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MENA's Tech Updates: From Quantum Security to Flying Deliveries
Massive deals and launches across quantum computing, sustainable mobility, and autonomous delivery reshape the region's tech landscape
Amine Rabehi
January 02, 2025
Reading time: 2 & 8 minutes
Welcome to Tech A newsletter.
This week's roundup features game-changing developments in the MENA tech ecosystem 🚀
⚡ Your 2-Minute Summary
UAE Battery Swapping Network: ENOC and Drive Terra are launching UAE's largest battery swapping network for e-bikes in 2025, supporting the country's Net Zero 2050 initiative and enhancing last-mile delivery solutions.
South Korea's Quantum Tech in Saudi: Norma secured a $2M deal with Saudi's ITB Belt to export Post Quantum Cryptography security solution to NEOM city, marking their first Middle East expansion.
Dubai's Drone Delivery: Dubai launched the Middle East's first drone delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis, with plans to cover 33% of Dubai by 2030.
NEOM-Samsung Partnership: NEOM and Samsung formed a SR1.3B joint venture to advance construction automation, focusing on robotic rebar cage assembly that could reduce manual labor by 80%.
Saudi RDIA Grants: The Saudi Minds grant program launched its 2025 initiative supporting research in health, environment, energy, and future economies.
Al Madinah Ventures: A new $10M investment fund launched to attract tech startups to Al Madinah, targeting 30 investors annually by 2025.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week: ADSW 2025 runs January 12-18, focusing on sustainable economy transition and socioeconomic growth.
World Future Energy Summit: Taking place January 14-16 at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, bringing together industry leaders for clean energy solutions.
Dubai AI Guidelines: Dubai Future Foundation released guidelines for AI in creative industries, addressing automation, cultural risks, and environmental concerns.
Interested to know more? Scroll below ⬇️ (10 minutes read)
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📊 MENA Tech Updates
UAE’s largest battery swapping network to launch (ENOC & Drive Terra)
To support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, ENOC partnered with Drive Terra to launch the largest battery swapping network for e-bikes. This initiative aims to support the country's green energy goals (Net zero by 2050) and enhance last-mile delivery solutions.
UAE follows the successful launch of the battery swapping technology in China, India, and other Asian countries.
There are many benefits to this technology, among which:
Sustainability: Promotes eco-friendly transportation and reduces emissions.
Efficiency: Addresses challenges like high battery costs, long recharging times, and limited operational range.
Innovation: Introduces the 'Batteries-as-a-Service' model, allowing easy battery swaps for e-bike operators.
Timeline
Launch: The network is set to be deployed soon in 2025 without specific date mentioned.
💡 Business Opportunities
This initiative opens up many business opportunities. However, keep in mind that UAE has it’s own economic, social, and environmental context. E-bikes won’t see mass consumer adoption like China or India. Do you market study beforehand (Disclaimer: this is part of the services I offer).
Logistics Optimization: Companies can optimize their last-mile delivery operations by adopting e-bikes and battery-swapping solutions. I believe this would be the sector with most initial traction.
Ecosystem expansion: Companies can invest in or partner with battery-swapping infrastructure to support sustainable transportation.
E-bike Adoption: Businesses can explore opportunities in the growing e-bike market for urban deliveries. I’m thinking maintenance, renting swapping , financing e bike companies, providing B2C e-bike rental (like Careem is doing with electrical bicycles).
South Korea company to export it’s Post Quantum Computing technology to Saudi Arabia for NEOM project
South Korea-based IoT security company Norma signed a $2 million deal with Saudi Arabia's ITB Belt to export its Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC)-based security solution, Q Care.
Significance: This is Norma's first export to the Middle East, marking a significant milestone for the company. This deal not only strengthens Norma's presence in the Middle East but also opens up various business opportunities in the cybersecurity and IoT sectors.
Deployment: Q Care solutions will be integrated into projects for Saudi Arabia's Neom City, a futuristic mega-city on the Red Sea coast.
Technology: Q Care leverages PQC, designed to withstand quantum computing threats.
Locally, Our business partner company, Qamia, is the only GCC based company proposing PQC (and other AI/Quantum solutions) for the market.
Business Opportunities
High-profile projects like Neom represent a huge opportunity for companies worldwide to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and gain international recognition.
Source: MiddleEastAINews
Dubai to Authorize & launch first Drone Delivery Ecosystem
Following our last week’s edition important announcement: UAE's First Commercial BVLOS Drone License (read here)
Dubai has launched the Middle East's first drone delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum placed the inaugural order, successfully delivered from RIT-Dubai to a designated landing point within DSO.
This initiative not only supports Dubai's smart city goals but also opens up various business opportunities in the logistics, technology, and research sectors.
Technology: The drones use advanced flight control algorithms and multi-sensor fusion positioning technology.
Strategic Focus: This initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to position Dubai among the world's top three urban economies by 2033. Drone delivery services are expected to cover 33% of Dubai by 2030, positioning the city as a global leader in smart mobility.
