Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
At CGI 2024, the UAE launched the third edition of the FoodTech Challenge, focusing on food and water, energy, and loss. The competition aims to foster innovative solutions to global food security challenges, supported by a $2 million prize and strategic partnerships.
The Digital Co-operation Organisation (DCO) has launched the Digital Economy Navigator (DEN) to help nations like Bahrain gauge their digital economy maturity. This new tool assesses various digital performance metrics, aiding in strategic planning and development.
Astra Tech has launched a ‘Send Now Pay Later’ service on its BOTIM app in the UAE, a first in the MENA region. This service allows instant international transfers with deferred payment options, aiming to transform financial transactions and enhance user flexibility.
Mining Grid is hosting its inaugural blockchain event in Dubai on September 28, aiming to enhance the crypto and blockchain ecosystem in the Middle East. The event will feature discussions on digital currencies, DeFi, and the region’s role in global blockchain advancements.
In Washington D.C., UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed AI and tech advancements with leaders from Microsoft, BlackRock, and Nvidia, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to AI investment and global collaboration.
Microsoft is expanding its Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi, focusing on AI, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity. This move enhances the UAE’s position as a global tech hub, aiming to foster innovation and skill development in the region.
Mining Grid is set to host its first event in Dubai on September 28, focusing on the crypto and blockchain industry. The event will gather tech innovators, institutional investors, and traders to discuss digital currencies, DeFi, and regulatory trends, boosting the Middle East’s role in the global blockchain landscape.
TSMC and Samsung are in early talks to build semiconductor megafactories in the UAE, with potential investments exceeding $100 billion. These discussions are part of the UAE’s strategy to become a global tech hub, amidst heightened US-China tech tensions.
Six African countries have ranked in the top 100 of the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with South Africa leading the continent. The index assesses the integration of technology in public services, highlighting the digital progress of African nations.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) has introduced an online service allowing employees to download their digital labor cards. This service enhances convenience, providing easy access to essential employment information on mobile devices.