Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
PLDT Global has partnered with stc Pay Bahrain to allow direct cash-ins to Philippine e-wallets and e-gift purchases via the stc Pay app. The collaboration expands digital convenience for overseas Filipinos, with future plans including mobile loans, subscriptions, and Smart Virtual Numbers. The move reinforces PLDT’s fintech expansion across the Middle East.
stc Bahrain has launched rova, an international travel app offering lifetime eSIM connectivity across 190+ countries. The app eliminates the need for physical SIMs and roaming hassles, providing instant activation, flexible data packs, and eco-friendly digital connectivity. This innovation strengthens Bahrain’s position as a leader in smart, sustainable travel technology.
Algeria has launched the Algerian Content Creators Network, uniting more than 300 professionals following the 2nd Content Creators Camp in Algiers. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s creative ecosystem, promote collaboration, and enhance the role of digital content in Algeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship agenda.
The Medusa cable system, led by AFR-IX Telecom, has completed its first landing in Marseille, beginning its 8,700km expansion to link 12 countries across Europe and North Africa. Backed by €38.3 million in EU funding, the project will deliver 20 Tbps per fiber pair and extend to the Atlantic, Red Sea, and Sub-Saharan Africa by 2028—ushering in a new era of regional connectivity and digital growth.
e& and Honeywell have joined forces to deploy 5G- and AI-powered digital solutions that simplify SMB operations across the UAE. Through plug-and-play kits, smart devices, and predictive analytics, the partnership eliminates IT complexity, enhances field efficiency, and accelerates digital inclusion — driving smarter, safer, and more connected businesses.
Omantel and Omani AI startup Decoil have joined forces to launch Enterprise Brain, an AI-powered enterprise knowledge platform that connects data, enhances decision-making, and strengthens digital resilience. The collaboration merges Omantel’s scale with Decoil’s AI expertise to deliver a secure SaaS platform built for highly regulated industries, reinforcing Oman’s ambition to lead regional AI innovation under Vision 2040.
du and Network International have formed a strategic alliance to merge telecom connectivity with advanced payment solutions, enabling UAE SMEs to streamline operations and embrace cashless, digital commerce. The partnership will integrate e-commerce gateways, POS systems, and AI-driven insights under one scalable platform, promoting financial inclusion and supporting the UAE’s digital transformation goals.
Synology unveiled new cyber resilience solutions in Dubai, introducing AI-driven tools and next-gen backup systems to strengthen enterprise data protection. The company’s 2025 survey revealed that only 18% of regional businesses feel confident against cyber threats, highlighting the growing urgency for hybrid cloud and immutable data strategies in the MEA region.
Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the world’s most advanced markets for AI investment, with a 160% increase in AI spending and high readiness for large-scale implementation. Driven by Vision 2030, Saudi organisations are strengthening their data strategies, adopting unified observability platforms, and embracing open standards like OpenTelemetry to accelerate automation and performance excellence across industries.
Deloitte and KAUST have joined forces to accelerate AI research, education, and commercialization in Saudi Arabia, aligning global expertise with Vision 2030’s goals for innovation, sustainability, and human capital development.