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
23 May 2025
Data embassies and US embargo halt give Saudi AI hope
Gulf autocracy gets access to powerful AI chips subject to export ban and pursues legal reforms to make foreign computing firms feel comfortable about putting their data there Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2025
Trump visit bolsters Saudi AI
A new AI datacentre is among the initiatives the White House announced during the president’s Middle East visits Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2018
How Bahrain plans to become a regional fintech hub
Bahrain is a small island with big plans for its financial technology industry Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2018
Autonomous taxi trials underway in Dubai
Dubai’s transport authority has started road testing the region’s first autonomous taxi, designed in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis and DG World Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
CIOs and the cloud: The future of European enterprise software
European organisations are moving to the cloud rapidly, but trepidation remains in concerning certain aspects, such as security Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Dubai Health Authority unveils virtual health app for GP consultations
Health authority adopts new technology as part of the Dubai Future Accelerators initiative Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Middle East gears up for 5G
The race for 5G is well and truly under way, and the UAE and Saudi Arabia are well positioned to be among the first countries in the world to deliver the benefits of this new telecoms protocol Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Best of VMworld Europe 2018 Awards nominations now open until 26 October
Read the criteria for the Best of VMworld Europe User Awards and find out how to submit your nomination Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2018
Big expectations, huge presence: Gitex 2018 opens
Artificial intelligence, blockchain, 5G, robotics, and virtual and augmented reality are all in the spotlight at Gitex Technology Week 2018 in Dubai Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Oct 2018
CW Middle East: Middle East warms to humanoid robots
Countries in the Middle East are warming to humanoid robotics, robotic process automation and artificial intelligence as these technologies become widely accepted globally. Also in this issue, read why Saudi Arabia has called on London’s fintechs to set up in the country with the promise of government support, and find out how the Gulf Warehousing Company has introduced cloud-based technology to replace paper processes used by its HR department. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
At the new Cisco, culture is as important as innovation
Cisco’s newly appointed SVP of Emear, Wendy Mars, shares her thoughts on the state of network innovation within the industry, and explains why cultural change is just as important an element of a digital strategy Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2018
InfoWatch opens training centre to help address Middle East skills shortage
Security supplier offers Middle East customers cyber security and digital training facility as organisations in the region struggle to equip staff with latest skills Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2018
Middle East hungry for digitisation, says GE’s Bill Ruh
The Middle East is among the most enthusiastic regions in terms of applying digital business models to traditional industries Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
TechUK blasts European Parliament-backed revamp of EU-wide copyright laws
Tech industry trade body claims the changes spell bad news for web users, after European Parliament MEPs vote in favour of plans to modernise the copyright laws for the digital age Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2018
FCA warns it cannot manage financial crime risks without sharing data with EU
FCA admits it will be unable to manage financial crime effectively if it cannot share data with EU authorities. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2018
IT leaders at a crossroads as they grapple with digital technology
CIOs have the opportunity to influence their company strategy as digital technology reshapes business. A survey of CIOs across 70 countries charts a path for IT leaders through emerging technologies Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2018
Dubai Health Authority launches artificial intelligence strategy
Healthcare organisation is rolling out next-generation technology in its health facilities to improve patient care Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2018
The rise of humanoid robotics in the Middle East
Middle East CIOs are planning to roll out intelligent automation technologies such as artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2018
Dubai disputes court and Smart Dubai partner to apply blockchain
Organisations in Dubai are working on developing the principal of blockchain-based courts Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2018
Saudi Arabia entices UK fintechs to its shores
Saudi Arabia is offering fintechs from other countries the opportunity to access its large internal market Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Jul 2018
CW Middle East: Can Saudi Arabia build the Silicon Valley of the Middle East?
