Information technology (IT) in the Middle East
Information technology (IT) news, trends, articles and research for the Middle East - the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and others. This section covers IT security, data backup and recovery, networking, data centre, cloud computing, mobile applications, virtualisation, big data, virtual machines and more.
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News
12 Sep 2023
European enterprises to spend more on generative IT to close gap on US
European organisations are upping their spending on generative AI innovation, but face challenges recruiting the right people to support this Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
European fintech investment plummets, but more sustainable future lies ahead
Investment in European fintechs has seen a dramatic drop, but a more sustainable sector will result from investment discipline Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2018
European Parliament votes to restrict exports of surveillance equipment
European Parliament votes to tighten export controls to restrict supply of surveillance and encryption technology to states with poor human rights records amid fears British companies may not have to comply after Brexit Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2018
Demand for cloud services drives increase in IT outsourcing
Cloud services spending in Europe, the Middle East and Africa offset a drop in traditional IT outsourcing in 2017 Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2018
Davos: Disintegration of the internet could create economic turmoil
Politicians and business leaders will discuss the risks posed by fake news, cyber attacks, and artificial intelligence to jobs, political stability and global security, at the World Economic Forum in Davos Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2018
Abu Dhabi continues fintech agenda in 2018
Abu Dhabi is open to developing its fintech ecosystem, with the next 12 months expected to see more focus on the sector Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2018
Retail banking regulations hit UK with the potential of a ‘Big Bang’ moment
The UK retail banking sector is at the beginning of a journey towards to a more competitive future as new regulation hits them Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Jan 2018
CW Middle East: Technology transforms healthcare delivery in Gulf region
The Gulf’s healthcare sector has witnessed exponential growth in the past two decades, driven by a rapidly growing population and a rise in lifestyle-related diseases. Read how technology is helping the region’s healthcare sector cope with demand. Also in this issue, find out how an initiative at Avaya hopes to use blockchain networks to help make the citizens of Dubai happy, and how the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s smart transformation is progressing. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2018
UAE tech growth prompts firms to review internal IT security
As IT becomes more prominent in the UAE economy, more and more internal connections between people and systems are created, all of which need to be secured Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2018
Nordic banks face digitisation decisions over PSD2
With the latest version of the EU payment services directive coming into force, traditional Nordic banks can’t afford to slow their digital transformations Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Dec 2017
How to boost your personal brand as an IT professional
Seven steps to help you build a personal brand in the workplace, articulate the value you provide and build your professional reputation Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Dec 2017
How to attract investors for your enterprise software startup
Are you looking to find an investor for your enterprise software company? This expert advice explains what investors will be looking to find in an innovative software business seeking backing Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2017
Fintech is increasing operational risk to banks
European Banking Association report reveals fear of greater operational risk because of increased take-up of fintech in financial services sector Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2017
UK only average in terms of digital public services
UK government has the innovation skills to become a digital public services leader, but needs to improve the ID and authentication that sits underneath it to reach this goal Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2017
Dubai Health Authority completes final phase of Salama electronic medical records system roll-out
Dubai Health Authority completes medical records digitisation scheme, 21 months after the project was first unveiled Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2017
Middle East blockchain forum moves to accelerate adoption of the distributed ledger technology
Blockchain technology is becoming more widely used by financial services companies in the Middle East, and is finding its way into other sectors in the region Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2017
RSA’s Middle East cyber security conference gains its own identity
RSA Abu Dhabi conference focuses on region’s cyber security needs as digital technology deployments expand Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2017
How technology is transforming healthcare delivery in Gulf region
IT will transform the healthcare sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries over the coming years Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2017
ADMCC monitors Abu Dhabi with Cisco technology
Abu Dhabi's surveillance system is using technology from Cisco Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Oct 2017
CW Middle East: Internet of things can help Gulf countries to diversify
The Middle East’s push towards economic diversification is driving innovation in internet of things (IoT) applications for emerging services sectors, such as transport and logistics, telecommunications, financial services and tourism. Also read how the Dubai Health Authority is rolling out Salama, a unified electronic medical record (EMR) system, and a survey shows organisations in the Middle East are not offering IT staff enough training and don’t employ enough women in IT. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2017
