Thales in talks to open Abu Dhabi AI research center, while Saudi Arabia pledges to invest $25B, open more embassies in Africa
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Thales in talks to open Abu Dhabi AI research center
- ADIA, CVC exploring stake in energy solution provider Aggreko
- DIFC, DLD launch region's first PropTech Hub to support 200 startups
- FAB, ADX, HSBC launch region's first blockchain-based bond
- G42's Inception launches AI procurement tool
- Saudi Arabia pledges to invest $25B, open more embassies in Africa
- $2.7B UK terminal project on hold, threatening Neom hydrogen export plans
- $3.2B dedicated cybersecurity and tech district to be launched
- E-commerce sales via Mada cards reaches $18.4B in Q1, up 56% YoY
- Acwa Power, Indonesia’s Danantara ink $10B green energy deal
- Ethiopia complete GERD mega dam
- Contracted LNG imports seen as unlikely to meet high summer demand
- PM selects new financial advisor, Suez Vice Chairman, in slew of new appointments
- Egypt sign $900M debt swap deal with Germany and Italy, first debt swap with China
- IMF to give govt more time to meet objectives of $8B loan package
- Microsoft exits Pakistan after 25-year local presence
- Tech sector contracts as global firms exit Pakistan
- Digital banking pilot delayed, with first accounts to open in August
- PM issues directive to double national digital payment targets
- Govt, Alibaba to partner on promoting exports globally
Other MENA+ Developments
- Iraq to re-tender Baghdad Metro
- India's Gamezop to set up regional HQ in Bahrain
- Nasdaq-listed DeFi Technologies opens in Dubai
- DP World acquires controlling stake in Canada’s NovaAlgoma
- ADX to list MENA’s inaugural digital bond with HSBC, FAB
Southeast Asia Developments
- Bitstamp granted MAS license, as Singapore orders crypto firms to register
- Indonesia, US to sign $34B investment deal ahead of tariff talks deadline
- Indonesia to reinstate electric two-wheeler incentives next month
- Philippine SEC to expand investment offerings, simplify regulatory transactions
- Grab says driver commission in line with 20% mandate despite driver criticism
India Developments
- ISRO transfers 10 key space technologies to domestic companies
- Yes Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank make up 60% of merchant UPI payments
- Reliance to spin off India consumer goods business
- Made-in-India faces growth uncertainty amidst reliance on incentives
- Aadhaar e-KYC authentications cross 2B in June, up 7.8%
