The Ministry of Interior won the IoT Innovation Award for its “First Responder” project at the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025. The award, presented by Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, recognizes the ministry’s efforts to improve emergency response efficiency, particularly in areas with traffic congestion and narrow streets.
Visa has launched Visa+ in Bahrain, allowing users to send money across the GCC using only a mobile number. The service, available through Benefitpay and supported by Bahrain Islamic Bank and Khaleeji Bank, simplifies cross-border transfers, enhances security, and paves the way for further expansion across the region.
Batelco and Nokia have launched Bahrain’s first private 5G network at Alba, the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter. This network will enhance operational efficiency, safety, and innovation through AI-powered maintenance, real-time monitoring, and IoT integration, marking a major step in Alba’s digital transformation and Industry 4.0 adoption.
Sadq, a Saudi-based digital authentication startup, secured USD 1.46 million in pre-Series A funding led by X by Unifonic Fund. The funds will help enhance its technology, attract talent, and expand its secure e-signature and workflow authentication solutions, strengthening its position in Saudi Arabia’s growing digital trust sector.
Zain Kuwait has won five prestigious global awards from Ookla Speedtest for its exceptional performance in 2024, including Fastest Mobile Network, Best 5G Gaming Experience, Best 5G Video Experience, Best Mobile Network, and Fastest Fixed Wireless Network. These accolades cement Zain’s leadership in Kuwait’s telecom sector and digital infrastructure.
Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, met with Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Hiyam al Yasiri, to discuss potential cooperation in telecommunications. The focus was on strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise, and stimulating investment and business opportunities between the two countries.
The ISPAB has announced an upgrade to the Tk 500 internet package, offering 10 Mbps instead of the previous 5 Mbps. This change is part of the “One Country, One Rate” policy aimed at enhancing internet service in Bangladesh. The reform aligns with efforts to improve digital infrastructure and service quality.
stc Group has partnered with Kyndryl to create an advanced multicloud management platform aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. The platform will simplify cloud adoption for stc customers, offering seamless integration with hyperscaler cloud services and enabling innovation. This partnership strengthens stc’s digital leadership in Saudi Arabia.
Comarch was recognized for its role in driving digital transformation in the Middle East at the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, winning the Best Digital Transformation Provider – Middle East award with du. Additionally, the company earned the Digital Initiative of the Year award at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025.
stc Group is enhancing the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 with state-of-the-art 5G, IoT, and AI-powered connectivity solutions. The company ensures seamless connectivity for teams and fans, deploying advanced infrastructure, portable mobile towers, and predictive analytics to create a smarter, more sustainable event.
