Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain is leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate public-sector transformation and sustainable development through ethical policy frameworks, skills investment, and real-world AI applications. Initiatives such as SME SMART highlight how AI can support evidence-based policymaking, empower businesses, and help the Kingdom advance national sustainability goals.
BIBF has partnered with BENEFIT Company to launch a self-paced e-learning programme focused on Anti-Money Laundering for BENEFIT employees. The digital training will enhance compliance knowledge, improve regulatory readiness, and align staff capabilities with global standards. Delivered through BIBF’s online platform, the programme supports Bahrain’s wider goal of strengthening its financial sector and workforce.
Beyon Money has launched live stablecoin-powered cross-border payments through a new partnership with global money transfer operator SwiftX. Using blockchain-based settlement, the solution enables faster, cheaper, and more transparent international transactions while reducing foreign exchange and operational costs. The collaboration strengthens Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem and positions Beyon Money as a regional leader in next-generation digital payment infrastructure.
Beyon has submitted the master plan for its $1.5 billion Digital City Bahrain project to the national urban planning authority for formal review. The large-scale development will combine commercial, education, R&D, residential, and lifestyle infrastructure at Beyon’s Hamala headquarters. The project is positioned as a national model for smart, sustainable, and innovation-driven urban development.
MyGov’s latest update adds 14 new digital services, increasing the total to 111 since launch. The expansion includes consolidated utility bill payments, zakat and donation features, mosque and Ramadan listings, and enhanced digital health services. With over 640,000 downloads by October 2025, the app is becoming a central gateway for government services in Bahrain.
Batelco’s Share+ fills a major gap in event connectivity. By offering boosted performance to all users—not just its own customers—it positions the operator as a national enabler of digital experiences, and signals a future where network quality becomes an integral part of live entertainment.
Bahrain Marina’s collaboration with Batelco by Beyon showcases how major real estate projects in the Gulf are weaving telecom infrastructure into their core design. This move reinforces Bahrain’s digital-economy ambitions and sets a strong foundation for smart, sustainable waterfront living.
The MoU marks a strategic step toward unified railway capabilities across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. By investing in shared training and talent development, both countries are laying the groundwork for more efficient, integrated, and future-ready regional transport infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain signed nine agreements during the fourth Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council meeting in Manama, covering nuclear safety, taxation, education, investment, competition policy, sustainable development, transportation and the non-profit sector. The two Crown Princes reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation across key strategic areas, with the next meeting in Saudi Arabia.
NBB and Batelco by Beyon have signed an MoU to explore collaboration across their retail and loyalty ecosystems. The agreement focuses on aligning loyalty programmes, offering bundled services, and integrating digital platforms to deliver tailored customer experiences, supporting Bahrain’s wider goals for digital innovation and connected retail services.