In April this year, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman visited Silicon Valley in the US to meet tech giants such as Apple and Amazon in its efforts to fast-forward the kingdom’s technology capabilities. Read about its lofty ambitions. Also in this issue, read how demand for skilled IT professionals is increasing rapidly in the Middle East, which is facing a talent crunch. Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council smart city initiatives are gathering momentum. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jul 2018
European banks need to balance fintech strategies
European Banking Authority highlights the risks of banks taking up fintech too quickly, and of ignoring it Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2018
Case study: Logistics firm GWC moves from paper to digital HR in three months
Qatar-based logistics firm Gulf Warehousing Company introduced smart appraisals for employees, cut the time it takes to recruit, and gave staff and managers access to accurate HR data by replacing paper systems with human resources software Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2018
British Muslim considers appeal after court rules repeated terrorism stops are legal
Muzaffar Abdullah, a 37-year-old gas engineer who has been stopped and questioned by police at airports at least 10 times, is considering an appeal after being found guilty of wilful obstruction for refusing to answer questions under controversial terrorism legislation. He received a conditional discharge. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Jun 2018
Big data skills shortages – and how to work around them
Businesses are finding it hard to recruit enough people with big data and analytics skills, but for CIOs there are alternative strategies to consider Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2018
Interxion expands colocation footprint in Marseille with second datacentre opening
Carrier-neutral colocation provider Interxion has opened the first phase of its second datacentre in Marseille, as the demand for lower-latency cloud connections to Africa and beyond grows Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2018
Saudi-con Valley? Kingdom’s bid for global tech leadership
Has Saudi Arabia got what it takes to build the latest Silicon Valley? Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2018
Cage director Rabbani heads for Supreme Court after appeals court rules password demands lawful
Muhammad Rabbani, director of campaigning group Cage, will appeal to the Supreme Court after Court of Appeal rules that police did not act unlawfully by demanding his computer and mobile phone passwords under Section 7 of the Terrorism Act Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 May 2018
Hacking the internet of things just got easier – it’s time to look at your security
Are you taking security for internet-connected devices seriously enough? Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2018
Gulf Cooperation Council smart city initiatives garner momentum
The Middle East is a hotbed for smart city developments, with activities in the region maturing and adapting to what citizens want Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2018
GDPR: An overview of the latest data protection legislation
The forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will have wide-ranging implications for every organisation that processes personal data. This comprehensive overview tells you what you need to know Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2018
British banks target Israeli security technology
British banks are turning to Israel’s high-tech sector to protect against cyber attacks Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2018
Next generation of SCADA industrial controls will protect against cyber attack
Oil, energy and chemical companies are rethinking how to control big manufacturing plants, replacing expensive control technology with cheaper, more secure systems, taking their cue from biology Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Apr 2018
Blockchain: Paving the way for broad adoption
The foundations have been laid for organisations to begin standardising on the technology, talent and platforms that will drive future blockchain initiatives Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Apr 2018
Protecting your intellectual property in a digital world
Your business is creating innovative computer code, slick user interfaces, and is using digital technology to solve new problems. How do you protect your investment? Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2018
European IT services spending down as businesses focus on GDPR compliance
European organisations are reducing their spending on IT services and are redirecting resources towards becoming compliant with the EU General Data Protection Regulation Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2018
BT to supply European air navigation network
BT has been selected to provide the upgraded air traffic management network across Europe Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Apr 2018
Moving away from analogue health in a digital world
Healthcare records still rely on faxes, email, mail and paper, but the innovative use of technology will lead to major improvements in medical care Continue Reading
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E-Zine
12 Apr 2018
CW Middle East: UAE makes artificial intelligence leap
The United Arab Emirates wants to be at the heart of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution and is already testing its mettle as a global tech advocate and innovator. Also in this issue, read how Abu Dhabi is open to developing its fintech ecosystem, with the next 12 months expected to see more focus on the sector, and how Dubai’s transport authority has enlisted Here Technologies to build a high-definition map of the city to support its goals around self-driving cars. Continue Reading
- 11 Apr 2018
