Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
du Pay and talabat launched a UAE-first digital wallet for delivery riders, offering instant salary payments, bill payments, remittances, and mobile top-ups through a secure, Central Bank-licensed system, enhancing financial inclusion and convenience for gig workers.
Digital transactions in the UAE have exceeded $60 billion in 2025, driving a nationwide shift toward e-commerce. Companies like Blue Ocean Global Group are transforming their operations to become tech-enabled distribution hubs, embracing AI, automation, and data analytics to stay ahead in a rapidly digitizing economy.
ZTE and e& signed two major MoUs at GITEX Global 2025 to co-develop 5G private networks for smart cities and advance renewable energy innovation. The partnership supports UAE’s sustainability vision through AI-driven telecom infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, and next-generation connectivity across industries.
du and DE-CIX have achieved a record 1 Tbit/s traffic milestone on UAE-IX, the Middle East’s largest Internet Exchange. Hosted on du’s datamena platform, the IX connects over 110 networks and drives regional data efficiency by keeping traffic local. The achievement, announced at GITEX Global 2025, underscores UAE-IX’s growing role as a digital backbone for the UAE and wider Middle East, supporting innovation, cybersecurity, and cloud-driven transformation.
The Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre – Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) has signed an MoU with e& UAE to advance digital transformation and crisis readiness. The partnership focuses on cloud hosting, IoT, big data analytics, and cybersecurity, aiming to build a robust crisis management ecosystem supported by national talent development. Through advanced 5G and secure communication systems, the collaboration will enhance Abu Dhabi’s ability to maintain critical operations and real-time coordination during emergencies.
The UAE, in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi, achieved 145 Gbps in its first 6G Terahertz test, marking the Middle East’s fastest recorded throughput. The pilot validates THz frequencies for 6G and strengthens the UAE’s role in global standardization and next-generation telecom innovation.
InfraX, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, has partnered with MEA-Comm to accelerate industrial IoT and smart city innovation in the UAE. The collaboration focuses on AI, edge computing, and digital twin solutions to enhance automation, operational efficiency, and sustainable Industry 4.0 growth.
Space42 has signed MoUs with e& UAE and South Korea’s A2Z to strengthen the UAE’s autonomous mobility ecosystem. The partnerships will drive V2X deployment, Level-4 autonomy, and innovation hubs in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader in intelligent and connected transportation.
AMD and UAE-based Kerno have launched a “Made in the Emirates” initiative to co-develop AMD-powered AI and cloud infrastructure solutions locally. The collaboration will establish a testing lab and potentially an AI competency center in the UAE, reinforcing the country’s role as a regional hub for advanced computing and enterprise innovation.
AWS and e& have launched the “AI Nation – Afaaq” programme to train 30,000 UAE professionals in AI and cloud technologies, advancing national digital transformation and addressing the region’s AI skills gap.