UAE's DEWA adopts Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork, Riyadh Air to launch first commercial flights on July 1, GCC and UK ink trade deal, Vietnam issues new AI regulations, Tencent re-enters India gaming market
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- DEWA becomes first govt entity to adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork
- Space42 High-Altitude Platform System program advances into active flight testing
- ADGM-regulated Universal launches USDU stablecoin on Changer.ae
- New UAE oil pipeline bypassing Hormuz reaches 50% completion, to open in 2027
- Digital bank Zand inks partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone
- New flag carrier Riyadh Air to launch first commercial flights on July 1
- March crude exports drop to lowest on record
- PIF considers selling up to 25% of Newcastle stake
- Sahm app reaches 2M users, plans to add more investment products
- Restaurant body to integrate Tabsense AI POS tech across 6,000 outlets
- EGX's second SPAC OG Capital gets approval
- Fawry launches services on smart transportation app Tariqy
- Egypt issues first international bonds since Iran war began
- Egypt, ExxonMobil, QatarEnergy ink deal to explore Cypriot gas link
- Egypt says still on track to repay outstanding dues to foreign oil partners by June
- Pakistan proposes 1% GST on EVs in upcoming auto policy
- Pakistan resumes offshore exploration after almost two decades
- Army chief to visit Tehran to mediate between US, Iran
- GAC to enter Pakistan EV market with Lucky Motor partnership
- IMF completes talks with govt on reforms, budget
Other MENA+ Developments
- GCC, UK ink trade deal, cutting duties, customs procedures
- Apple rolls out free Sports App in UAE, KSA
- QIA, COFIDES launch $350M Spanish green transition fund
- Morocco to invest $8B under 2030 strategy to develop new ports
- Indian, Bahraini firms partner on region's largest ship recycling project
Southeast Asia Developments
- Singapore in discussions to add 'nutrition labels' style framework to AI products
- Indonesia among first countries to get Roblox's age-based accounts
- VinFast unveils battery-swapping E2Ws offerings in Indonesia
- Vietnam issues AI regulations requiring firms to appoint govt liaisons
- Grab to consolidate Indonesian digital bank Superbank into financial services segment
India Developments
- RBI considers allowing lenders to curb usage of phones bought on loans
- RBI plans stringent guidelines for mobile wallets, prepaid payment instruments
- Govt considering over $1B in incentives to accelerate e-buses, e-truck adoption
- Tencent re-enters India gaming market with new partnerships
- Tata to begin production at Assam chip plant soon
