Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The first Thought Leadership Circle event in Kuwait, co-hosted by KDIPA and The Business Year, focused on accelerating digital transformation and AI implementation. Key speakers, including government leaders and industry experts, discussed strategies for leveraging technology to drive economic growth, sustainability, and workforce readiness, in line with Kuwait’s Vision 2035.
Qatar is poised to see a 2.3% increase in GDP and generate $5 billion in AI-driven revenue by 2030. The AI Tour in Doha, hosted by Microsoft, highlighted the nation’s transformation into an AI leader, with a focus on AI integration, job creation, and alignment with Qatar’s Vision 2030.
SpiderSilk, the GCC’s first cyber-AI startup, has partnered with Sirar to integrate its flagship product, Resonance, with Sirar’s managed security services. This collaboration will strengthen cybersecurity solutions, expand SpiderSilk’s market presence in Saudi Arabia, and introduce new products, driving global growth and innovation in the cybersecurity sector.
Microsoft has completed construction of its Azure datacentre region in Saudi Arabia, with full availability expected in 2026. Located in the Eastern Province, the region features three availability zones offering advanced cloud services, supporting Saudi Vision 2030, and fostering AI innovation and digital transformation across both public and private sectors.
WAM Morocco 2025 will spotlight advanced manufacturing, sustainable practices, AI innovation, and next-gen logistics to accelerate industrial growth in Morocco. The event, supported by the Moroccan Ministry of Industry, aims to foster new sectors, attract investments, and showcase cutting-edge technologies to position Morocco as a leader in global manufacturing.
MoroccoAI will host its fourth annual conference virtually on December 4-5, 2024, focusing on AI’s transformative role. The event will feature discussions on AI-driven research, innovation, and its application in industries like energy and healthcare. An InnovAI Hackathon with 30,000 MAD in prizes will also be held.
Naif Al Rajhi Investment has acquired a strategic stake in Mawdoo3, a leading company in Arabic AI and large language models. This partnership will accelerate digital transformation and AI innovation in the region, supporting Mawdoo3’s expansion and strengthening its position in Arabic language technology.
Zong 4G has developed Pakistan’s first locally created Large Language Model (LLM), revolutionizing customer service with AI-driven solutions tailored for local users. This pioneering model enhances digital interactions, offering fast, personalized service. It marks a key step in Zong’s mission to lead digital transformation in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
Qatar’s digital commerce sector is expected to reach $7.29bn by the end of 2024, with a projected CAGR of 21.70%. The sector’s growth is driven by government initiatives, technological advancements, and AI. However, challenges like market saturation and regulatory issues remain, as businesses adapt to evolving digital landscapes.
The UAE national domain .ae has reached 347,000 registrations, highlighting its growing popularity and trust among businesses and individuals. Managed by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, the domain supports the UAE’s digital economy and offers innovative services like AI-powered name suggestions to enhance the user experience.