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News
10 Apr 2018
European CIOs have budget balancing act ahead of them
There is some consensus among European CIOs on budget rises across the continent, but less so on what to invest in Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Apr 2018
Driving digitisation: open standards in process automation
Organisations often can’t take advantage of advances in digital technology due to the lack of interoperability in their IT systems in different facilities, but open standards promise a way forward Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2018
Autonomous drones will fly into danger zones for emergency services
Automated drones will use sophisticated visual systems and machine learning techniques to carry out search and rescue missions where humans fear to tread Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2018
Dubai's gamble on bitcoin property sales
Dubai is pioneering the use of bitcoin in the real world, with the property sector leading the way Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Capgemini turns to tech startup to identify ‘most engaged’ teams
Technology and consulting services firm Capgemini is using technology from a startup company to poll its employees’ views and provide feedback from managers every week. It is discovering what it takes to create “engaged teams” Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2018
European insurtech growth dwarfs US
Europe is seeing rapid growth in its insurtech as investors pump hundreds of millions into the sector Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2018
How Turkish mobile operators are helping the vast Syrian refugee population to help themselves
Turkish mobile network operators are designing services that will help Syrian refugees make their lives in the country Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2018
IT attracts more foreign investment projects to UK than other sectors
IT accounts for the highest number of foreign direct investment projects in the UK, which should come as a warning to the UK government to listen to the sector Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Capgemini arm bags European Commission data infrastructure project
The European Commission has extended the contract of prime contractor Capgemini on its open data project Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2018
EC reveals plan to make Europe global fintech hub
The European Commission has unveiled proposals to boost the EU’s financial technology sector Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2018
European cities woo English-speaking IT talent
Organisations in major European cities have upped their search for English-speaking talent, including IT professionals, since the UK’s referendum on EU membership Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2018
Middle East faces IT talent crunch
Countries in the Middle East are adopting the latest technologies at such a rapid rate that the region faces an IT skills shortage Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2018
MWC 2018: 5G collaboration dominates agenda at annual mobile fair
At Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, 5G mobile networks were the talk of the show, and a number of operators announced new collaborations around the emerging network standard with their technology partners Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2018
UAE makes artificial intelligence leap
The UAE is investing in becoming a global pioneer in the use of artificial intelligence technology in various sectors of its economy Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2018
Industrial cyber security improving, but needs work
Cyber attacks on industrial and critical infrastructure systems are increasing in number and sophistication, but more attention is being paid to security, says Honeywell at it opens new Dubai facility Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2018
Europe in the firing line of evolving DDoS attacks
The Europe, Middle East and Africa region accounts for more than half the world’s distributed denial of service attacks, a report from F5 Labs reveals Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2018
Tech boosts sales at Abu Dhabi’s Healthpoint
United Arab Emirates healthcare provider Healthpoint has increased sales and efficiency through the use of the latest IT systems Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Feb 2018
Europe’s shameful role in spy-tech exports that led to torture and jail
Governments in Europe actively assisted in government oppression in Iran, Bahrain and Russia by providing states with sophisticated surveillance equipment. The European Parliament is pressing for changes in the law to restrict exports of spy-technology to countries with poor human rights records Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2018
European Commission eyes blockchain opportunity
The European Commission is aiming to get the most out of blockchain technology in a wide variety of sectors Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2018
GDPR requests to take thousands of hours a month, says survey
A recent survey predicts organisations will potentially face thousands of customer requests about their personal information every month, with many unprepared for GDPR compliance Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2018
Davos: Cyber risks grow as countries turn towards protectionism
The cost of natural disasters is now at record levels, but the cost of cyber crime is far higher. The World Economic Forum hopes to persuade governments to work together on the problem, but with isolationist politics back in fashion, can it succeed? Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2018
Interview: Kaspar Korjus, Estonian e-Residency lead
As the number of people signing up to become Estonian e-residents exceeds the country’s birth rate, Computer Weekly speaks to the man heading up the programme 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
