Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Khazna Data Centers has appointed Mohammed Bin Hassan as its Saudi Arabia Country Head and will develop up to 200 MW of AI-ready hyperscale data center capacity in Dammam. The expansion supports Vision 2030 by strengthening sovereign digital infrastructure, enabling cloud and AI workloads, and boosting sustainable, scalable data center growth in the Kingdom.
Zain KSA and KoçDigital have partnered to accelerate industrial digital transformation in Saudi Arabia through smart manufacturing solutions. The collaboration will leverage cloud, AI, Industrial IoT, and digital twin technologies to modernize factory operations, improve productivity, and support Saudi Vision 2030 by boosting sustainability and global industrial competitiveness.
Purity for Information Technology has renewed a SAR 10 million ($2.66 million) Shariah-compliant financing facility with Gulf International Bank, extending until November 2026. The funding will support operational costs and project execution. The renewal comes as the company reported a year-on-year profit decline of more than 21 percent for FY2025.
Qualcomm, Aramco, and RDIA have completed the first year of the DISAI accelerator program, supporting Saudi startups in AI, IoT, and wireless technologies. The program provided technical mentorship, commercialization guidance, and IP training, giving startups access to advanced platforms and global business opportunities. The initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for deep-tech innovation.
Riyadh Air and IBM are building the world’s first AI-native airline, eliminating legacy systems and using generative and agentic AI to transform operations, customer experience, and employee workflows. With 59 coordinated workstreams and over 60 partners, the airline is engineered for next-generation aviation and will begin commercial service in early 2026.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to build a high-speed rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha, with stops in Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The electric railway will reach speeds above 300 km/h and cut travel time between the capitals to around two hours. Expected to be completed within six years, the project aims to serve up to 10 million passengers annually and strengthen regional connectivity.
Gamez Quest enters Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing gaming ecosystem with a mission to elevate Arabic localisation through cultural expertise rather than translation alone. As global publishers look to MENA for expansion, the studio provides essential support to help games resonate authentically with regional audiences, strengthening the industry’s localisation infrastructure.
The MoU marks a strategic step toward unified railway capabilities across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. By investing in shared training and talent development, both countries are laying the groundwork for more efficient, integrated, and future-ready regional transport infrastructure.
At Black Hat MEA, Exabeam CEO Pete Harteveld highlighted how Saudi Vision 2030 is accelerating cybersecurity innovation and attracting global firms. Success in the Kingdom requires deep local partnerships, talent development, and AI-driven security augmentation. Exabeam’s rapid growth and new Riyadh Innovation Center reflect Saudi Arabia’s expanding cybersecurity ecosystem.
Rubrik has entered Saudi Arabia through a strategic partnership with Echelon Digital Group, delivering advanced data protection, cyber recovery, and compliance solutions across key sectors. The collaboration supports Vision 2030 goals around cybersecurity and digital sovereignty, helping enterprises strengthen resilience and advance secure digital transformation across the Kingdom and wider GCC.