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
IBM recorded a landmark year in Saudi Arabia by empowering over 500,000 nationals with digital skills, expanding consulting operations to Al-Baha, advancing AI-driven logistics innovation, and partnering with Riyadh Air to launch the world’s first AI-native airline, reinforcing its alignment with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s digital ambitions.
A CoSP11 session in Doha highlighted how artificial intelligence and digital platforms can strengthen integrity in government procurement. Experts from Brazil, Siemens Energy, and Petrobras shared real-world tools that automate compliance checks, reduce corruption risks, and support proactive oversight, while stressing the need for strong data, skills, and legal frameworks.
SDAIA and ICESCO have agreed to collaborate on implementing the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence across 53 Islamic countries, establishing a unified ethical AI governance framework. The partnership focuses on responsible AI practices, capacity building, and aligning technology adoption with humanitarian values and sustainable development goals.
Saudi Arabia’s SDAIA and ICESCO have agreed to work together to implement the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence across 53 Islamic countries. The initiative aims to create a unified, ethical AI governance framework, build national AI capabilities, promote responsible innovation, and align AI development with humanitarian values and sustainable development goals.
The DCO’s Digital Economy Trends 2026 report projects the digital economy will reach $28 trillion next year, growing three times faster than the global economy. Cybersecurity and AI-led transformation are identified as the most impactful forces shaping economic growth, inclusion, and resilience.
Zong has announced a comprehensive AI+ Plan aligned with China Mobile’s global strategy and Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025. The initiative focuses on intelligent infrastructure, AI-driven network evolution, and a centralized AI capabilities hub to support scalable deployment, enterprise innovation, and the country’s broader digital transformation.
Pakistan’s digital transformation is gaining momentum as Zong launches its AI+ Plan aligned with China Mobile’s global AI strategy and Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025. The initiative focuses on responsible AI deployment, infrastructure development, innovation ecosystems, and international collaboration to support sustainable economic and technological growth.
ABB has opened a major AI-focused digital training and customer experience center in Dubai to support the Middle East’s growing need for skilled engineers in electrification, predictive maintenance, and digital energy management. The $2 million facility will train 2,000 professionals annually, helping the UAE strengthen energy resilience, modernize infrastructure, and meet rising electricity demand through advanced, sustainable technologies.
Magna AI, backed by Trend Micro and Wistron Digital Technology Holding Company, is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia to meet rising enterprise AI demand and support Vision 2030. The company is building sovereign AI systems, launching major regional initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, and enabling national-scale AI adoption across government, energy, finance, healthcare, and smart city sectors.
NVIDIA is targeting Morocco as a priority market after launching its first African AI factory in South Africa through partner Cassava Technologies. A delegation visited Rabat to assess opportunities as the company plans further expansion across Egypt, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria. Analysts cite Morocco’s proximity to Europe, strong digital ambitions and supportive policy environment, though experts note that advanced skills, cloud capacity and incentive frameworks are crucial to securing major AI investments.