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 Nigerian Communications Commission, in collaboration with Ookla, has launched National Coverage Maps and a crowdsourcing report to enhance transparency and service quality. The initiative uses real-time data to empower consumers, guide operators, and accelerate 5G and 4G expansion across Nigeria.
Saudi Arabia will host the fifth Hajj Conference in Jeddah from Nov. 9–12, featuring 80 sessions, 60 workshops, and 260 exhibitors from 137 countries. The event will showcase innovations in pilgrim services, technology integration, and sustainable development for the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem.
Qatar honored the winners of the 9th Qatar Digital Business Award 2025, recognizing 13 innovators across AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. The awards reflect Qatar’s strong progress toward a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy under MCIT’s national digital transformation strategy.
Vodafone Qatar posted a 13% rise in nine-month net profit to QR949mn, supported by 8.4% revenue growth across mobility, broadband, and managed services. EBITDA rose 8.5% to QR1.1bn, with RoE improving to 12.9%, underscoring the company’s focus on efficiency and sustainable shareholder returns.
Sri Lanka is overhauling its electronic visa system to enhance digital sovereignty, improve security, and streamline traveler services. The revamped Mobitel-managed ETA platform focuses on scalability, fraud prevention, and transparent governance, reinforcing tourism recovery and the nation’s broader digital transformation agenda.
IBM and AWS are expanding their partnership to host IBM’s software portfolio, including watsonx, on AWS Cloud Regions in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The move supports data sovereignty, compliance, and digital transformation goals while enabling regional organizations to innovate securely and locally.
Pakistan is set to introduce its first-ever national esports policy and establish a dedicated Esports Federation, marking a major milestone in the country’s recognition of gaming as a legitimate digital industry. The move underscores the government’s growing commitment to youth empowerment through technology and innovation.
Pakistan is deepening its trade ties with Saudi Arabia through strategic investments in IT, minerals, and construction. Over 100 Pakistani tech firms now operate in KSA, supported by trade missions, SASO certification drives, and new B2B platforms that align with Saudi Vision 2030’s diversification agenda.
Omantel has partnered with Kingsoft to develop Oman’s first sovereign productivity software hosted on the National Cloud. The initiative ensures data sovereignty, enhanced security, and local cost efficiency, marking a key step toward Oman’s goal of becoming a regional digital innovation hub.
Oman Arab Bank reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and national talent under Oman Vision 2040. Led by CEO Sulaiman al Harthy, the bank continues to drive digital transformation, SME empowerment, and leadership development while advancing Oman’s economic diversification and financial inclusion goals.