Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Misk 2030 Leaders Program partnered with NEOM to host Module 4 of Cohort 7, focusing on executing strategies in dynamic environments. Participants received training in negotiation, alliances, and multicultural teamwork, with direct insights from NEOM executives, reinforcing Saudi Vision 2030’s leadership and transformation goals.
Viper and Apollo have deployed smart poles and lighting systems in Saudi Arabia, integrating 5G radio equipment, LED ad panels, and cameras. The initiative blends telecom, public services, and commercial features, advancing the Kingdom’s smart city transformation.
du has launched its 5G+ network in the UAE, based on 5G-Advanced, delivering up to 2x faster speeds than 5G. Supporting AI, AR, and UHD streaming, the network offers peak speeds of 5.4Gbps, enhanced reliability, and future-ready features like URLLC and mMTC for smart industries.
The UAE Media Council has warned against the unauthorized use of AI to depict national symbols or figures, labeling it a violation of media standards. It stressed that AI misuse for misinformation, defamation, or hate speech is a punishable offence, urging media users to comply with legal and ethical guidelines.
Pakistan’s 4G Internet slowdown and WhatsApp call disruptions have sparked debate between officials blaming infrastructure and spectrum gaps, and critics pointing to the national firewall as a bottleneck. With rising data demand and low telecom revenues, Pakistan faces urgent pressure to expand fiberization, spectrum, and investment to improve connectivity.
Citadel Pathfinder and P@SHA have signed an MoU to prepare Pakistani startups for the Davos Startup Challenge 2026. The collaboration combines mentorship, training, and global industry networks to showcase Pakistan’s digital talent to top investors, boosting the country’s visibility in the global tech ecosystem.
Omantel, in partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East, has launched Oman’s first AI-powered AdTech platform, supporting Oman Vision 2040. The platform offers real-time targeting, data-driven insights, and privacy-first strategies, empowering brands, publishers, and agencies while positioning Oman as a regional leader in intelligent advertising.
Nepal Telecom has announced a tender for a new IPTV and OTT platform to replace its current revenue-sharing model with Kalash and VNPT. The state-backed operator plans to independently manage IPTV services, improve channel offerings, and support SVOD and AVOD while ensuring seamless migration for existing subscribers.
Morocco’s Minister Amal El Falah Seghrouchni met with OpenAI to discuss AI cooperation, focusing on building a culturally aligned AI ecosystem. The initiative seeks to harness AI for education, governance, and sustainability, advancing Morocco’s innovation agenda while balancing global partnerships with local priorities.
AFR-IX Telecom has secured USTDA funding to study extending the Medusa subsea cable to West Africa. The project aims to enhance Africa’s digital connectivity, enabling secure bandwidth for AI, 6G, and quantum technologies, while strengthening US-African cooperation against untrusted infrastructure providers.