Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The UAE has announced it will host the Ai Everything Global Summit & Expo in 2026, solidifying its position as a leader in AI. The summit aims to accelerate AI adoption, foster global collaborations, and contribute to the UAE’s vision of becoming the world’s first fully AI-powered government.
Space42 has successfully launched the Thuraya 4 satellite, marking a key milestone in enhancing its mobile satellite services. The satellite, launched with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, expands coverage across the MENA region, boosting secure connectivity and satellite solutions for defense, government, and enterprise sectors, aligning with the UAE’s Space Strategy 2030.
e& has partnered with DE-CIX to create a major interconnection hub in the UAE, connecting SmartHub IX data centers to DE-CIX’s global network. This collaboration aims to enhance the Middle East’s digital infrastructure, providing low-latency connectivity and boosting the region’s position as a key interconnection ecosystem.
The UAE and the World Economic Forum have launched the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP) during the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting. GRIP aims to develop human-centered legislation to address technological advancements, foster international collaboration, and build a global network for regulatory innovation, positioning the UAE as a hub for legislative expertise.
Oracle is significantly expanding its cloud and AI infrastructure in the UAE to meet the region’s rapidly growing demand for digital transformation. The company is increasing its capacity in Abu Dhabi, adding GPUs to its data centers, and focusing on sovereign cloud solutions, including its Alloy platform, for government and public sector clients.
UAEU has successfully launched its first satellite, “Al Ain Sat-1,” marking a historic achievement in space exploration. Developed in collaboration with the IEEE and GRSS, the satellite enhances remote sensing capabilities and supports sustainable development. The project also empowers students to develop small satellites and foster international collaboration.
Microsoft is expanding its presence in the UAE with the launch of an Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi. This move strengthens its commitment to innovation in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity. The center will foster tech talent, support economic growth, and contribute to global technological advancements.
Dubai has launched the Creators HQ at Emirates Towers, supported by an AED 150 million ($40.8 million) Content Creators Support Fund, to attract 10,000 influencers. The initiative, unveiled during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, offers comprehensive services to creators, including UAE Golden Visa support, training, and strategic partnerships with Meta.
du and Huawei have launched the Youth Digital Pioneers Program to equip young people in the UAE with cutting-edge digital skills. The program includes immersive training in technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and the Metaverse, preparing participants for future careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Checkout.com has partnered with noqodi to enhance digital payments in the UAE. The integration will simplify payment processes, improve transaction efficiency, and offer secure payment solutions. The partnership aims to support businesses and government entities by providing a wider range of payment methods and accelerating transaction processing.