Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, Sri Lankan women leaders in technology have called for stronger inclusion, leadership, and participation in shaping the country’s digital future. The discussion took place at Women in Tech – Chapter Reignite, an event marking the relaunch of the Women in Tech Sri Lanka Chapter, part of the global nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in STEM.
Bybit Pay has partnered with Ceylon Cash to launch crypto payments in Sri Lanka via CeyPay, equipping 100 merchants with PoS systems for fiat and crypto transactions. The move promotes blockchain adoption, secure payments, and digital inclusion in one of Asia’s top tourism-driven economies.
SLASSCOM’s IT & BPM Exploration Day at the University of Vavuniya inspired over 500 Northern Region participants, connecting students and entrepreneurs with real-world tech opportunities. Supported by EY GDS and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the event advanced Sri Lanka’s goal of inclusive digital growth.
Saudi Arabia has risen to 22nd in IMD’s 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, driven by AI innovation, e-government, and data infrastructure growth. The Kingdom’s progress cements its role as a leading digital economy in the Middle East and a rising global technology hub.
Saudi Arabia has achieved frontier-level status in digital services, 5G coverage, and AI adoption, according to DCO’s DEN 2025 report. The Kingdom’s digital health, education, and governance innovations position it among the world’s most advanced digital economies driving inclusion and sustainable transformation.
AST SpaceMobile and stc Group have signed a $175 million, 10-year deal to deliver direct-to-device satellite mobile connectivity across Saudi Arabia and MENA, extending broadband access to remote areas through hybrid space-terrestrial infrastructure and advancing the region’s digital inclusion goals.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a unified embassy portal and smart app to enhance consular services and digital diplomacy. The initiative unifies embassy websites, modernizes user experience, and provides secure, citizen-centric services for Saudis living and traveling abroad.
The Digital Cooperation Organization launched DEN 2025 at WSSD2 in Doha, offering the most comprehensive view of global digital progress. Covering 80 nations, the report highlights inclusion, sustainability, and AI readiness, urging collective action to accelerate equitable and environmentally responsible digital transformation.
Qatar has been ranked among the world’s top nations for broadband quality, data infrastructure, and digital government services, according to the Digital Economy Navigator 2025 (DEN 2025) report by the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO). The report highlights Qatar’s advanced governance frameworks, sustainability-driven investments, and leadership in next-generation digital technologies.
Ooredoo Qatar, the nation’s leading telecom provider, has partnered with Huawei to unveil the Next Generation IdeaHub S3, an AI-powered collaboration solution designed to transform modern workspaces. The launch event, held at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa under the theme “Collaboration Redefined by AI+”, showcased how advanced technology can reshape business communication and teamwork.