
Morocco has launched the Morocco Fintech Center (MFC) to support fintech startups and enhance its digital economy. The center will offer mentoring, business incubation, and regulatory guidance, aiming to foster the growth of 1,000 certified startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030, with a target of raising $696.6 million by 2030.
Morocco is set to grant licenses to Starlink and OneWeb for satellite internet services in 2025, aiming to improve connectivity in remote areas. Starlink offers speeds from 100 to 500 Mbps and low latency, providing a solution for hard-to-reach regions. However, challenges include high costs and satellite deployment.
Yemen launches new telecom infrastructure in Al-Jawf’s Maton District, expanding network coverage and reinforcing information security amid local support.
Beyon has announced plans for its ambitious 380,000 square meter Digital City project in Hamala, in partnership with Edamah. Set to begin construction in 2025, the project aims to integrate technology and real estate, supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation and sustainability goals.