Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Absher, Saudi Arabia’s multifaceted digital platform, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s digital transformation aligned with Vision 2030. It enhances public service accessibility and drives financial inclusion through digital identity services, significantly impacting daily transactions and government interactions.
Saudi Arabia launches the “One Million Saudi in AI” initiative, aiming to educate one million citizens about AI. Announced at the GAIN Summit 2024, this program focuses on integrating AI into business and daily life, promoting safe and ethical AI usage.
Aramco Digital and Accenture have partnered to enhance AI skills across Saudi Arabia’s workforce, aligning with Vision 2030 to transform the nation into a leading global hub for AI and digital innovation.
Barq, a Saudi fintech leader, has partnered with Mastercard to enhance payment solutions in the Kingdom. Leveraging Mastercard Gateway, the collaboration aims to provide businesses and consumers with secure, efficient, and innovative payment systems, boosting fraud prevention and processing efficiency for Barq’s customers.
The 4th Digital Technology Forum, under the patronage of Eng. Abdullah Amer Al-Swaha, will take place on October 9th in Riyadh. Focusing on “Synergizing for a Sustainable Digital Future,” the event will explore tech investments, regulatory collaboration, and digital infrastructure, bringing together leaders and innovators to shape the future of technology.
Abdullah Hakeem, a 25-year-old Saudi innovator and KFUPM graduate, is shaping Saudi Arabia’s tech industry. From developing a popular WhatsApp bot to joining the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), Hakeem is committed to advancing AI and digital transformation, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Bupa Arabia’s new AI-driven Digital Clinic provides accessible healthcare services through smartphones, aiming to keep users healthy while improving the company’s efficiency. The service uses AI to track health data and predict risks, offering virtual consultations, checkups, and medication delivery to patients with chronic conditions.
Saudi Arabia led the GCC digital entertainment sector in 2022, securing 58% of the region’s revenues, with $2.1 billion. The kingdom’s video game market grew significantly, reaching $1.75 billion, driven by mobile gaming. Saudi Arabia is also advancing its digital transformation, hosting major events like the 2024 Esports World Cup.
New research by Strategy& Middle East reveals that Generative AI could significantly transform key sectors in Saudi Arabia, such as telecom, media, and technology, driving substantial profit margin increases by 2028. Early adopters of GenAI stand to gain a decisive competitive edge through innovation and operational efficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by government support and digital innovation. The sector is projected to reach €12.222 billion by 2023, with significant contributions from SMEs. This expansion aligns with the country’s broader economic transformation goals, positioning Saudi businesses as key players in the global digital marketplace.