Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Omantel has partnered with Serb to expand access to drones in Oman through installment-based purchases and licensing. The collaboration supports safe drone use, empowers youth innovation, and strengthens Oman’s leadership in digital transformation and drone technology.
King Mohammed VI has appointed General Abdellah Boutrik as head of Morocco’s DGSSI, strengthening the nation’s cyber defence capabilities. The move underscores digital security as a top national priority, with Boutrik tasked to lead an updated cybersecurity strategy amid rising attacks and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Ooredoo Kuwait has partnered with online retailer WiBi to integrate Nojoom loyalty points into its e-commerce platform. Customers can now redeem points for electronics, enjoy exclusive bundles, and benefit from a seamless shopping experience, reinforcing Ooredoo’s vision as a lifestyle brand.
Nigel Farage joined U.S. conservatives at a House Judiciary Committee hearing to attack the U.K.’s Online Safety Act and EU tech laws, calling them authoritarian. The session, led by Jim Jordan, drew criticism in Britain and Washington, exposing deep divides over digital regulation and free speech.
Mastercard has teamed up with Jordan’s Zain Cash to expand digital payments, launch SME-focused solutions, and establish an Innovation Hub for new technologies. The partnership leverages Zain Cash’s prepaid market leadership and Mastercard’s global network to accelerate financial inclusion and transaction growth in Jordan.
Streameast, the world’s largest illegal sports streaming platform, has been shut down after a year-long investigation by ACE and Egyptian authorities. Two men were arrested, millions in illicit funds traced, and domains seized, marking a major global victory in the fight against piracy.
Basata Holding will invest $7 million in 2026 while preparing new investment services and regional expansion into Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Kurdistan. The company, already serving over 120,000 merchants, aims to reach 150,000 this year and strengthen its leadership in Egypt’s fast-growing digital payments sector.
Intella has raised $12.5 million in an oversubscribed Series A led by Prosus, boosting its total funding to $16.9 million. The Arabic AI leader will use the capital for R&D, expansion in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and scaling its AI-powered workforce across multiple sectors.
Vodafone Egypt appointed Ayman El-Saadany as Chief External Affairs Officer and Rasha Hamdy as Chief Legal Officer, effective October 1. Both join the Executive Committee, reinforcing leadership continuity and strengthening governance, external engagement, and digital transformation efforts in line with Vodafone’s long-term strategy.
Bahrain’s Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa attended the graduation of the second batch of the Technical Workforce Development Program, highlighting its role in preparing Bahraini ICT talent. He praised leadership support, urged national engagement in technology, and reaffirmed the initiative’s importance in advancing digital transformation.