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 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.
Saudi Arabia’s Absher platform processed more than 38 million electronic transactions in November, driven largely by digital identity services and document access. With over 28 million unified digital IDs issued, Absher continues to play a central role in advancing secure, integrated digital government services across the Kingdom.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s DASTAK digital service platform has won the APICTA ICT Award 2025 in the Digital Government & Citizen Services category, marking Pakistan’s first win in this category in 14 years. The platform was recognized for its innovation, scalability, use of advanced technologies, and measurable impact on citizen service delivery across the province.
At the Digital Government Forum 2025 in Riyadh, DGA Governor Eng. Ahmed Alsuwaiyan announced that Saudi Arabia ranks third globally and first regionally in digital government performance. Backed by Vision 2030, the Kingdom has evolved from digital transformation to AI-driven governance, achieving a Digital Content Efficiency Index score of 76.24%. The forum also recognized leading innovators through the Digital Government Award and GovJam Challenge, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s leadership in building a future-ready, human-centric digital government.