Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bader Alsharif, a Saudi AI scholar, has developed a real-time sign language translation system using AI to bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities. His work aims to improve inclusivity and communication, with future plans to create a Saudi Sign Language version and expand the system globally.
Cyber First Qatar 2025 brought together over 300 cybersecurity leaders to discuss enhancing the country’s digital security, in alignment with Qatar’s National Cybersecurity Strategy 2024–2030. The event highlighted AI’s role in cybersecurity, efforts to protect critical infrastructure, and initiatives to foster innovation and resilience in Qatar’s digital transformation.
Media City Qatar has partnered with the German Press Agency (dpa) to establish a regional editorial hub in Doha, set to launch in June 2025. This collaboration aims to enhance news coverage across the GCC, support Arabic content, and foster Qatari talent through training and development.
Pakistan is considering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system, with a focus on developing an AI curriculum from primary to university levels. Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad emphasized the need to prepare students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.
Pakistan’s mobile users face unreliable 3G and 4G services, despite the promise of 5G. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not taken significant action against telecom companies for poor service, leading to frustration nationwide. Users report frequent signal drops and slow mobile data, with PTA’s fines yielding limited results.
Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology launched the Digital Accessibility Guide to promote inclusive digital services. The guide helps mobile app and website developers adopt accessibility best practices, ensuring that services are usable by all, including people with disabilities and the elderly, while reducing future modification costs.
Yango Group has partnered with ITHCA Group to launch a digital ecosystem in Oman, enhancing the country’s digital transformation. The acquisition of Otaxi will improve service offerings in mobility, delivery, and rentals. This collaboration supports Oman’s Vision 2040 and aims to drive growth through AI-powered, locally-tailored solutions.
Meta has sent representatives to Nepal after the government set a deadline for social media platforms to register under new regulations. The registration is mandatory to avoid restrictions, with Meta and other platforms facing pressure to comply. The government aims to enforce compliance through potential penalties and platform bans.
WorldLink now allows users to extend their internet service by three days via its app or SMS after the subscription expires. This self-service option provides flexibility for users to continue their service while awaiting payment. WorldLink continues to improve customer satisfaction with this added convenience for over a million users.
Morocco’s publishing industry is embracing digital transformation, with digital publications now comprising 8.97% of the total output. Efforts by public institutions, universities, and cultural organizations are helping to diversify the literary and academic scene, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, making digital formats more central to knowledge dissemination.