Egypt’s smartphone market is stabilizing after the implementation of a whitelisting regulation to curb illegal imports. Although shipments dropped by 18%, the government’s strategy to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on grey markets could ensure long-term growth, despite challenges like higher prices for legally imported devices.
Vodafone Qatar’s net profits for Q1 2025 increased by 8.1%, reaching QR 162.3 million compared to QR 150.1 million in Q1 2024. Earnings per share also rose to QR 0.038, up from QR 0.036 during the same period last year, as reflected in the company’s financial statements.
A delegation from China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), led by Chairman Yang Jie, visited Pakistan’s Ministry of IT to discuss collaboration on AI-enabled data centers, 5G development, and digital partnerships under the CPEC framework. The meeting emphasized strengthening Pak-China ties and advancing Pakistan’s digital goals.
Zain Kuwait has earned the ISO 37301:2021 certification, marking a significant achievement as one of the first regional mobile operators to meet the standard for Compliance Management Systems. This reinforces Zain’s commitment to regulatory adherence, integrity, and its leadership in ISO certifications in the telecom sector.
Dubai AI Week, inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan, emphasizes AI as the foundation for the city’s future. The event brings together global experts, policymakers, and businesses to accelerate AI adoption, with a focus on enhancing quality of life, economic growth, and preparing societies for a tech-driven future.
PTCL reported impressive financial results for Q1 2025, with a 22% revenue growth, reaching Rs 61.8 billion. Flash Fiber, Ufone 4G, and U Microfinance Bank all showed strong performance, while PTCL continued its digital transformation with innovations like WhatsApp-based bill payments and a focus on social impact initiatives.
Khazna Data Centers is expanding its UAE footprint with two new facilities in Abu Dhabi—AUH4 in Mafraq and AUH8 in Masdar City. These facilities, alongside QAJ1 in Ajman, will serve the growing demand for AI and cloud services in the UAE. The centers, built to LEED Gold standards, will support cutting-edge AI workloads and digital transformation goals.
Fuze has received approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for a Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes license. This allows the company to offer advanced payment solutions, including AI-driven compliance, virtual IBANs, and real-time transactions, aligning with the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy to drive financial innovation.
MTN has officially transferred its Afghanistan operations to M1 New Ventures, a Lebanon-based investment firm, which will now operate under the brand ATOMA. The transition, completed under the Taliban’s regulatory framework, includes an auction for 48 megahertz of spectrum, generating around $100 million in leasing agreements.
Syria’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Haykal, met with Michalis Hadjikyrou, Cyprus’ Chargé d’Affaires, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in communications and information technology. The focus was on advancing Syria’s digital infrastructure, fostering collaboration between the two nations in this sector.
