The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recognized Saudi Arabia’s Digital Regulatory Academy (DRA) for its role in advancing digital capabilities globally. The DRA has contributed to the Telecommunications and Technology Assistance Project and trained over 900 individuals from 100+ countries, furthering the nation’s leadership in digital regulation and transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly close to taking a 10% stake in DAZN for US$1 billion. The sports streaming service, which has ties to Saudi sports, plans to break even this year after accumulating $5 billion in losses. DAZN also aims to acquire Foxtel for $2.2 billion.
Lenovo and Alat, a Saudi PIF company, have completed a $2 billion investment deal, establishing a regional headquarters and sustainable manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. This partnership will enhance Lenovo’s presence in the Middle East and Africa, support job creation, and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Huawei Cloud has been officially enrolled in Saudi Arabia’s EXPRO Cloud National Framework Agreement, enabling the provision of IaaS and PaaS solutions to government entities. This strategic collaboration will enhance the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts, improving operational efficiency while maintaining data sovereignty and security within the public sector.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a new version of the Nusuk portal, offering over 100 additional services to streamline Hajj and Umrah planning. This digital advancement aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience, with over 18.5 million pilgrims served in 2024 alone.
Newlab has expanded into Saudi Arabia with a strategic partnership to foster critical-tech startups. The new Riyadh hub, set to open in 2025, will support commercialization, offering essential infrastructure and innovation programs. The first program, The Mining Innovation Studio, focuses on tech solutions for challenges in the mining sector.
SAP has launched its Business Technology Platform (BTP) on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia for regulated customers. The collaboration supports digital transformation within government and critical infrastructure sectors, providing secure cloud solutions that align with Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative enhances performance and scalability while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Forty-six deep-tech startups graduated from the KACST Venture Program in Riyadh, representing sectors like energy, healthcare, and renewables. The program, backed by the National Technology Development Program, supports emerging technologies and aims to transform research into marketable products. The new phase will involve partnerships with Saudi universities.
Zension Technologies has raised $30 million in Series A funding, led by Wa’ed Ventures and Sumitomo Corporation. The investment will support Zaam, a subscription-based model for tech devices, offering flexibility and sustainability by promoting a circular economy. Zension aims to reduce e-waste while providing affordable tech upgrades to consumers.
Wa’ed Ventures and Sumitomo have invested $30 million in Zension Technologies, a Riyadh-based startup offering a tech subscription model. The new funding will help launch Zaam, a platform for tech subscriptions in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, aiming to extend device lifespans and reduce e-waste in the region.
