Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Omantel won two prestigious Effie MENA Awards 2024 for its innovative “WhatsApp Oman” and “Maqroo” campaigns. The Gold Award recognized the WhatsApp Oman initiative for its creativity and customer engagement, while the Bronze Award honored the Maqroo font for its impact on dyslexia awareness in the Arab world.
BENEFIT and General Assembly Bahrain partner to enhance tech workforce skills through training, recruitment, and collaborative events, strengthening national talent for digital transformation.
Appknox launches AI-powered mobile security solutions in Saudi Arabia, unveiled at Black Hat MEA 2024. The platform addresses data residency, compliance, and digital threats while supporting Vision 2030’s digital transformation goals. Solutions include SAST, DAST, API security, and AI-driven test cases.
Zong 4G collaborates with Knowledge Platform to launch the Digital Scholars program, aiming to revolutionize Pakistan’s educational landscape. This initiative targets about 3000 students across 60 schools, focusing on marginalized areas along the CPEC belt. By providing digital learning modules in core subjects, the partnership seeks to bridge the rural-urban education gap, empowering Pakistani youth with equal learning opportunities.
Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion met with Taiwanese and Chinese tech representatives to discuss investments in semiconductors and electric vehicles. These projects align with Oman’s Industrial Strategy 2040, focusing on capital-intensive and knowledge-based industries to drive economic diversification and industrial growth in the Sultanate.
The UAE is leading in AI adoption, with 96% of tech leaders planning to invest in cloud technologies and 40% focusing on data security. KPMG’s Tech Titans Blueprint report reveals AI’s role in operational efficiency and customer experience automation, alongside significant advancements in edge computing and cybersecurity across the country.
Arcapita, in partnership with Parkway Venture Capital, is investing in a high-growth AI portfolio focused on robotics, quantum computing, and generative AI. The portfolio includes Figure AI and SandboxAQ, aiming to provide exposure to early-stage businesses shaping the future of AI technology, a market expected to grow significantly by 2030.
Islamabad will soon have free Wi-Fi at 35 major locations including markets, bus stations, and parks. The CDA-NTC project aims to make Islamabad Pakistan’s first free Wi-Fi city, with revenue reinvested for sustainability. Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa assured uninterrupted, high-quality connectivity for residents.
HUTCH Sri Lanka and Rainforest Protectors Sri Lanka have completed the second phase of a multi-stage rainforest restoration project in the Rajawaka Forest Reserve, focusing on reforestation and habitat rehabilitation. The initiative exemplifies corporate commitment to sustainability and supports Sri Lanka’s national net-zero and biodiversity goals.
Visit Oman and TBO Holidays have formed a partnership to boost Oman’s presence in the B2B travel sector. The collaboration will promote Oman’s unique offerings across key Middle Eastern and Indian markets, using TBO’s global platform to empower travel agents and streamline the booking process for both group and FIT segments.