Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has indicated that the 5G spectrum auction may take place by mid-February 2026, pending the release of the auction information memorandum. The announcement signals renewed momentum for 5G deployment while highlighting rising cybersecurity risks and the need for stronger digital awareness among users.
Sri Lanka has officially launched commercial 5G services, with Dialog Axiata and SLT-Mobitel activating networks after the completion of the country’s 5G spectrum auction. The rollout marks a major milestone following years of trials, unlocking new opportunities for high-speed connectivity, enterprise applications, and nationwide digital transformation.
Tally Solutions has launched TallyPrime 7.0 in the UAE, offering enhanced data security, automated backups, smart search, and seamless adoption of the new national currency symbol. The update supports SME compliance, efficiency, and localization as businesses advance digital transformation under national economic strategies.
TECOM Group has launched Phase 4 of Innovation Hub at Dubai Internet City, a Dhs615 million project adding 263,000 sq ft of Grade-A office space. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the expansion supports rising demand from global technology firms and reinforces Dubai’s position as a regional digital economy hub.
Huawei and Tunisia’s Al-Khawarizmi Computing Center hosted a seminar in Tunis to advance smart education and telemedicine. The partnership supports over 450 institutions through a cloud platform and uses AI-powered medical imaging to enhance healthcare delivery, reinforcing Tunisia’s digital transformation efforts.
Ooredoo Tunisia has been named “Customer Service of the Year 2026” for the seventh consecutive time, recognizing its excellence across consumer and business telecom services. The award, based on independent mystery shopper evaluations, reflects sustained investment in people, digital tools, and high-quality customer experiences.
Artificial intelligence dominated discussions at Riyadh’s Absher Conference, with leaders highlighting its impact on government services, education, and media. Panels emphasized infrastructure readiness, talent development, and AI-powered storytelling, positioning AI as a unifying force driving Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia set a Guinness World Record by hosting the world’s largest digital solutions hackathon, uniting thousands of participants to build AI-driven public service innovations. The event highlighted national talent, unveiled new digital platforms, and strengthened partnerships supporting Vision 2030 and large-scale digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia ranked second globally in the ITU Digital Regulatory Maturity Index 2025, retaining “Leading” status among 193 countries. The achievement reflects strong leadership support, inclusive digital policies, cross-sector collaboration, and regulatory frameworks that drive innovation, investment, and digital economy growth.
Pakistan is seeking Chinese fintech investment to expand digital lending, boost SME financing, and advance financial inclusion. Talks with Fintopia China highlighted Pakistan’s underbanked market, regulatory reforms, and incentives aimed at attracting foreign fintech firms as part of a broader digital economy strategy.