Abu Dhabi launches autonomous delivery pilot, KSA approves new digital bank, Kuwait issues rules for freelancers, Thailand unveils AI roadmap for SMEs, India and US to resume trade talks
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Abu Dhabi launches first autonomous delivery pilot with K2, Emirates Post 7X
- Space42, US satellite operator Viasat launch direct-to-device mobile service JV
- Abu Dhabi self-driving delivery vehicles get licence plates
- MENA's first YouTube Academy launches in UAE with Creators HQ
- Government Media Office unveils new edition of Specialised Content Creator Program
- Vision Bank gets SAMA approval for full digital bank operations
- Google Pay, Alipay+ to launch in Saudi Arabia via SAMA's Mada
- Number of Saudi fintech firms tripled since 2022
- Visa Acceptance Platform debuts on local cloud, granting access to CyberSource
- InDrive launches Riyadh ride-hailing service
- Planning Ministry opens consultation on National Narrative for Economic Development
- Tamweely Microfinance expands to become full-spectrum NBFS player
- NBE, AgroFood sign agri SME financng partnership
- SCZone revenues hit record high with investment influx
- US firms exploring port investments, partnerships
- Ignite fund, HUM Network launch Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation
- Govt senator proposes PECA amendment introducing liability for content removal orders
- SBP launches $102M Climate Risk Fund to support affected farmers
- Pakistan misses IMF deadlines, including governance reporting requirement
- Untapped mineral wealth could drive bigger role in global supply chain
Other MENA+ Developments
- Alec aims to become UAE, KSA data center sector leader in IPO plan
- Lana Cash, Lacaisse.ma team up for POS integration in Morocco
- TotalEnergies on track to complete $27B Iraq energy project
- Kuwait issues rules for freelancers, micro-business licenses
- Syria targets $2B contribution to budget from state-owned firms
Southeast Asia Developments
- Thai govt agencies launch AI roadmap
- Indonesia unveils $1B stimulus package
- Lazada sees 30% increase in average order value during 9.9 sales with AI chatbot launch
- Hong Kong proposes lighter rules for banks holding crypto, raising competition with Singapore
- Alipay+ integrates Grab into travel platform
India Developments
- India, US to resume trade talks in first since 50% tariff announcement
- RBI introduces tighter rules for offline payments
- IIT Hyderabad prototypes 6G, targets 2030 rollout
- Applied Materials in talks with India Semiconductor Mission firms to offer equipment
- Ola Electric files PLI claim for 13-14% incentive
