Aramco signs non-binding MoU with Microsoft to accelerate industrial AI adoption
- Aramco and Microsoft signed a non-binding MoU to explore digital initiatives and industrial AI use cases within energy operations.
- The agreement focuses on accelerating AI adoption, digital solutions and possible pilot projects; details and investments not disclosed.
- Partnership aligns with Saudi industrial digitalisation priorities and could open routes for cloud, edge and AI deployments in energy sector.
Hydrocarbon Engineering · 2026-02-25
Saudi Arabia joins OECD Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)
- Saudi Arabia officially became a member of the OECD-led Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) to strengthen international AI collaboration.
- Membership supports Saudi efforts to align national AI governance, standards and international cooperation with OECD frameworks.
- Expected benefits include access to GPAI projects, research networks, and influence on emerging AI policy norms.
Entarabi / Fintechgate · 2026-02-25
Jada Fund of Funds and Stride Ventures plan $200M deployment into Saudi private credit
- Jada Fund of Funds (PIF‑owned) signed with Stride Ventures to mobilise $200M into Saudi private credit over the next two years.
- Focus is on expanding private credit instruments and supporting growth-stage companies and credit solutions inside the Kingdom.
- Deal signals continued PIF-backed support for local capital markets and private credit as an alternative financing channel.
WAYA Media / Jawlah · 2026-02-25
Solidrange (Riyadh) raises $2.4M seed round to scale cybersecurity offerings
- Saudi cybersecurity startup Solidrange closed a $2.4M seed round to scale product development and market expansion from Riyadh.
- Funding led by a Saudi investment firm supports local talent retention and addresses growing regional SOC needs.
- Significance: reinforces Riyadh’s emerging cybersecurity startup ecosystem and demand for regionalised security tools.
MSN / Solidrange · 2026-02-25
UnsolicitedBooker malware cluster targets Central Asian telecoms with LuciDoor and MarsSnake backdoors
- Cyber researchers observed UnsolicitedBooker targeting telecom operators in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan using LuciDoor and MarsSnake backdoors.
- Techniques indicate supply‑chain and telecom infrastructure focus; potential impact on interconnection and subscriber data confidentiality.
- Regional operators, including those with roaming and transit ties to Gulf carriers, should review vendor logs, patching and segmentation.
The Hacker News · 2026-02-25
Exabeam research: AI accountability becomes top cybersecurity mandate as budgets rise
- Exabeam reports 95% of organisations increasing cybersecurity budgets in 2026, with AI cited as top spending driver.
- Study highlights AI accountability and explainability as emerging governance requirements across security programmes.
- Implication for Saudi agencies: invest in AI risk frameworks, audit trails, and measurable KPIs before scaling AI security tools.
Business Wire / Exabeam · 2026-02-25
Nokia and AWS demo agentic AI-powered 5G-Advanced network slicing with du and Orange
- Nokia and AWS showcased an agentic AI solution for 5G-Advanced network slicing with early participants du and Orange.
- Demo highlights automated slice creation and management using agentic AI, promising improved resource efficiency and service agility.
- Relevance to Saudi: potential blueprint for future 5G-Advanced deployments and AI-driven network orchestration in regional operators.
DevelopingTelecoms · 2026-02-25
stc extends partnership with PLDT Global to boost international connectivity
- stc Group signed a two-year extension with PLDT Global to deliver enhanced international connectivity and services.
- The extension supports stc’s cross-border network strategy and may improve wholesale, enterprise and carrier services regionally.
- Operational benefits include route diversity, capacity optimisation and strengthened service offerings for Saudi international traffic.
TradingView / Reuters · 2026-02-25