Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iraq launched the Dhamani platform and a digital health insurance center to automate healthcare services under its Health Insurance Law. Citizens can register online and use biometric cards with electronic medical records. The 2026 rollout targets three million people, starting with one million in Baghdad.
Egypt has blocked Roblox following concerns raised in parliament about child online safety. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation ordered the move, with the NTRA implementing the technical block. Authorities said the platform posed risks linked to children’s internet and social media use, prompting immediate regulatory action.
Ripple partnered with Bahrain Fintech Bay to advance blockchain and stablecoin adoption, introducing RLUSD and custody solutions to local institutions. The move builds on Ripple’s DFSA license and aligns with Bahrain’s stablecoin framework, enabling pilots in tokenization, payments, and education across the Kingdom’s regulated fintech ecosystem.
Bahrain has asked iOS users to update to version 26.2 to receive emergency alerts as it rolls out a phased wireless warning system to improve public safety. The move supports faster communication during crises, while Android and Huawei users require no action. Kuwait has also begun routine siren testing.
Algeria launches Alsat-3A from China, enhancing high-resolution Earth observation, geospatial intelligence, and mapping capabilities through continued collaboration between ASAL and CASC.
Libya and European stakeholders convene in Malta to explore transport, telecoms, and IT investments, aiming to modernize infrastructure, strengthen economic ties, and position Libya as a key trade corridor between Europe and Africa.
Almadar Aljadid launches 5G in Tripoli, completing North Africa’s Mediterranean-wide transition to 5G as phased expansion aims to improve connectivity and enable digital services across key sectors.
Zain Kuwait earns ‘Best Telecom’ and ‘Most Innovative Telecom’ awards for 2025, recognizing its leadership in 5G-Advanced deployment, AI-driven network operations, Open RAN trials, and digital transformation initiatives that enhance infrastructure performance, customer experience, and support Kuwait’s digital economy ambitions.
Coordination between Yemen’s Civil Service Ministry, the Public Telecommunications Corporation, and Yemen Mobile focused on updating employee data in the central database and improving institutional alignment to enhance service quality and support national development.
China outlines plans to deploy gigawatt AI data centres in orbit within five years, integrating solar power, satellite constellations, and digital-intelligence infrastructure as part of its national AI strategy, while global players like SpaceX, Starcloud, and Madari Space explore similar space-based computing concepts.