Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 aims to make the country a global tech hub, with AI, blockchain, and fintech driving innovation in key sectors. Builder.ai’s Vahe Torossian highlights Qatar’s $2.5bn investment in AI and its potential to create 26,000 jobs, making Qatar a leader in the region’s digital transformation.
Omantel has partnered with TeKnowledge to launch an AI and data science skilling program aimed at equipping its employees with advanced digital skills. The initiative supports Oman’s digital transformation and economic diversification, positioning Omantel as a leader in AI-powered services while promoting sustainable growth and innovation.
Algeria has broken ground on an AI data center in Oran, aiming to boost technological access for researchers and startups. The facility is part of the country’s broader strategy to grow its AI sector, contributing 7% to its GDP by 2027, and positioning Algeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
AI Disrupt 2025, organized by Bluechip Technologies Asia, successfully showcased AI-driven innovations and their impact on businesses. Key highlights included discussions on AI applications, Large Language Models, productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot, and regional AI trends. The event underscored Sri Lanka’s growing role in AI education and adoption.
The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Dhofar branch hosted a Ramadan evening to discuss artificial intelligence and cybersecurity’s role in shaping business futures. The event covered AI applications in various sectors and highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in the digital transformation process. The session provided valuable insights into future opportunities.
Omantel has partnered with TeKnowledge to launch an advanced AI and Data Science skilling program for its employees. This initiative aims to enhance digital skills, supporting the company’s strategy for digital transformation and economic diversification. The program will combine onsite and virtual training to ensure a hands-on learning experience.
Mehwish Salman Ali, a Pakistani tech entrepreneur, represented Pakistan at the International Digital Cooperation Forum in Jordan, highlighting AI’s potential for economic growth and foreign investment. Ali emphasized the need for AI-friendly policies and discussed strategies for attracting investment, particularly in the Middle East, to help grow Pakistan’s tech sector.
Widebot, an Egyptian AI startup, has raised $3 million in a pre-Series A funding round to advance its Arabic language model, AQL Mind. The company, now based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aims to provide accurate AI solutions for Arabic dialects, supporting businesses and government entities in the region.
Jordan ranked 49th globally in the Government AI Readiness Index 2024, improving from its 2023 position of 55th. The country outperformed Bahrain, Egypt, and Kuwait, reflecting its efforts in enhancing AI integration, including the AI-powered electricity load forecasting project aimed at boosting energy efficiency and accelerating renewable energy adoption.
LG Uplus has partnered with Zain Group to expand its AI service, ‘ixi-O,’ into the Middle East. The collaboration aims to enhance telecommunications in Saudi Arabia and other regions by integrating AI features like voice phishing detection, caller identification, and call recording, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
