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.

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
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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
News 16 Oct 2017

ADMCC monitors Abu Dhabi with Cisco technology

Abu Dhabi's surveillance system is using technology from Cisco Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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