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 will introduce an AI curriculum to over six million public school students in 2025–2026, aligning with Vision 2030 goals to build a knowledge-based society. The program, supported by SDAIA, includes global training, ethical AI guidelines, scholarships, and academies to prepare a future generation of AI leaders.
Saudi Arabia has launched Humain Chat, its first Arabic AI app powered by the ALLAM 34B model built locally by Saudi experts. Available on mobile and web, the culturally attuned platform serves 350 million Arabic speakers worldwide, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s ambition to lead AI innovation.
Saudi Arabia and Syria are rapidly expanding economic ties after hosting the Saudi-Syrian Partnership and Investment Forum in Jeddah. With trade expected to hit SR2 billion in 2025 and investment agreements surging to SR24 billion, both nations are deepening cooperation in reconstruction, real estate, and key growth sectors.
Kammelna’s $53M funding marks a major boost for Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions. With over 6M downloads and 1M monthly users, the studio will now scale its culturally inspired portfolio under Vision 2030, as Impact46 positions it as a flagship for Saudi talent, digital culture, and global expansion.
Saudi’s Gathern raised $72M in Series B funding led by PIF-owned Sanabil Investments, reaching a $266M valuation. The platform manages 72,000 units across 200+ Saudi cities, contributing SAR 2B to the local economy. The funds will drive regional expansion, inbound tourism, long-term stays, and AI solutions, with a Tadawul listing on the horizon.
Saudi Arabia has launched the Nusuk Umrah digital platform, enabling international pilgrims to apply directly for visas and book travel services online. Available in seven languages, the service supports Vision 2030 goals of boosting religious tourism, enhancing service quality, and expanding access for Muslims worldwide.
Tech Mahindra has established a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia to oversee its Bahrain and Egypt operations. The move complements Pininfarina’s acquisition of Signature S.r.l. and comes amid strong Q1 results with a 34% profit rise, $809 million in deal wins, and steady workforce growth.
Saudi Arabia participated in the 31st GCC Post and Telecommunications Undersecretaries Meeting, where member states agreed on measures to boost cooperation, review sectoral work plans, and address new technologies including AI. The session built consensus on recommendations to advance the region’s telecom and postal services.
Saudi youth teams at the EmpowerME Hackathon proposed AI-powered sustainability solutions, from café water reuse and mycelium packaging to loyalty-points tree planting. Organized by Starbucks Foundation, Alshaya Group, and INJAZ Al-Arab, the event aligned with Vision 2030 and showcased youth-led innovation for greener communities.
Lenovo has appointed a new Saudi leadership team and confirmed its RHQ in Riyadh’s Al Majdoul Tower. Backed by its partnership with ALAT and a new 200,000 sqm manufacturing site, Lenovo will drive growth in line with Vision 2030, with initiatives projected to add USD 10 billion to non-oil GDP by 2030.