Teva Pharmaceuticals turns to cloud HR as it weathers difficult trading conditions
One of Israel’s largest manufacturing companies has invested more than $10m in cloud HR. The technology is helping Teva Pharmaceuticals turn its fortunes around. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2017
Abu Dhabi transport department uses drones to improve traffic flows
Data collected by live video stream from drones is analysed at control centre to help alleviate traffic jams and other issues Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2017
Dubai Land Department launches interactive app
Mashrooi app will track real estate project progress and allow users to compare construction against developers’ plans Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2017
Hard Brexit would see UK tech exports fall by £1.7bn
UK manufacturers including those in the technology sector will lose billions of pounds of export revenue if the government completes a hard Brexit Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2017
UK-EU talks have failed to raise confidence of IT leaders
IT decision-makers are no more confident about how Brexit will affect them despite this year’s general election and talks between the EU and the UK Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2017
Cage director found guilty of terrorism offence after refusing to disclose passwords
Muhammad Rabbani, international director of Cage, is convicted of an offence under the terrorism act after refusing to disclose his mobile phone PIN and laptop password under Terrorism Act Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2017
Amazon launches Middle East region
Amazon opens its latest delivery hub in Bahrain to serve customers in the Middle East Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2017
Banks across Europe cut thousands of staff and branches as IT replaces them
Banks across Europe cut jobs and close thousands of branches as IT shakes the industry Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2017
European Union states question copyright law proposal
European states are questioning legality of a new copyright law proposed by the EU Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2017
Saudi Telecom Company creates cloud computing giant
The IT joint venture in Saudi Arabia will drive the digitisation of government services Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2017
UAE telco Du pushes SaaS adoption in Middle East
The Middle East looks set to see strong growth in software as a service and IT departments need to take a different approach Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2017
Wearables on the rise in the Middle East
The take up of wearables in the Middle East is growing mainly as a result of consumer demand for smartwatches Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2017
UAE hotel upgrades wireless network and internet connectivity
Beach resort completes major project to revamp its wireless infrastructure with TP-Link technologies Continue Reading
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E-Zine
13 Jul 2017
CW Middle East: How women can fill the tech skills gap
The growth of the IT sector continues to drive both innovation and employment in the Gulf, but women – as with all industries in the region – are under-represented in technology by significant margins, and could help to fill the tech skills gap. Also in this issue, read about growing threats in Saudi Arabia’s cyber sector, and how Dubai is becoming a world leader in smart city developments. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2017
Second phase of Dubai Health Authority’s electronic records implementation to start in August 2017
Unified electronic medical record (EMR) system to be rolled to more medical facilities across Dubai Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2017
Dubai Police to enhance smart services with robot police
The streets of Dubai will soon see Robocops to help fight crime and help people out Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2017
Abu Dhabi uses surveillance tech to protect Grand Prix
Police use surveillance technology and monitoring software to ensure public safety when Formula One visits the UAE each year Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2017
Islamic State supporters shun Tails and Tor encryption for Telegram
Confidential communications show terror group’s supporters are turning to simple mobile phone messaging apps to exchange messages and distribute propaganda Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2017
Dubai Airports automates resource planning
Airports in Dubai are using automation software to co-ordinate resources such as check-in gates and aircraft stands Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2017
Dubai financial services regulator launches temporary licence aimed at fintechs
Dubai is making it easier for financial technology companies to test out their ideas through a temporary licence Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2017
SAP aligns with Saudi Arabia’s IT transformation agenda
Global software giant SAP sees an opportunity for its wide portfolio in Saudi Arabia as the Middle Eastern country transforms Continue Reading
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E-Zine
13 Apr 2017
CW Middle East: UAE faces IT recruitment challenge
In this issue, read how organisations in the UAE face a challenge to attract and retain top-quality CIOs and other key IT staff as the region seeks to tackle a technology skills gap. Also, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has revealed that plans to unveil passenger-flying cars are in the final stages, with the initiative expected to launch in July 2017. Meanwhile, the UAE is mirroring global trends by eagerly adopting virtual reality technology. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2017
Security as a service on the rise in the UAE
Organisations in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly turning to security services Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2017
Middle East enterprises urged to embrace governance, risk and compliance
