Dubai announces $272M economic support package, KSA service exports surge, Qatar permits lenders to grant loan payment deferrals, Indonesia probes Meta, Google over new social media rules, India considers making advisories legally binding for major tech firms
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Dubai announces $272M economic support package
- Sharjah sets up space complex, launches SharjahSat 2 into orbit
- UAE emerges as fastest-growing market for AI-related hiring
- ADGM sees 36% surge in AUM in 10 years of operations
- Dubai RTA launches robotaxis in 2 areas via Uber, Apollo Go
- TGA rolls out new Riyadh route for autonomous vehicles
- Jahez continues to be profitable as GMV grows 10.8% in FY2025
- 38 new mining licenses issued last month amid diversification push
- CST GameMode Report shows improvement in gaming internet quality
- Value of service exports surged 17% in Q4 last year
- Egypt and Cyprus ink gas cooperation deal
- CBE implements remote work at head office departments
- Mobile app for real estate tax services to be rolled out in 2 weeks
- Damietta Port introduces new transit service connecting Europe to Gulf
- Egypt seeks more Indian investments in renewables, pharma, manufacturing
- 24,000 mobile phones to facilitate app-based fuel subsidy system
- Rising unemployment drives youth to earn through gaming
- Foreign minister to make China visit amid lack of clarity on Iran-US talks
- Govt scraps lockdown plans in favor of energy austerity measures
- Taxes, weak internet infrastructure threaten IT exports growth
Other MENA+ Developments
- IEA rolls out tracker for energy policy updates
- Libya announces full resumption of oil production at two major sites
- Qatar’s data center market expected to hit $1B+ by 2034
- Qatar permits lenders to grant loan payment deferrals
- More consumers leverage AI to guide purchases but trust remains limited
Southeast Asia Developments
- SEA companies lose over $200B in market value amid Iran war
- Microsoft plans $1B investment in Thailand to expand AI, cloud services
- Indonesia probes Meta, Google for non-compliance with new social media rules
- Grab unveils driver support package, hikes fuel surcharge in Singapore
- Malaysia lifts 2026 growth forecast, expects limited war impact
India Developments
- India considers making advisories legally binding for major tech firms
- Govt speeds up commissioning of renewables plants amid gas supply disruptions
- Q-commerce seeks to expand beyond groceries, but scaling doubts remain
- Draft amendment to IT Rules may tighten social media scrutiny
- R&D spending slows as businesses prioritize profitability push
