SpaceX successfully launches Space42’s Thuraya 4 satellite, while Riyadh Metro’s 6-line network now fully operational
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Arcapita-DgPays consortium completes $385M Neopay stake acquisition
- SpaceX successfully launches Space42’s Thuraya 4 satellite
- Mashreq gets 1st Pakistan license for digital retail bank operations
- Non-oil private sector growth accelerates to 9-month high
- DEWA taps Microsoft Copilot for GenAI integration
- Riyadh Metro’s 6-line network now fully operational
- Share of desalinated water supply rises to 50% in line with Vision 2030
- United International partners NowPay for new fintech company
- Banks’ time and savings deposits share of money supply hits 15-year high
- World Cup adds pressure to infrastructure growth needs
- Govt aims for mining to contribute 5-6% of GDP
- Nuclear program makes progress with new spent fuel storage facility
- E-voting, govt performance monitoring initiatives launched
- PM oversees IPO progress of state-owned firms
- Developers see 10-30% price increases this year
- MoITT partners Huawei to roll out youth ICT training portal
- 5G launch urged as internet disruptions cause $1.6B in losses
- Starlink says pending govt approval to launch services
- PTA seeks more bandwidth capacity to address VPN use, network disruptions
- PTA says submarine cable fault resolved
Other MENA+ Developments
- Kuwait faces internet disruptions following cable damage
- Oman eyes 30% smart factories by 2026 to boost industrial sector
- Oman launches National Human Genome and Data Program
- GCC population reaches 57.6M, with 62.4% males
- Audiomob chooses Abu Dhabi as MENA HQ
Southeast Asia Developments
- Indonesia to discuss $1B investment deal with Apple this week
- Chinese companies eye Johor-Singapore SEZ on enhanced connectivity
- Philippine M&A deals up 29.9% last year amid green energy push
- Philippines eases rules for e-money issuance to boost digital payments
- Vietnam vows EV drive as pollution levels surge in capital
India Developments
- Draft Digital Personal Data Protection rules unveiled for consultation
- Online platforms expected to remove personal user data after 3 years
- Govt plans major subsidies to boost EV infrastructure
- Startups saw improved financial performances in FY24 despite funding woes
- Gaming firms move SC to intervene on retroactive GST demands
