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’s Squadio raises $3 million to enhance its AI-powered global hiring platform, connecting over 55,000 vetted tech professionals with companies across MENA, Africa, and Silicon Valley.
COLABS has expanded into Saudi Arabia with a new flagship site in Riyadh through a partnership with Waseel Investment and renewed support from Shorooq. The move, aligned with Vision 2030, aims to foster entrepreneurship, creative collaboration, and cross-border investment between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Arab National Bank’s TeleMoney has partnered with Mastercard to enhance cross-border payments through Mastercard Move, enabling transfers to over 160 countries in 150 currencies. The collaboration supports Vision 2030’s digital finance goals amid a 15% rise in remittances, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a fintech leader.
HP has launched its first manufacturing facility in Riyadh and an AI R&D Center in Dhahran to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The dual investment will enhance local production, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate AI innovation across key sectors. It also underscores HP’s commitment to developing Saudi talent, promoting digital inclusion, and positioning the Kingdom as a hub for regional innovation.
Etihad Salam has partnered with AFR-IX Telecom to connect Saudi Arabia to the Medusa Submarine Cable System via Aqaba, Jordan. The deal establishes Saudi Arabia as a key interconnection hub between Europe, Africa, and Asia, enhancing digital capacity and supporting Vision 2030 goals. The 8,760 km Medusa cable delivers up to 480 Tbps of bandwidth, enabling faster, more resilient data transfer across continents.
Saudi Arabia is investing $7 billion in a landmark high-speed rail project linking Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. The 1,500 km “Land Bridge” will cut travel time between Riyadh and Jeddah to under four hours and expand the national network to over 8,000 km. The initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and includes hydrogen-powered trains, a luxury “Dream of the Desert” route, and new freight corridors, cementing the Kingdom’s role as a regional transport hub.
TeleMoney, the international remittance arm of Arab National Bank, has partnered with Mastercard to enable seamless global money transfers via Mastercard Move. The partnership supports Saudi Vision 2030 and meets the rising demand for digital remittance solutions. With coverage in over 160 countries and 150 currencies, the collaboration underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a major hub for digital finance and expatriate remittances.
Saudi Arabia has achieved a 79% cashless transaction rate in 2024, surpassing its 2025 target early. With 280 fintech companies now active, SAMA’s reforms and Vision 2030 programs are driving financial innovation, inclusion, and resilience — positioning the Kingdom as a leading global fintech hub.
Saudi Esports Federation has signed an MoU with Riot Games to develop Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem through tournaments, education, and community programs. Backed by Vision 2030 and PIF initiatives, the partnership strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global esports hub.
Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecommunications Group has launched its first AI Hub in Islamabad to strengthen Saudi-Pakistan cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The initiative will enable Pakistani freelancers to work remotely with Saudi firms and pave the way for major data and cybersecurity investments.