Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia is embedding AI across its national curriculum to equip over 6 million students with digital skills by 2025. Through coordinated government initiatives and private-sector partnerships, the Kingdom aims to strengthen workforce readiness and position itself as a regional leader in AI-enabled education.
Ericsson and specialized by stc have signed an MoU to advance mission-critical communications in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration will focus on secure, AI-enabled connectivity, IoT integration and real-time communication tools to strengthen public safety and support Vision 2030 digital transformation goals.
MCIT enabled 30 digital solutions and 94 matchmaking sessions in 2025 under the SMEs Go Digital Program, advancing digital transformation across Qatar’s SME sector. The initiative supports cloud adoption, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency to strengthen economic diversification and competitiveness.
PTCL Flash Fiber has won Ookla’s Best Fixed Network award for 2025 and Best ISP Gaming Experience for H2 2025 in Pakistan. The recognition reflects strong performance in speed, latency, and network stability as PTCL continues expanding its fibre infrastructure nationwide.
Pakistan is finalising its Mobile & Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33 to attract global giants Apple and Samsung. The government aims to boost local production, deepen supply chain integration, and position the country as a regional smartphone manufacturing hub.
PTA has mandated telecom operators to bid on the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in Pakistan’s upcoming 5G auction to ensure a practical nationwide rollout. The regulator will conduct a mock auction before bidding, with a USD 15 million bank guarantee required per operator.
Advances in AI, wearables, and video analytics are driving rapid growth in the athlete data industry. With forecasts placing Europe’s sports analytics market at $7.5 billion by 2032, performance data is becoming central to coaching, broadcasting, betting, and long-term fan engagement.
KAPP has secured conditional approval for a KD19.928 million fixed-line telecom upgrade project. The initiative targets nationwide fibre expansion to 90 percent of homes by 2028, speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and supports Kuwait’s digital transformation and New Kuwait 2035 vision.
An Iraqi-Emirati consortium plans to invest $700 million in WorldLink, a subsea-and-terrestrial cable connecting the UAE to Turkey via Iraq. The five-year project aims to reduce congestion, enhance route diversity, and strengthen regional AI-ready connectivity amid rising Gulf competition in digital infrastructure.
Middle East smartphone shipments rose 13 percent to 54.8 million units in 2025, driven by flagship launches and Gulf upgrade cycles. Samsung strengthened its premium and mid-range leadership alongside Apple, while HONOR posted rapid growth. The market is expected to moderate in 2026 amid tighter supply conditions.