Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
ByteBridge has partnered with Naizak to form a Saudi-based data center joint venture focused on hyperscale and AI-driven growth. The move supports Vision 2030 by attracting investment and boosting digital infrastructure. ByteBridge also signed an MoU with South Korea’s FuriosaAI for AI-focused collaboration.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce spending via mada cards surged 79% in July to $7.96B, with online transactions up 65%. Driven by a youthful population, near-universal connectivity, and policy reforms, the Kingdom’s cashless economy is accelerating under Vision 2030, supported by tokenized wallets, Google Pay’s launch, and frictionless digital checkouts.
Saudi Arabia has unveiled new digital payment initiatives with Ant International, Google Pay, and Thunes. Key moves include cross-border QR payments via Alipay+ in 2026, Google Pay integration with the mada system, and real-time remittance services through barq and Thunes, advancing Vision 2030 goals of inclusivity and financial innovation.
Visa has launched the world’s first locally hosted Visa Acceptance Platform in Saudi Arabia, enabling faster, more secure digital payments. Supporting mada and digital wallets, the move aligns with SAMA regulations and Vision 2030, helping merchants boost efficiency, approval rates, and customer experience in the Kingdom’s cashless economy.
Pakistan’s SAPM on Digital Media Fahd Haroon met Saudi envoy Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki to discuss cooperation on Vision 2030, digital media, and innovation. Both sides reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in digital transformation and media strategies.
Egypt has unveiled its National Narrative for Economic Development, targeting 7% annual growth and greater private sector participation by 2030. The framework builds on the 2022 State Ownership Policy, focusing on competitiveness, green transition, high-productivity sectors, and restructuring state economic roles to strengthen long-term growth and job creation.
Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector is evolving from price and infrastructure competition to a customer experience-driven model. A New Metrics survey reveals STC’s strong market lead, but also highlights service quality, fair pricing, and trust as the key loyalty drivers. Digital adoption is strong, yet branches remain vital, underscoring the need for seamless hybrid experiences.
Saudi Arabia’s telecom providers are shifting their focus from infrastructure and pricing to customer experience. A New Metrics survey shows service quality, reliability, and trust as key loyalty drivers, while poor coverage and pricing trigger churn. Seamless integration of digital and physical channels will define future market leadership.
Fitting, a Saudi construction-tech startup, has raised $500,000 in pre-seed funding to digitize the Kingdom’s construction supply chain. The company will scale operations, strengthen partnerships, and position itself as a key enabler of Vision 2030 projects by connecting suppliers, developers, and retailers through its digital marketplace.
Saudi Arabia has launched its first drone delivery trial for postal parcels, in partnership with GACA and TGA. The initiative aims to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce delivery times, and advance digital transformation under Vision 2030, marking a key milestone in the Kingdom’s adoption of innovative transport solutions.