Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The inaugural University of Mississippi symposium discussed the impact of social media and AI on democracy. Experts highlighted the risks of misinformation, deepfakes, and social media’s role in spreading falsehoods. The event stressed the importance of media literacy and education in safeguarding democracy and combating digital threats.
Jahez Application and Kuwait Innovation Center have launched Kuwait’s first Food Innovation Hackathon, inviting youth and creative thinkers to develop AI-driven solutions for food delivery challenges. The multi-phase program includes workshops, mentorship, and cash prizes, supporting Kuwait’s Vision 2035 goals by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the food tech sector.
Ooredoo has launched new Maktabi packages, offering an all-in-one business communication solution for small businesses in Oman. Starting at OMR 29.5 per month, these packages include high-speed internet, mobile and fixed-line communication, security solutions, Microsoft 365, TallyPrime, and 24/7 smart CCTV surveillance to support SMEs and SoHos in achieving their business goals.
Circle, Kuwait’s q-commerce startup, raises $6M Series A to expand across MENA. The company offers under-20-minute delivery via a tech-enabled network of dark stores, driving 7x revenue growth in Kuwait and preparing for regional rollout in 2026.
Novation City, in partnership with NVIDIA, launches an AI innovation hub in Tunisia, aiming to train 100,000 developers across Africa. The hub in Sousse will equip participants with AI skills, fostering regional technological advancement and supporting Tunisia’s strategy to become a leader in the digital economy.
Jordan’s Amman Chamber of Industry has launched a pioneering digital platform enabling factories to exchange industrial waste as raw materials, advancing circular economy principles and sustainability. Supported by GIZ and BMZ, the platform fosters cost savings, environmental protection, and industrial innovation through enhanced collaboration.
Egypt’s four telecom operators are set to launch 5G services in 2025, marking a major step in the country’s digital transformation. Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, Orange, and Etisalat have secured licenses, with significant investments and partnerships underway to enhance infrastructure, enabling AI, IoT, and smart city applications.
Jordan’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has announced the successful completion of initial tests for the country’s new mobile emergency alert system. Zain Jordan will conduct the first live test this Sunday, followed by other carriers. The system aims to enhance emergency response and improve public communication during crises.
A Hays study reveals that Middle East tech professionals are more likely to use and train with AI than their European counterparts, with 56% using AI compared to 28% in Italy and 29% in France. The study highlights the region’s strong desire for AI training, presenting a competitive advantage for Middle Eastern companies.
e& UAE has deployed Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) to enhance its optical network with ultra-high-speed 400G connectivity, supporting 10Gb home services and AI data center hubs. This deployment doubles its data transmission capacity to 1.6 Tb/s per wavelength, reinforcing the company’s digital transformation and AI readiness.