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 launching SUSTAIN, an AI-powered national platform to connect government, business, investors, academia, and civil society. Developed with the World Economic Forum and Bain & Company, it aims to streamline partnerships, reduce fragmentation, and accelerate sustainable development, economic diversification, and long-term growth initiatives across the kingdom.
Mastercard has announced new partnerships with STC Bank in Saudi Arabia and MEPS in Jordan to expand digital and cross-border payments. The collaborations enable faster international transfers via Mastercard Move and introduce Click to Pay for e-commerce, strengthening secure, transparent, and frictionless payment experiences across both markets.
MENA startups raised over $250 million as fintech, health tech, data, and gaming ventures secured major rounds across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain. Despite a December slowdown, B2B, cybersecurity, and deeptech deals signaled strong regional momentum, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as the region’s leading startup hub.
OpenText has opened its Middle East regional headquarters in Riyadh, strengthening its role in Saudi Arabia’s AI and digital transformation agenda. Based in KAFD, the hub enables closer collaboration with governments and enterprises, supports data sovereignty needs, and delivers localized expertise for secure, enterprise-scale AI adoption across the region.
ITC Infotech has opened a Digital & AI Engineering Hub in Riyadh to mark 15 years in the Middle East. The facility will focus on digital engineering, AI, cloud, and automation, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 while building local talent and delivering advanced technology solutions from within the Kingdom.
WiseTech Global and Saudi digital leader Elm have signed an MoU to explore cloud-based logistics solutions tailored for Saudi Arabia. The partnership aims to automate operations, improve visibility, and support Vision 2030 by turning infrastructure investment into measurable efficiency across the Kingdom’s logistics ecosystem.
Aramco Digital is launching a national 450 MHz industrial communications network to deliver secure, reliable connectivity across Saudi Arabia. The initiative will support IIoT, automation, and critical infrastructure operations in line with Vision 2030.
A new national 450 MHz industrial network from Aramco Digital will provide secure, reliable connectivity for mission-critical operations across Saudi Arabia. Supporting advanced IIoT applications and rugged smart devices, the network is set to strengthen automation, efficiency, and industrial growth aligned with Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia ranks 44th globally in remote work readiness, driven by strong digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and Vision 2030 reforms. With the rising adoption of remote and hybrid work models, especially among women, the labor market is being reshaped, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in flexible employment.
SDAIA Academy has opened registration for a five-day quantum computing boot camp to build national capabilities, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on training as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital and human capital development goals.