The enforcement of corporate governance issues is still variable throughout the Middle East and making a strong business case for investment in GRC can be a challenge. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2017
Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut gets sweet on cloud
Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut is increasingly using cloud-based apps to improve productivity and reduce costs Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2017
Threats grow in Saudi Arabia’s cyber sector
Saudi Arabia's wealth makes it an attractive target for cyber criminals, but what have been the recent trends in cyber crime? Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2017
AI and robots will 'create political instability' until humans find new occupations
The belief that advances in technology will create more jobs than they replace may no longer hold true Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2017
Serco uses HR technology to cut recruitment bill
International outsourced services supplier Serco is investing in HR recruitment technology to help it hire 15,000 to 20,000 people a year Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2017
Global business leaders hail UK tech sector’s innovation potential
KPMG report reveals global confidence in UK tech sector’s ability to create innovative products and services that are keenly adopted across the world Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2017
HPE, Dell and IBM suffer Q4 server sales slumps, as demand for ODM hardware grows
IDC's latest EMEA-wide server market sales tracker suggests soaring demand for ODM servers is hitting tier-one manufacturers hard Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2017
Case study: Tamer Group boosts bandwidth and network connectivity
Saudi Arabian firm chooses point-to-point wireless to ensure it provides the connectivity required for a fast-growing business Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2017
HPE services and CSC to become DXC Technology
The merger between HP's services division and CSC will launch in April 2017 and is expected to save the companies billions Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2017
UAE bank builds predictive marketing models
Rakbank is using SAS analytics software to better understand its customers following a successful implementation of the supplier’s anti-money laundering software Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2017
Middle East and North Africa public cloud spend to hit $2bn by 2020
Middle East-based organisations are turning to public cloud services, with software as a service driving a major year-on-year spending increase Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2017
McDonald’s in Saudi Arabia to support growth with SAP
Fast food chain is using SAP software to help it better understand its customers and operations Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2017
Artificial intelligence will increase productivity by sharpening human mind
The combination of AI and humans will triple productivity if businesses get the balance right for different roles Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2017
Human-centric technologies will dominate next three years
Accenture says businesses will develop technology and services to match human behaviour in the next few years Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2017
The evolution of smart Dubai
Aisha Bin Bishr, director general at Smart Dubai Office, discusses how Dubai is evolving as a smart city with the support of local telecoms provider Du. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Jan 2017
CW Middle East: UAE takes lead in autonomous car trials
Self-driving cars are one of the most exciting developments in technology. Companies like Google and Tesla are pioneering the technology. But it might be countries in the Middle East, with the poorest road safety records in the world that could benefit most. Despite significant regional spending on safety campaigns, the UAE still clocks up 12.7 road deaths per 100,000 people, with 30.4 in Oman, 24.8 in Saudi Arabia, 16.5 in Kuwait, 14 in Egypt and 13.2 in Qatar. In September Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) trialled a public driverless vehicle in the city’s Downtown area, running along a 700-metre trial route. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2017
Dubai-based Aramex optimises branch office connectivity
How global logistics firm streamlined its branch office operations in the Middle East Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2016
The United Arab Emirates enterprise IT trends for 2017
The UAE is already a leader in areas such as smart city developments, and 2017 looks set to see organisations in the country increase its adoption of other transformational IT Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2016
Middle East bank to launch AI for customer support
Middle East bank Emirates NBD is piloting artificial intelligence to automate customer services Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2016
UAE telco launches mobile wallet
Etisalat signs deal with technology company to offer its customers a mobile wallet service, as fintech expands in the Middle East Continue Reading
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E-Zine
20 Oct 2016
Reinventing Bahrain’s Kanoo Group through digital technology
In this quarter’s CW Middle East ezine, we feature the IT journeys of three companies in the region with detailed analysis of recent IT projects that were designed to support business transformation in a changing world. We hear how Bahrain-based conglomerate Kanoo Group is dealing with a company-wide digital transformation, Zahid Group’s biggest-ever IT investment, and how Rotana Hotels is centralising security. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2016
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange uses blockchain for e-voting
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange offers controlled access to the AGM information of listed companies through a blockchain-based service Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2016
Dubai smart city will be the talk of GITEX
