Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan has launched its e-Passport, offering advanced security, biometric features, and ICAO-aligned digital verification, with no extra fees compared to traditional passports. Available from September 1, 2025, via online portals and the Sanad app, the initiative marks a milestone in Jordan’s digital transformation strategy.
Qatar’s MCIT and GTA have released a white paper on the Dhareeba portal, highlighting efficiency gains and time savings since its 2020 launch. The platform simplifies tax services and supports Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030, reinforcing the country’s vision of becoming a global leader in digital governance.
Saudi Arabia’s Digital Experience Maturity Index scores 86.71% in 2025, earning an “advanced” rating and showcasing growth, user satisfaction, and inclusion. The Kingdom leads the region in digital government innovation and service maturity.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior won a digital award for its AI-powered addiction recovery app, reflecting the country’s commitment to innovative government services. The app helps understand behavioral factors to improve recovery outcomes through advanced AI analysis.
Pakistan to launch a unified digital platform integrating government services nationwide, enabling citizens to access public services online with biometric and mobile verification, scheduled for August 2025.
Oman has improved its ranking in the 2024 GEMS Index, increasing its score to 72%, up from 66% in 2023. The country saw significant progress across key pillars of digital government, including service availability, satisfaction, and mobile platform improvements, though a digital divide still exists in the region.
Morocco has been classified with medium maturity in the 2025 ESCWA Maturity Index for electronic and mobile government services. The report shows Morocco’s digital infrastructure is expanding, but improvements are needed in service development, user satisfaction, and enhancing public access, especially compared to regional leaders like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The ESCWA’s 2024 GEMS report shows improving digital government services in 17 Arab countries, with Saudi Arabia and UAE leading. The regional average score rose to 45% from 43% in 2023. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in sectors like health and tourism, as some countries lag behind.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement has partnered with Microsoft and G42 to launch a sovereign cloud system aimed at improving government service efficiency. The collaboration will help Abu Dhabi become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027, supported by a substantial investment in AI-driven digital infrastructure.
Sri Lanka’s ‘GovPay’ digital platform, launching on February 7, will streamline government payments by allowing citizens to pay for services via fintech apps or online banking. Initially integrating 16 institutions, the platform aims for full implementation by April 2025, enhancing efficiency in government revenue collection.