Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia has launched a new service via the Tawakkalna app for displaying all official Hajj 2025 permits. Integrated with the Tasreeh platform, the service allows both domestic and international pilgrims to access various permits required for the pilgrimage. Strict regulations are in place to prevent unauthorized pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia’s investment minister told Davos the AI race is accelerating and no single nation will dominate. Emphasizing global diffusion and strategic optionality, he outlined the Kingdom’s energy-backed AI ambitions, cross-border data strategy, and early leadership on digital embassies to safeguard sovereignty in a multipolar AI future.
Qatar and India join forces to advance AI education and research through a ten-year partnership. Plans include establishing an AI research center, launching training programs, and creating a dedicated AI-focused university campus, supporting Qatar’s goal to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and skilled talent development.
PTCL Group’s revenue increased by 15.3% year-on-year, reaching Rs160.6 billion for Q3 2024.
Starlink usage in Iran has surpassed 100,000 users, with significant growth driven by demand for unrestricted internet access amid government censorship. Despite its high costs, Starlink has become essential for bypassing internet restrictions, especially after the 2022 protests. The service highlights the ongoing struggle for digital freedom in Iran.
ADN Telecom has acquired a 37% stake in Senior Citizen Healthcare Limited, marking its entry into Bangladesh’s growing digital healthcare sector. The investment will help expand the elderly-focused healthcare services into rural areas, incorporating advanced technologies like AI-based health assessments, robotic rehabilitation, and telemedicine to improve accessibility and affordability.
Mastercard has formed new blockchain alliances in the Middle East, including a collaboration with the ADI Foundation, to advance stablecoin payments and asset tokenization. New partners NEO PAY and INFINIOS are adopting stablecoin settlement, expanding faster, compliant digital payment options across the regional financial ecosystem.
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has granted HyperPay a license to offer digital payment services via an electronic wallet in Saudi Arabia. This move supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by promoting cashless transactions and digital transformation in the financial sector, contributing to financial inclusion and innovation.
eSiha, an Algerian e-health solution, connects users with healthcare professionals via a mobile app. Founded in 2019, it offers services like appointment scheduling, teleconsultations, and digital health records. With over 50,000 downloads and nearly 4,000 daily connections, eSiha significantly improves healthcare access and efficiency in Algeria.
Orange Jordan has successfully renewed its ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications for Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Management Systems. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to high standards of safety, health, and sustainability across all its operations, with continued efforts to enhance employee well-being and environmental protection.