Aani reaches 12.5M users, SAR introduces 5 new logistics routes, SDAIA joins Global Privacy Assembly, Thailand plans investment omnibus law, Indian data center market to hit $22B by 2030
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- 12.5M users now on national instant payments platform Aani
- Dubai SME launches new entrepreneurship program for youth
- ADX-listed companies record 17% surge in profits to $54.5B in 2025
- UAE plans microgrids across federal buildings
- Banks remain resilient amid central bank support measures
- Digital payments made up 85% of total retail share last year, up from 79%
- Crypto market to reach $47.8B by 2034
- SAR introduces 5 new logistics routes to boost Gulf ports connectivity
- Full operational capacity of East-West crude pipeline restored
- Expat remittances reach 15-month low in February
- China’s Henan Zhongfu to develop $2B aluminium plant in SCZONE
- Energy subsidy allocation reduced by 20% in FY26/27 budget
- BP makes new offshore gas discovery
- Annual inflation rate rises to 13.5% on food, transport price hikes
- Opella Egypt to boost investments, local production
- Pakistan operationalizes new transit corridor with Iran
- $36B power debt refinancing plan put on hold due to funding woes
- Services exports up 18.4% in FY26 driven by IT sector growth
- First lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant set to launch
- Saudi, Qatar funding to ease external financing pressure
Other MENA+ Developments
- SDAIA joins Global Privacy Assembly to bolster data protection
- World Bank sees cascading impact on global economy from Middle East war
- War stalls Lebanon's debt restructuring and economic reform
- UAE to host 2029 IMF, World Bank annual meetings
- India steps up engagement with GCC to address disruptions
Southeast Asia Developments
- Food, transport prices across region surge due to Iran war
- Thailand plans omnibus law as part of investment overhaul
- Singapore stocks set to reclaim new highs amid safe haven appeal
- Philippines plans new transport subsidies to ease price pressures
- Vingroup starts work on first bullet train linking Vietnamese cities
India Developments
- Data center market seen hitting $22B by 2030
- High inventory costs, fashion trends impacting q-commerce model
- Large AI firms seen to be outcompeting small startups for funding
- Zerodha expanding ‘Coin’ platform into wealth management hub
- MeitY may allow users, social media firms to participate in content-blocking hearings
