Dubai's new financial sector roadmap, 50K Saudis to get AI training, Medusa cable lands in Europe, Indonesia studies new Bali financial hub, India eyes homegrown navigation app
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Dubai approves new financial sector roadmap, to rollout 15 programs
- Govt targets 10,000 AI firms by 2030, up from 1,500 currently
- du, Network International partner on SME digital payments
- Dubizzle Group plans to sell 30% stake in Dubai IPO
- RAK deploys UAE's first autonomous trucks
- Tawakkalna platform to launch on-demand deliveries with Jahez
- MCIT launches Mostaqbali program, targets training 50,000 Saudis in AI with Oracle
- SAMI launches Remal computer manufacturing project with HP, Foxconn
- Deloitte, KAUST partner on platform to apply AI breakthroughs in business applications
- STC partners PLDT on e-wallet services for overseas Filipinos
- S&P upgrades Egypt’s long-term sovereign credit rating to B, highlights stable outlook
- Air Force, Abu Dhabi Aviation partner on Egypt's first air taxi service
- Saudi Arabia's Sumou in discussions for $3.5B acquisition of state-affiliated Midar
- Mars launches $280M in new manufacturing capacity
- CBE launches Banking Reform and Development Fund
- Pakistan Crypto Council established to regulate digital assets
- AliExpress, Temu raise prices despite tax rollback
- OpenAI launches affordable ChatGPT Go offering in Pakistan
- China tightens rare earth export controls following US-Pakistan agreement
- Startups raised $15.2M in Q3, down from $58M
Other MENA+ Developments
- COMESA rolls out digital payments system for transactions in local currencies
- US drafts UNSC resolution considering Syria sanctions relief
- AFR-IX Telecom's Medusa subsea cable marks first landing in France
- QIA, Carlyle, acquire BASF's coatings business
- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait join US in rejecting World Bank's climate statement
Southeast Asia Developments
- US chip equipment maker Lumentum to develop Thailand R&D center
- Indonesia studies new Bali financial hub
- Malaysia unveils $99B 2026 budget, plans tax net expansion
- Singapore cashback platform ShopBack Pay launches in Hong Kong
- Indonesia to sanction offending developers under upcoming Game Rating System
India Developments
- Anthropic CEO meets PM Modi, commits to growing Indian team
- Indian Railways, Google Maps competitor MapmyIndia to partner on homegrown navigation app
- Power ministry drafts legislation to open retail power sector to private firms
- US' India envoy 'optimistic' following meeting with PM
- Game Developer Association of India launches policy secretariat
