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 is emerging as one of the world’s most advanced markets for AI investment, with a 160% increase in AI spending and high readiness for large-scale implementation. Driven by Vision 2030, Saudi organisations are strengthening their data strategies, adopting unified observability platforms, and embracing open standards like OpenTelemetry to accelerate automation and performance excellence across industries.
Deloitte and KAUST have joined forces to accelerate AI research, education, and commercialization in Saudi Arabia, aligning global expertise with Vision 2030’s goals for innovation, sustainability, and human capital development.
Commvault has appointed Dr. Mazen Abduljabbar as Country Manager for Saudi Arabia to strengthen its leadership in data protection and cyber resilience amid the Kingdom’s accelerating digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed two MoUs to collaborate on youth development in IT and sports, while exploring new trade and investment opportunities under Vision 2030.
Lenovo has begun building its Middle East and Africa headquarters at Riyadh’s Majdoul Tower, reinforcing its commitment to Vision 2030. The project complements Lenovo’s partnership with PIF-owned ALAT, which includes a new manufacturing facility and R&D initiatives aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional technology powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al-Swaha and Bahrain’s Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa met in Kuwait to enhance cooperation in AI, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, reinforcing GCC efforts to build an integrated regional digital economy.
The launch underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a regional AI powerhouse, with the new diploma directly supporting national goals to train 20,000 AI specialists over the next five years.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce market is projected to hit $708.7 billion by 2033, driven by AI, digital payments, and a tech-savvy youth population. Mobile commerce, social media sales, and fintech innovation are fueling double-digit annual growth under Vision 2030, making the Kingdom a digital retail powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia leads the region in cross-channel shopping, with 34% of consumers blending online and in-store experiences. Visa’s latest study highlights the Kingdom’s advanced digital infrastructure, strong mobile commerce adoption, and growing preference for secure, seamless payment options.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are deepening their partnership in AI, digital infrastructure, and talent development through the launch of GO AI Hub Pakistan. The initiative, led by GO Telecommunications Group and Pakistan’s IT ministry, will promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and cross-border digital collaboration between the two nations.