News

Saudi Firm Launches World’s First Handheld Ultrasound Device

Abdul Latif Jameel Health has partnered with Butterfly Network to bring the world’s first handheld, single-probe, complete body ultrasound system to the MENA region.

Published

5 years ago

November 22, 2021

David Morelo

saudi firm launches world's first handheld ultrasonic device

Butterfly Network

In many parts of the world, access to well-equipped healthcare facilities is greatly limited. Healthcare professionals often have to travel long distances to see their patients, and they can’t bring with them most of the equipment they have access to in hospitals. Without it, making the right decisions in difficult medical situations can be extremely challenging.

The good news is that a new generation of medical devices is making advanced capabilities available in a variety of portable form-factors, much like modern smartphones can perform many of the tasks that could traditionally be performed only on large desktop computers.

Now, Abdul Latif Jameel Health has partnered with Butterfly Network to bring the world’s first handheld, single-probe, complete body ultrasound system to the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and India.

butterfly iq+ handheld ultrasound device

Called Butterfly iQ+, the compact ultrasound system consists of three pieces: a probe with a patented on-chip digital micro-beaming technology and optimized electronics with power-efficient FPGA, a compatible iOS or Android mobile device to which the probe connects to, and the Butterfly iQ+ mobile application.

“The capabilities of this innovative, portable and versatile handheld ultrasound solution know no bounds, and we are committed to delivering this technology to serve more than 2 billion people” said Dr. Akram Bouchenaki, Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Latif Jameel Health.

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Because the ultrasound system provides sharp imaging with true-to-form color flow, 3D visualizations, cloud storage, and other advanced capabilities without taking up much space or requiring too much power, it was selected to provide medical imaging on the International Space Station. An earlier version of the device was delivered as part of the 22nd SpaceX Dragon cargo resupply payload in June 2021.

Hopefully, Butterfly iQ+ will soon be helping healthcare professionals address all kinds of health issues that people young and old experience not just in space but also in some of the poorest regions here on Earth.

News

Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

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The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.