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 UAE Cyber Security Council has warned that illegal streaming and downloads pose serious cyber risks, including malware infections, data theft, and fraud. Through its Cyber Pulse campaign, the Council urged users to rely on trusted platforms, noting that over one million devices were compromised through piracy sites, and stressed that individual cyber awareness is key to digital safety.
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.
Group-IB and VAS have signed an MoU to expand cybersecurity cooperation in Saudi Arabia through joint market development, partner enablement, and awareness initiatives. The partnership leverages advanced threat intelligence and local expertise to strengthen digital resilience aligned with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals.
Kuwait’s central bank has introduced a new cyber and operational resilience framework to protect banks from rising digital threats. The maturity-based model strengthens governance, third-party risk management, and incident response while aligning the sector with global security and technology standards.
Oman’s Hadatha Hackathon showcased strong national cybersecurity talent, delivering practical, telecom-focused solutions aligned with real industry needs. With support from regulators and operators, many projects demonstrated commercial potential, reinforcing the role of local innovation in strengthening Oman’s digital security ecosystem.
Group-IB and VAS Integrated Solutions have signed an MoU to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across Saudi Arabia through channel-led expansion, joint market development, and partner enablement. The partnership will deliver advanced cyber threat and fraud intelligence, support awareness and training initiatives, and enhance national cybersecurity resilience in line with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming both innovation and cyber threats, according to speakers at the Oman AI Security Conference (AISEC) 2025, held in Muscat and inaugurated by Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali. Participants stressed that while AI capabilities are accelerating, so too are the sophistication and speed of cyberattacks.
Security experts warn that AI-powered cyberattacks are accelerating, with breaches now occurring in minutes rather than weeks. Speaking at the Oman AI Security Conference, industry leaders highlighted risks from data governance gaps, skills shortages, and post-quantum threats, calling for stronger talent development and adaptive national cybersecurity frameworks.
Saudi Arabia has launched a digital crime investigation system in Jeddah’s Al-Husayniyah district to streamline evidence collection and improve coordination between police and authorities. The initiative combines real-time digital tools with new property documentation requirements, aiming to accelerate investigations, enhance data accuracy, and strengthen public safety as part of wider law enforcement modernization.
Cisco is supporting Saudi Arabia’s AI and cloud transformation through local data centers, AI-ready infrastructure, advanced cybersecurity platforms, and large-scale skills development. By combining secure-by-design architectures with workforce upskilling and strategic partnerships, Cisco aims to help the Kingdom scale AI adoption while managing rising cyber risks.