Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
e& UAE and Khalifa University have released a white paper outlining an AI-native architecture for future 6G networks, proposing new frameworks for autonomous connectivity, distributed AI systems, and global telecom standardization.
AI adoption across the GCC is accelerating, but compliance requirements are reshaping how organisations deploy the technology. Key trends include stronger regulation, data residency requirements, human oversight, governance maturity challenges, and continuous auditing as companies scale AI responsibly.
A Kaspersky report shows 70% of UAE firms plan to deploy AI-driven security operations centres to counter AI-powered cyber threats. Companies expect AI to enhance threat detection and automate responses, despite challenges related to talent shortages and integration costs.
ADB has approved $950,000 in technical assistance to support AI adoption in healthcare across Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia. The initiative will assess clinical, management and generative AI applications while developing governance roadmaps to strengthen digital health systems and improve service delivery.
Ooredoo-backed Syntys has acquired Q Data’s hyperscale data centres in Qatar, adding two Tier III facilities and lifting live capacity to 26MW. The move strengthens Qatar’s sovereign cloud ambitions, addresses regional hyperscale demand, and reinforces Syntys’ position as a carrier-neutral platform for global cloud and AI providers.
Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in developing Arabic language models in 2025, with over 53 models identified, according to a study by SDAIA and KSGAAL. The report highlights progress in Arabic AI capabilities, growing global interest, and a roadmap to strengthen Arabic’s presence in the global AI ecosystem.
AI and autonomous driving dominate CES 2026 as automakers retreat from EV launches, betting on self-driving technology to revive growth amid cost pressures and policy shifts.
Bahrain has partnered with Alphabet spin-out SandboxAQ to deploy AI-based cybersecurity tools across more than 60 government ministries. Using the AQtive Guard platform, the initiative aims to strengthen encryption monitoring and address long-term risks such as quantum computing, highlighting growing government focus on proactive, AI-driven cyber defence.
Artificial intelligence dominated discussions at Riyadh’s Absher Conference, with leaders highlighting its impact on government services, education, and media. Panels emphasized infrastructure readiness, talent development, and AI-powered storytelling, positioning AI as a unifying force driving Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.
Saudi Telecom Company, through Center3, has signed an MoU with PIF-backed Humain to form a joint venture developing AI-focused data centers in Saudi Arabia. The partnership targets 1GW of capacity, starting with 250MW, supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global hub for AI infrastructure.
