SSICT News

Saudi ICT Deals Surge With Massive Data Center and VC Investments
A weekly roundup of major Saudi ICT deals, featuring $15B at LEAP 2026, HUMAIN’s new $10B venture fund, and massive national data center expansions.

Apple Unveils iPhone Duo Foldable Smartphone with Dual Displays and A20 Pro Chip
Apple introduced the iPhone Duo foldable smartphone featuring a 7.6-inch inner screen, A20 Pro processor, and a starting price of SAR 9,499.

Apple Introduces Apple Watch Ultra 4 with S11 Chip and New Health Sensors
Apple introduced Apple Watch Ultra 4 featuring the S11 chip, upgraded health sensors, extended 50-hour battery life, and new readiness scoring metrics.

Microsoft Sets New Patch Tuesday Record With Over 900 Vulnerabilities Resolved
Microsoft fixed roughly 972 vulnerabilities in its September 2026 update, setting a record for monthly security releases.

iCaur Alghanim Opens New Automotive Showroom in Jeddah
iCaur Alghanim has opened its new showroom in Jeddah, marking the automotive brand’s official market entry into the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Report Details Tim Cook’s Decade-Long Role in Foldable iPhone Development
A new report outlines Tim Cook’s decade-long involvement in Apple’s foldable phone project, with base prices expected to start around $2,199.

Amazon Bedrock Makes OpenAI GPT-6 Astra Generally Available for Enterprise Customers
Amazon has made OpenAI GPT-6 Astra generally available on Bedrock, allowing Saudi and GCC enterprises to deploy the model on AWS infrastructure.

Cognition Valuation Hits $48 Billion Following $2 Billion Funding Round
Cognition achieved a $48 billion valuation after raising $2 billion to expand its Devin coding assistant amid rising enterprise adoption.

Saudi Communications Minister Meets Silicon Valley Leaders to Expand AI Investments
Saudi Minister Abdullah Alswaha met with Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and TenX Semi to boost investments in artificial intelligence and deep-tech startups.

COFE Tech Closes Pre-IPO Round at $178 Million Valuation
COFE Tech has secured a $178 million valuation in a pre-IPO funding round led by Wa’ed Ventures and Aditum ahead of a planned Saudi listing.

Saudi Arabia Explores AI Chip Design with TenX Semi in Silicon Valley
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications Abdullah Alswaha met with TenX Semi CEO Dr. Suk Hwan Lim in Silicon Valley to explore AI agents in chip design.

Ministry of Communications Opens Registration for Technical Competencies Summit 2026 Workshops
Saudi Ministry of Communications opens registration for the Technical Competencies Summit 2026 virtual training workshops to develop local digital talent.

Sony Introduces FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G Zoom Lens in Saudi Arabia
Sony has launched the FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G lens in Saudi Arabia, priced at SAR 6,599 with availability starting in mid-October.

Fluke Innovation Day Highlights Industrial Reliability in Saudi Arabia
Fluke Corporation hosted industrial leaders in Al Khobar to showcase diagnostic and measurement technologies for large-scale operations in Saudi Arabia.

Changan Opens Middle East Training Center in Al Khobar with Almajdouie
Changan and Almajdouie opened the Middle East Training Center in Al Khobar, establishing a specialized technical hub for automotive after-sales service teams.

Huawei Opens Pre-Orders for Kids Smartwatch in Saudi Arabia
Huawei has launched pre-orders for its CST- and SASO-compliant kids smartwatch series in Saudi Arabia, featuring dual cameras and location tracking starting at 999 SAR.

Acer Expands Gaming Handheld Lineup With Predator Atlas 7 and DualPlay Concept
Acer announced the Predator Atlas 7 handheld gaming device with Intel Arc graphics alongside the Project DualPlay Mini convertible concept in Berlin.

Hurr Announces $2 Million Growth Initiative and New AI Contracting Tool
Hurr has introduced a $2 million growth initiative featuring the AI-assisted Hurr Sign & Pay tool, an acquisition, and new strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia.

Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes LEAP 2026 with New Member Accords and Tech Initiatives
Digital Cooperation Organization concluded LEAP 2026 by adding new member states, launching AI initiatives, and supporting 30 emerging technology startups.

Al Rajhi Bank and Uber Launch Mobility and Loyalty Partnership in Saudi Arabia
Al Rajhi Bank and Uber Saudi Arabia have launched a partnership offering eligible customers a complimentary three-month Uber One membership starting Q4 2026.

Salam and KAROOOOO Partner to Deliver Connected Fleet Solutions Across Saudi Arabia
Salam has partnered with KAROOOOO at LEAP 2026 to distribute and develop connected fleet solutions and vehicle tracking software across Saudi Arabia.

General Motors and MEBCO Mark 30-Year Alliance and 60 Million Batteries in Saudi Arabia
General Motors and MEBCO celebrate 30 years of partnership in Saudi Arabia, reaching 60 million ACDelco batteries produced locally.
