There has been a steady diversification in crypto crimes away from bitcoin in 2024, with stablecoins now occupying the majority of all illicit transaction volume
Technology
Abu Dhabi
ADNOC Gas deploys groundbreaking new technology at its Habshan site
In partnership with Baker Hughes, the new Levidian-patented LOOP unit will capture methane and turn it into graphene and hydrogen
MBRSC
UAE satellite MBZ-SAT beams back first signal to Earth
MBZ-SAT was entirely developed by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in the UAE
digital payment service
Saudi Arabia to launch Google Pay in 2025
Google Pay will be launched in Saudi Arabia this year
communication
UAE’s Space42 deploys second SAR satellite with ICEYE collaboration
The second phase of the constellation will continue to boost Space42’s geospatial insights and capabilities with increased speed and precision
luxury hotel
Dubai and Riyadh luxury hotels set high-speed Wi-fi records
Five-star hotels in Dubai and Riyadh have some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds in the region
China
China weighs selling TikTok to Elon Musk: Report
TikTok has appealed the impending ban in the US to the Supreme Court, but the justices have shown an inclination to uphold the law, which would force the company to be sold or face a ban in the country by January 19
Artificial intelligence
Petromin, Gupshup partner to launch Saudi Arabia’s first generative AI-powered automotive AI agent
The AI Agent leverages generative AI capabilities on Gupshup conversation cloud to offer seamless and efficient vehicle support in both Arabic and English
cybersecuirty
Honeywell opens new center to bolster industrial cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia
The center will provide in-country Managed Security Services (MSS) to key sectors, including energy, manufacturing and utilities
digital asset
Tokinvest becomes first DMCC firm to get full licence for its RWA marketplace
The license allows the company to operate as a virtual asset broker-dealer and to serve retail, qualified, and institutional investors in and from Dubai
Al-Futtaim
Al-Futtaim unveils ‘Blue AI’, a smart lifestyle advisor made in the UAE
The feature will reach more than five million Blue Rewards customers in the first year, the group said
AI
UAE tech services market to grow by $3.8bn in 2025
UAE technology market will expand on the back of AI and cloud-computing growth
Blockchain
Mastercard expands Crypto Credential to UAE and Kazakhstan
It simplifies consumer experience allowing crypto exchange users to send and receive cryptocurrencies using simple aliases instead of complex blockchain addresses
Blockchain
Dubai developer DAMAC, MANTRA collaborate to tokenise $1bn in real-world assets
The Dubai developer’s assets in the Middle East will be available early this year on the MANTRA chain
Artificial intelligence
Cisco reveals tech trends for 2025; praises MENA region for AI readiness
The US-based company calls the Middle East “a hub of innovation, with rapid adoption of AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and smart city initiatives”
Artificial intelligence
IO.NET founder invests $130mn in O.XYZ, the world’s first shutdown-resistant super intelligence
Shadid’s investment builds on his remarkable success as the founder of IO.NET, which he led to a valuation of $4.5 billion within just 12 months
Abu Dhabi
Audiomob sets up MENA headquarters in Abu Dhabi to expand regional presence
The company has also formed an exclusive partnership with Vodoo, one of the world’s largest mobile gaming publishers