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 introduces the AI-powered Manara Robot at Mecca’s Grand Mosque to assist pilgrims with religious guidance in 11 languages during Hajj. The robot offers video access to Islamic scholars, integrates traditional design with modern tech, and is part of wider smart crowd management and robotics initiatives advancing Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia launches a national AI incubator to support 20 early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and technical partnerships. This initiative supports Vision 2030’s goal to diversify the economy and build a competitive AI ecosystem, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global technology leader.
Major funding rounds and strategic investments across MENA are boosting the tech startup ecosystem. Key sectors include fintech, immersive media, spacetech, AI, and quick-commerce. Notable deals feature Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, and Iraq startups. These investments drive regional innovation and align with economic goals like Saudi Vision 2030.
YASH Technologies joins the SAP PartnerEdge program in Saudi Arabia to accelerate enterprise digital transformation aligned with Vision 2030. Leveraging SAP platforms and global expertise, YASH will deliver industry-specific, scalable solutions supporting technology modernization and sustained growth across key sectors in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia demonstrates strides in AI-driven digital transformation and smart city projects at Expo 2025, reflecting Vision 2030’s technology ambitions.
AWS and HUMAIN’s $5 billion AI Zone investment in Saudi Arabia aims to accelerate generative AI adoption, boost digital skills training, and drive innovation aligned with Vision 2030.
Qualcomm and HUMAIN sign MoU to develop AI data centers and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, enhancing AI capabilities and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. This partnership also supports semiconductor technology development and training to build a robust ecosystem in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has secured partnerships with NVIDIA, AMD, Cisco, and AWS to build advanced AI infrastructure and boost its digital economy. These collaborations, aimed at deploying 500 megawatts of AI capacity, will drive innovation, enhance talent development, and position Saudi Arabia as a global AI leader aligned with Vision 2030.
Yaqoot by Zain KSA now enables visitors to Saudi Arabia to register their mobile SIM cards via the Ministry of Interior’s Absher app. This seamless digital solution eliminates the need for in-person registration, offering tourists and pilgrims a fully online experience for SIM activation and identity verification.
SDAIA has enhanced 11 international airports with advanced technology under the Makkah Route Initiative for 2025. This initiative uses AI and biometric registration to streamline pilgrims’ travel experience, ensuring smooth and efficient procedures. The upgrades align with Saudi Vision 2030’s Pilgrim Experience Program to improve Hajj services.