Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Katonic AI and AqlanX have launched the Gulf region’s first sovereign AI Centre of Excellence, enabling the UAE to develop and deploy AI models entirely within national infrastructure. Backed by UOWD, Lakeba and DoxAI, the initiative supports the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 and strengthens national control over data, research, commercialisation and next-generation innovation.
du has marked the strong uptake of its Cloud Miner service and announced a second auction hosted on Online Auction. With high engagement from crypto-interested residents, the service continues to democratize access to Bitcoin mining through secure, telco-backed infrastructure. The new auction expands compute availability and reinforces growing demand for regulated digital asset participation in the UAE.
This expansion boosts the UAE’s sovereign AI and cloud infrastructure, supports national digital economy goals, and creates new opportunities in high-tech skills and innovation, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional digital leader.
The UAE inaugurated the 45th GITEX Global in Dubai, featuring over 6,800 companies and 2,000 startups from 180 nations. The event focuses on AI, IoT, and digital governance, showcasing China’s growing tech presence and the UAE’s leadership in global innovation.
Core42’s deployment of GPT-OSS models through Compass API gives UAE organizations sovereign AI infrastructure with unmatched performance, scalability, and affordability. With local hosting, high-speed processing, hardware flexibility, and lower costs, businesses and developers can build sector-specific AI systems while ensuring compliance and innovation at global standards.
ZTE and e& UAE have successfully completed a 5G private network Proof-of-Concept trial covering multi-band frequencies in the UAE. The trial validated technologies supporting real-time industrial applications like video streaming and intelligent alerts, reinforcing the partners’ commitment to accelerating digital transformation and fostering smart, sustainable industries across the region.
e& has launched an AI-powered, autonomous drone system for telecom tower inspections in the UAE. The system enhances safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability by using real-time data analytics, AI, and autonomous flight capabilities. It supports proactive maintenance, improving tower longevity and contributing to the UAE’s smart city ambitions.
Baidu is in talks with UAE authorities to launch its driverless ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, in Dubai. The tests could begin in the first half of the year. This marks a significant step in Baidu’s expansion into the Middle East and the autonomous vehicle sector.
KPMG’s Unlocking Government’s Technology Future report highlights the UAE’s leadership in digital transformation, with a focus on AI and emerging technologies. The report reveals challenges in AI adoption, including trust and talent shortages, while emphasizing the importance of government action in enabling AI growth and ensuring successful, transparent implementation.
Synergy University Dubai has launched two advanced IT programs to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the UAE’s digital economy. The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technologies and the Master of Science in Applied Informatics aim to equip students with the skills needed for the digital transformation.