OpenAI runs AI model inference locally in UAE, Saudi digital experience maturity rises to 87%, Uber eyes Kuwait entry, Thai competition commission plans targeted ride-hailing and delivery platform regs, India to promote micro-cap listings
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- UAE becomes one of three markets where OpenAI runs AI model inference locally
- Space42 partners Leonardo to integrate defense systems into satellite comms
- Abu Dhabi conducts second field trials for autonomous vessels
- UAE seeks enhanced BRICS financial cooperation
- New telecom rules introduced, covering network resilience, roaming, subscriber protection
- Govt tenders under local content rules grow to $16.8B in Q2
- Chipotle to make Saudi debut this month
- Cabinet ratifies UN Convention in boost for cross-border digital transactions
- barq, Riyadh Air partner to develop airlines payment tech
- Digital experience maturity rises to 87%, topped by Absher platform
- Egypt raises renewables target to 45% share of generation by 2028
- MCIT launches Responsible AI Cup 2.0
- SCZone, Arab Organization for Industrialization get new chiefs
- Egyptian pushes for fairer global financial system at BRICS meeting
- Egypt launches bid round for energy exploration in 14 areas
- Pakistan will no longer receive automatic GSP Plus extension from 2027
- National AI Advancement Initiative to get new equipment
- Agro Processors & Atmospheric Gases gets SECP IPO approval
- Pakistan now has 80 companies in MSCI Frontier Market Small Cap Index
- Pakistan to launch free tech institution Daanish University
Other MENA+ Developments
- Uber plans entry into Kuwait
- Oman to develop four industrial cities under 2026-30 plan
- Qatar-backed Rasmal Ventures invests in payments operating system firm Yuno
- Ericsson, Zain Jordan explore new 5G revenue streams with BSS upgrades
- stc pay Bahrain integrates eKey 2.0
Southeast Asia Developments
- Thai competition commission plans targeted ride-hailing, delivery platform regulations
- Starlink begins accepting orders for Vietnam satellite internet service
- Vietnam launches Haiphong free trade zone for semiconductor investments
- U Mobile, OpenAI working to add AI applications across telecom services
- Indonesia's retailers criticize plans to delay e-commerce tax collection
India Developments
- SEBI to introduce easier rules to promote micro-cap listings
- Parliament committee calls for govt to ensure UPI is financially self-reliant
- NBFC Jio Credit becomes Bank of America JV in $1.9B deal
- Odisha ups chips, renewables incentives
- Samsung opens India HVAC manufacturing facility to support AI data center demand
