Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zain Jordan, through Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC), has funded AI-powered edtech platform UNIFLIX with 15,000 JOD and a year of logistical support under its “Zain Al-Mubadara” program. The initiative highlights Zain’s role in accelerating digital transformation, supporting startups, and boosting Jordan’s innovation-driven economy.
A mixed-methods study of Jordanian university students finds ChatGPT is the most widely used AI tool for academic tasks, with most students recognizing its usefulness. While many report improved academic performance, fewer feel it substantially enhances understanding, prompting further research on AI’s educational impact.
Egypt partners with Google and UNICEF to integrate AI in education, aiming to enhance teacher training and prepare students for future jobs. The collaboration supports Vision 2030 by promoting digital literacy and personalized learning to modernize Egypt’s educational system.
The Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final in Shenzhen brought together 210,000 participants from 100+ countries, awarding 18 top teams across Innovation, Practice, and Programming tracks. Special recognitions celebrated women and sustainability efforts. The event supports Huawei’s vision for Intelligent World 2030 and advances AI-enabled digital education.
The Abdullah Al-Salem University summit discussed the integration of AI, VR, and data privacy in education. Key recommendations included personalized learning through AI, enhanced cybersecurity, VR/AR adoption, and flexible policies. The summit emphasized collaboration between institutions, turning research into practical solutions, and fostering innovation in education and technology.
The Ministry of Education launched Ma’a Hamad Chat, an AI-powered service designed to improve communication and support learning. The platform provides accurate, curriculum-based answers for students, teachers, and parents, with tailored responses in multiple languages. It complements textbooks and enhances digital learning experiences in line with the MoE’s transformation vision.
A recent report reveals that while 94% of UAE students use AI tools for studying, many face stress due to concerns about incorrect information, plagiarism, and data security. With a focus on AI literacy and ethical use, schools aim to reduce anxiety and ensure equitable access to these tools for all students.
Morocco has called for the development of an Arab strategy to integrate AI into education, aiming to improve teaching, reduce dropout rates, and enhance academic performance. The initiative is part of the country’s broader educational reforms, which include teacher training and the “Pioneer Schools” project to improve education quality.
Egypt has invested EGP 10bn to upgrade the digital infrastructure of public universities, including the launch of Egypt’s first generative AI pilot at Ain Shams University. This initiative aims to enhance student skills and foster digital transformation in higher education, aligning with Egypt’s broader strategy for Vision 2030.
Zayed University hosted the 7th Bluenotes MENA conference in Dubai, uniting over 250 regional education leaders to explore AI and data analytics in enhancing student engagement. The event included an MoU for data-sharing between UAE universities to improve institutional effectiveness.