Business Opportunities
Smart Logistics: Companies can invest in or partner with drone delivery infrastructure to enhance logistics and last-mile delivery solutions.
Technology Integration: Firms can develop or integrate advanced flight control and positioning technologies for drone operations.
Market Expansion: Companies can leverage Dubai's strategic focus on smart city solutions to expand their market presence in the region. It’s an open invitation for both drone technology companies and delivery services.
Source: Gulf Business
NEOM has entered into a joint venture agreement with Samsung to advance construction automation technology
Similarly to the Post Quantum Computing deal, NEOM wants/needs to be at the forefront of technology to achieve it’s ambitious goal. NEOM has entered into a joint venture agreement with Samsung C&T Corp. to advance construction automation technology in Saudi Arabia.
Investment: The partnership involves an initial investment exceeding SR1.3 billion ($350 million) in construction robotics.
Technology: Focus on automating rebar cage assembly using advanced robotic welding and tying techniques.
Impact: Expected to reduce manual labor by up to 80%, minimize material waste, enhance safety and quality, and lower rebar cage assembly costs by up to 40%.
Job Creation: Establishment of rebar cage assembly factories in the region, creating over 2,000 skilled local jobs.
Business Opportunities
Construction Automation: Companies already working on construction automation technology can discuss with Samsung and NEOM to accelerate the innovation.
Local Manufacturing: Businesses can explore opportunities in establishing or supporting rebar cage assembly factories in the region.
Job Training: Companies can offer training programs for skilled labor in construction automation and robotics.
Source: ArabNews
💶 Tech Funding & Support programs
SAUDI Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) to launched its 2025 grant program
The Saudi Minds grant program, funded by the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA), aims to empower research and innovation in Saudi Arabia. It aligns with Vision 2030 and focuses on fostering a sustainable, world-class national RDI ecosystem.
Priority Areas: Health & Wellness, Sustainable Environment & Supply of Essential Needs, Energy & Industrial Leadership, Economies of the Future. I recommend you check the website for more details about priority areas.
Target Audience: Researchers and innovators, Small & Medium Businesses, Entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia
Support: The program offers financial support, workshops, and access to a network of experts and resources.
This program is designed to support cutting-edge research that can transform industries and create value for society.
To check more details & apply: Saudi Minds website.
$10 million investment fund & program for startups in Al Madinah
Al Madinah Ventures, a $10 million investment fund, has been launched to attract tech startups to Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Objective: The program aims to unlock the untapped economic potential of Al Madinah, which is home to over 60,000 SMEs and contributes 7% of Saudi Arabia's GDP.
Support: The initiative is supported by Value Makers Studio, the Economic Development Centre, and the Madinah Chamber of Commerce.
Target Date 2025: Target year to establish the $10 million investment fund and attract over 30 investors annually.
Business Opportunities
Startup Investment: Opportunities for investors to support tech startups in Al Madinah.
For Entrepreneurs: Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, fostering a dynamic business ecosystem.
Source: here.
🗓️ Upcoming Events
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
ADSW 2025 is the first major event in the global sustainability calendar, taking place from January 12-18 in Abu Dhabi. Under the theme "The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress," the event aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy and foster interconnected solutions for socioeconomic growth.
Important information:
Dates: January 12-18
Target Audience: Global Leaders, Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and NGOs.
Overall Themes: Renewable Energy, Climate Finance, Green Hydrogen, Youth and Women's Leadership in Sustainability, Smart Cities and Innovation
For more details, you can visit the ADSW website.
World Future Energy Summit
The World Future Energy Summit is a global think tank focused on creating blueprints for a sustainable future. It brings together industry influencers, problem solvers, and cutting-edge solutions to accelerate the global transition to clean energy.
Date: January 14-16, 2025
Location: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
Focus Areas: Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Innovation, Clean Energy Solutions
You can register and learn more here.
🤝 Resources & Market Insights
Guidelines for AI in Creative Industries by Dubai Future Foundation
The Dubai Future Foundation and C4IR have released a report on the development, regulation, and use of AI in creative industries. The report provides essential guidelines for integrating AI responsibly into fields such as art, music, literature, and media.
Key Insights
AI's Creative Potential: AI can automate routine tasks, spark innovation, and broaden access to creative tools.
Cultural Risks: AI may perpetuate mainstream narratives, potentially sidelining underrepresented voices.
Environmental Concerns: The energy consumption and resources required for AI systems pose significant environmental challenges.
IP and Ownership: AI challenges traditional notions of authorship and creative ownership.
For more details, you can read the full report here.
🔍 Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 things I can help you with:
Technology Advisory: I help you assess your product idea from a technological & business point of view. So far, I have built a network of professionals covering the MENA region in term of IP, Market Research & Complex AI solution development.
Market entry strategy and support: understand the market, legal framework
Tech Product Development Solutions: I’ve managed more than 15 tech product development projects (hardware & software). I help you go from idea to initial batch launch.
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