Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, has launched the Digital Transformation and Automation Center as part of a national plan to enhance digital business and AI. This initiative aligns with Iraq’s economic and administrative reforms, strengthening its digital capabilities and collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization.
stc Group, through stc.AI, launched Saudi Arabia’s first sovereign AI cloud platform in partnership with SambaNova. The platform, powered by Llama 405B, will offer enterprises advanced generative AI capabilities and open-source models, empowering Saudi developers and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in AI development.
The LEAP25 conference in Riyadh concluded with over $14.9 billion in investments, cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in AI, technology, and digital economy innovation. With dynamic interactions between startups and investors, the event showcased the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030 and rapid progress in digital transformation.
Pakistan is showcasing its digital transformation at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, highlighting its advancements in AI, fintech, and startup innovation. With over 100 companies and 1,000+ delegates, Pakistan’s participation emphasizes its growing tech sector, robust talent pool, and commitment to becoming a leading hub for global tech investment.
Nidal Bitar, CEO of Intaj, emphasized at LEAP 2025 that 70% of international companies prioritize digital transformation. He highlighted the 270% growth in AI adoption and the importance of investing in training programs to close the skills gap, improve productivity, and foster continuous learning and innovation in the workforce.
DoxAI, a leading provider of AI solutions, joins the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative to establish its regional headquarters in Dubai. The collaboration supports the UAE’s digital transformation, strengthening its AI and innovation ecosystem, while DoxAI plans to scale operations and forge partnerships with local universities.
Saudi Arabia’s Tawakkalna app, initially launched for COVID-19 management, has evolved into a comprehensive digital platform offering over 600 government services. Powered by AI, it exemplifies the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and user experience, while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in digital governance.
Pakistan is participating in AI Everything Global 2025 to boost its digital exports and showcase its tech industry. With over 30 delegates, including 11 companies and two start-ups, Pakistan aims to leverage AI to drive economic transformation and expand its IT exports. The event features global tech giants and investors.
e& UAE has successfully integrated AI into its private cloud to enhance operational efficiency, collaborating with Intel and Cisco. This initiative leverages advanced AI models, optimizing network operations and customer support, while improving scalability, performance, and sustainability. The move is part of e& UAE’s broader strategy to become AI-driven.
The UAE has announced it will host the Ai Everything Global Summit & Expo in 2026, solidifying its position as a leader in AI. The summit aims to accelerate AI adoption, foster global collaborations, and contribute to the UAE’s vision of becoming the world’s first fully AI-powered government.