Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia has launched a digital guide to streamline coastal tourism regulations, starting with yachting activities. The platform centralizes requirements, improves transparency for tourists and investors, and supports sustainable tourism growth under Vision 2030.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has implemented 15 projects under the Zero Bureaucracy Government Program to deliver proactive, integrated, and AI-enabled services. The initiatives streamline procedures, reduce duplication, and enhance customer experience across identity, residency, investment, travel, and border services.
Saudi Arabia ranked second globally in the World Bank’s 2025 GovTech Maturity Index with a score of 99.64%. Strong results across digital systems, service delivery, and citizen engagement highlight the Kingdom’s rapid digital government transformation aligned with Vision 2030.
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.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt achieved Category A status in the World Bank’s 2025 GovTech Maturity Index, ranking second and 22nd globally, respectively. Driven by Vision 2030 and Digital Egypt initiatives, both countries demonstrated major advances in digital service delivery, automation, and citizen engagement, underscoring rapid progress in regional digital governance.
Algeria’s ARPCE has launched the e-Services digital platform to move administrative procedures online for the postal and electronic communications sectors. The portal allows remote submission and tracking of requests, improving efficiency, transparency, and data security while supporting the country’s broader public sector digital transformation efforts.
Sri Lanka is advancing its digital economy strategy while responding to Cyclone Ditwah by using GovPay to streamline disaster relief donations and launching a global support portal. Despite major damage to telecom infrastructure, satellite connectivity and coordinated recovery efforts have highlighted the resilience and importance of digital systems during crises.
Saudi Arabia has achieved a 99% rating in security technology, ranking among the world’s top countries, according to the CEO of the Quality of Life Program. Advanced digital security systems, rapid emergency response, and smart public services have significantly improved safety, efficiency, and quality of life across the Kingdom.
Egypt ranked 22nd globally in the World Bank’s 2025 Digital Government Index, jumping 47 places from 2022. Strong gains across automation, service delivery, citizen engagement, and digital enablers reflect the impact of the Digital Egypt strategy and sustained investment in skills, infrastructure, and govtech innovation.
Bahrain is introducing a digital system to manage and pre-approve mobile food truck locations, allowing operators to reserve designated sites online. The initiative sets clear zoning, safety, and operating rules to regulate food trucks while improving oversight and organisation across the kingdom.Bahrain is introducing a digital system to manage and pre-approve mobile food truck locations, allowing operators to reserve designated sites online. The initiative sets clear zoning, safety, and operating rules to regulate food trucks while improving oversight and organisation across the kingdom.