Global experts in urban planning and smart technology will discuss the important role Dubai will play in supporting the development of smart cities in the Middle East Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2016
Emirates Islamic bank and the Muslim finance revolution
The CIO at Dubai-based bank Emirates Islamic tells Computer Weekly how IT is supporting the company through industry change Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2016
Italian bottle maker deploys 88TB of Syneto hyper-converged storage
Serioplast gets reliable disaster recovery as it replaces NetApp plus remote physical servers with Syneto hyper-converged infrastructure at factories across Europe, Africa and Asia Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2016
Bank IT spending to hit $241bn across four major global regions
IT spending across four major economic regions will increase by around 4% in 2016, but Europe is the least certain Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2016
German digital bank Fidor acquired by French banking giant
Fidor CEO says merger with BPCE will allow challenger to continue its international expansion Continue Reading
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E-Zine
21 Jul 2016
CW Middle East: July-September 2016
In this issue of CW Middle East, we look at how CIOs in the region are formulating their virtualisation strategies as organisations warm to the benefits of cloud computing. Today, virtualisation in the Middle East has gone beyond a shoddy virtual private network (VPN) installed on a desktop, to more sophisticated cloud-based technologies that are enabling a more mobile, more agile workforce. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2016
Visa’s Dubai innovation centre to focus on digital payments
Visa has opened a technology innovation centre in Dubai to focus on cashless payments Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2016
CW@50: A history of IT outsourcing
Computer Weekly looks at where and when IT outsourcing was invented and considers the changes the sector has gone through since Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2016
Saudi Telecom Company leads nation’s transformation agenda
Saudi Telecom Company and its technology partners support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s drive into digital public services Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2016
Brexit: Datacentre investments set to slow as economic stability concerns hit CIOs
As the economic uncertainty around Brexit continues, CIOs may put new datacentre investments on hiatus, warns analyst Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2016
Banking IT community faces uncertain Brexit future
The financial services IT community faces a period of uncertainty as finance firms reassess plans following the EU referendum result Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2016
Technology key to supporting World Expo 2020 in Dubai
Businesses in Dubai need to get ready for the expected boost in demand that will come with the World Expo exhibition to be held in the city in 2020 Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2016
EU firms slow in detecting cyber attacks, study shows
European firms take an average of 469 days to discover a compromise, compared with an average of 146 days globally, according to Mandiant Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2016
Citrix expands in Middle East with first Saudi Arabia office
Citrix is increasing its presence in the Middle East, opening its first office in Saudi Arabia with plans to expand into Qatar and Egypt Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2016
Big data and open-source cloud technology help Gulf Air pin down customer sentiment
Big data engine that performs sentiment analysis on both Arabic and English textual data helps airline to understand and react rapidly to customer preferences Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2016
Middle East CIO interview: V. Chandrasekar, Standard Chartered
The CIO of Standard Chartered bank in the Middle East tells Computer Weekly about the challenge of keeping customers happy through IT Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2016
A new wave of cyber attacks targets the Middle East’s banks
Hot on the heels of the Qatar National Bank breach comes a campaign employing advanced social engineering techniques Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2016
Tel Aviv: A smart city where community engagement is the measure of success
Israel’s capital is using the latest technologies as a way of placing the needs of local citizens at the heart of regional government Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2016
Gulf Air creates private cloud to support open-source big data engine
Airline is using a private cloud and open-source software to enable it to analyse social media and understand what consumers think about it Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2016
Saudi Arabia could warm to cloud computing, so long as regulation and connectivity keep pace
One of the world’s biggest oil producers has responded to tumbling crude prices by announcing a $2tn war chest to fund an economic diversification strategy, with IT set to be a beneficiary Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2016
Israeli volunteers ready their cyber defences as Anonymous affiliates attack
Every April, Israel braces itself for an onslaught from pro-Palestinian hackers, but the occupants of a small conference room in Tel Aviv stand in their way Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2016
The dawn of managed services in the Middle East
Managed services are on the up in the Middle East, with enterprises looking at ways to support critical infrastructures while they invest in new technologies Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2016
Middle East telecoms operators face up to IoT smart city challenges
As smart city initiatives spring up in the Middle East, telecoms operators contend with the strain of the internet of things (IoT) on networks Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2016
Offshoring IT services: Beyond the usual suspects
India is the prime location for offshoring IT – but it may not be the best fit for every business, and there are now many alternatives around the world Continue Reading