Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
NowPay has raised $20 million to launch operations in Saudi Arabia through a new joint venture, NowAccess, with Tas’heel. The partnership brings payroll, earned wage access, and financial wellness solutions to the Kingdom, aligning with Vision 2030 and positioning NowPay at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s HR and fintech transformation.
SUDO has signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS to accelerate cloud adoption, AI integration, and legacy modernisation across Saudi Arabia. The partnership supports Vision 2030 by enabling public and private sector entities to build secure, scalable digital platforms and strengthen the Kingdom’s digital foundations.
Saudi Arabia’s Humain has secured a $1.2bn financing framework with the National Infrastructure Fund to build up to 250MW of AI data centre capacity. The move accelerates the Kingdom’s push to become a regional AI hub, backed by hyperscale infrastructure and institutional investment.
stc has been named the strongest brand in the Middle East and among the world’s top telecom brands by Brand Finance. The ranking reflects sustained investment in digital infrastructure, AI, and cloud services, reinforcing stc’s global stature and its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital ambitions.
Digital payments now account for 80% of all transactions in Saudi Arabia, according to Visa, as consumers rapidly move away from cash. Mobile payments alone represent 16%, driven by convenience, security, and Vision 2030 reforms that are embedding digital finance into everyday life.
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global AI leader, driven by unified strategy, rapid execution, and deep investment. OpenText executives say the Kingdom is moving faster than any government worldwide, with new infrastructure, education reforms, and workforce programs positioning Vision 2030 as a blueprint for AI-driven growth.
Tarasol has been accredited by Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority after meeting 66 national criteria for government correspondence systems. Selected among only nine platforms, it reflects NVSSoft’s decade-long role in public-sector operations, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s digital governance framework while advancing AI-enabled, compliant, and interoperable government services.
Aramco Digital’s 450MHz industrial network marks a major leap in Saudi Arabia’s industrial digitisation, enabling secure, resilient connectivity for mission-critical operations. With AI-enabled devices and nationwide reach, the platform will power industrial IoT, automation, and real-time monitoring across energy, logistics, utilities, and smart infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in developing Arabic language models in 2025, with over 53 models identified, according to a study by SDAIA and KSGAAL. The report highlights progress in Arabic AI capabilities, growing global interest, and a roadmap to strengthen Arabic’s presence in the global AI ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia recorded near-universal internet usage in 2025, with 99% of residents aged 15–74 online, according to GASTAT. Mobile access dominates, social media leads usage, e-government adoption exceeds 98%, and e-commerce continues to grow, driven by strong female participation.