Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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’s e-commerce market is expected to triple to $708.7 billion by 2033, driven by Vision 2030, 99% smartphone penetration, and mobile-first consumer behaviour. Growth in digital payments, Q-commerce, omnichannel retail, and AI personalisation is reshaping how Saudis shop, while logistics and fraud prevention remain key challenges.
e& UAE has become the first operator in the region to deploy 4-Carrier Aggregation on a live 5.5G network, combining FDD and TDD spectrum to deliver consistent multi-gigabit speeds. The milestone strengthens network capacity, improves real-world performance, and accelerates mass adoption of 5G-Advanced services across the UAE.
Ooredoo Qatar has launched a new eSIM solution for IoT devices, enabling enterprises to deploy, manage, and scale connected operations globally. Offering multi-network access, GSMA-compliant security, centralized management, and coverage across more than 600 networks, the solution supports secure, cost-efficient, and scalable IoT deployments across industries.
Kazakhstan and Oman reviewed bilateral relations and Kazakhstan’s 2025 socio-economic progress at a high-level roundtable in Muscat. Discussions focused on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, economic reforms, tourism cooperation, and the strengthening of political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.
Nepal Telecom has launched WiFi 6 services for FTTH users, introducing new routers that deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and improved coverage. With bundled internet, telephone, and NT TV packages, the upgrade enhances user experience while helping the state-backed operator remain competitive in Nepal’s broadband market.
Morocco has launched a fully digital passenger journey at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport ahead of AFCON 2025, deploying self-service and biometric technologies to manage record traffic volumes. Part of ONDA’s Décollage 2025 strategy, the initiative aims to modernise airport operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the passenger experience nationwide.
Kuwait’s stc has organized an autism awareness session for employees in partnership with Friends of Autism, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity, health, and social well-being. The initiative reflects stc’s broader CSR strategy to promote understanding, empower its workforce, and create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
Iraq is evaluating cloud seeding as a climate adaptation strategy to mitigate water shortages caused by drought and climate change. Officials are studying global best practices and technical feasibility, viewing the approach as a potential supplement to long-term water management and agricultural sustainability efforts.
Flat6Labs concluded its three-year StartMashreq Program with strong results across Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs, advancing inclusion, creating jobs, and unlocking significant startup funding. Backed by the Netherlands and IFC, the initiative demonstrated how targeted ecosystem support can drive resilient, cross-border entrepreneurship in challenging markets.
Iraq has reinstated a 20 percent tax on mobile and internet recharge cards to boost revenues and address budget constraints. Critics argue the move shifts the burden to consumers despite legal responsibility resting with telecom companies, raising concerns over service quality, fairness, and fiscal priorities.