Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
UAE consumers are rapidly moving away from cash, with 68 percent now largely non-cash users, according to Visa. Everyday spending is dominated by cards and mobile payments, while cash lingers mainly in tips, remittances, and rent. Convenience, security, and rewards are accelerating the shift.
The UAE has introduced a far-reaching Child Digital Safety Law that applies to both local and foreign platforms targeting UAE users. With risk-based classification, age safeguards, and extraterritorial reach, the framework reshapes compliance for digital platforms and ISPs ahead of full enforcement in 2027.
An Egyptian-Emirati mobile cardiac hospital has arrived in Cairo, equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment units. The field hospital will deliver specialised heart care in underserved areas, strengthening emergency response and expanding access to critical services through cross-border healthcare cooperation.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber opened ADSW 2026 by framing AI as a transformative force dependent on energy. He warned of surging data centre demand, urged pragmatic growth, and positioned the UAE as a long-term leader balancing hydrocarbons with renewables, anchored by Masdar’s global clean energy legacy.
Zoho has launched its first UAE data centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of a AED100 million investment. The facilities enable local data hosting, strengthen data sovereignty, and support government and enterprise adoption of over 100 Zoho and ManageEngine cloud solutions, reinforcing the UAE’s digital transformation goals.
e& enterprise and Sergas have formed a strategic partnership to modernise energy operations through integrated digital platforms. The collaboration introduces a next-generation security operations centre, unified customer communications, and an AI-driven contact centre to enhance cybersecurity, efficiency, service reliability, and customer experience across Sergas’ energy services.
The UAE Child Digital Safety Law introduces a comprehensive framework regulating digital platforms and ISPs to protect minors online, with strict requirements on age verification, data protection, content controls, and parental safeguards. The law applies broadly, including to platforms targeting UAE users from abroad, and signals stronger regulatory oversight of child digital safety.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has implemented 15 projects under the Zero Bureaucracy Government Program to deliver proactive, integrated, and AI-enabled services. The initiatives streamline procedures, reduce duplication, and enhance customer experience across identity, residency, investment, travel, and border services.
Orange Jordan closed 2025 with major advances in network expansion, digital services, data centers, financial inclusion, and skills development, reinforcing its role as a responsible digital leader supporting Jordan’s digital transformation through innovation, sustainability, and strong community engagement.
The UAE Cyber Security Council has warned that illegal streaming and downloads pose serious cyber risks, including malware infections, data theft, and fraud. Through its Cyber Pulse campaign, the Council urged users to rely on trusted platforms, noting that over one million devices were compromised through piracy sites, and stressed that individual cyber awareness is key to digital safety.