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 Saudi Media Forum 2026 brought together global media leaders to examine AI-driven transformation, digital audio growth and evolving business models, highlighting trust, innovation and platform integration as key priorities as Saudi Arabia advances its ambitions to become a regional hub for modern media and content creation.
Daleel has raised $3 million in a pre-seed round to develop its AI-powered real estate intelligence platform, combining verified government data with live listings to improve transparency and decision-making while supporting expansion across the UAE and future entry into Saudi Arabia’s growing proptech market.
Ooredoo Group has partnered with Polystar to deploy a unified analytics platform across mobile and fixed networks, using AI and advanced data processing to improve network performance, operational efficiency and customer experience while supporting the operator’s broader digital transformation and 5G-driven analytics strategy.
Pakistan is set to host Indus AI Week 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating AI development, strengthening local innovation ecosystems, and positioning the country as an active participant in global AI governance and technology creation through policy dialogue, innovation programmes and industry collaboration.
Msheireb Properties, Ooredoo Qatar and Honeywell have partnered to deploy an AI-powered smart city platform in Msheireb Downtown Doha, integrating IoT sensors, analytics and digital twin technologies to optimise urban operations, enhance sustainability and support Qatar’s digital transformation ambitions under Qatar National Vision 2030.
Saudi leaders and Oracle executives highlighted the Kingdom’s AI ambitions at Oracle AI World Tour Riyadh, noting AI’s role in digital transformation under Vision 2030. With over $40 billion planned investment and strong data sovereignty focus, Saudi Arabia aims to become a global AI hub.
Pakistan will host Indus AI Week 2026 from February 9–15 to showcase national AI potential under the Digital Pakistan vision. The event will unite policymakers, tech firms, academia, and startups to promote real-world AI adoption across governance, industry, and innovation while attracting global investment.
Saudi Arabia launched SMAI 2 to strengthen national data and AI capabilities through coordinated public-sector training, building on earlier programs that reached over one million Saudis and supporting responsible AI adoption across 11 government ministries.
The sixth Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum will convene global experts in Dubai in April 2026 to examine AI-driven digital content growth, governance challenges, misinformation risks, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the global digital economy.
Morocco has refreshed its offshoring strategy, placing AI, big data, and cloud computing at its core. Backed by tax incentives and training bonuses, the framework aims to attract global firms, future-proof the sector, and expand a workforce already supporting nearly 149,000 jobs and MAD 26 billion in service exports.