Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain’s iGA and Royal Academy of Police honoured university students who won the 2025 AI GameDay Challenge, highlighting national efforts to build AI and cloud computing skills. Supported by UNDP, AWS, and stc Bahrain, the initiative showcased youth innovation and practical applications aligned with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals.
Bahrain participated in ITU’s WTDC-25 in Baku, showcasing achievements in digital transformation and regulatory modernisation. The TRA reaffirmed support for global digital inclusion, contributed to sector policy discussions, and backed Adel Darwish’s candidacy for ITU Deputy Secretary-General.
Oman ranked 68th in the Digital Quality of Life Index 2025, down from last year, with strengths in digital infrastructure and AI readiness but weaker performance in digital security and internet quality. Despite improvements in broadband speeds, the rankings highlight the need for stronger cybersecurity and continued investment in digital services.
Algeria is preparing new e-commerce legislation to support youth entrepreneurship, protect consumers, and regulate rapid online market growth. With e-commerce turnover exceeding $1.9 billion, the framework aims to formalise digital trade, promote financial inclusion, and build a trusted, transparent digital economy aligned with national digitisation goals.
Algerian travel-tech startup Völz raised $5 million in a funding round led by local investors, marking the first exit for the Algerian Startup Fund. The company enables international flight bookings in local currency with cash and offline payment options, aiming to scale operations and simplify travel access nationwide.
Algeria is launching a national digital platform to manage hospital patient transfers, introducing automated workflows and a 48-hour response deadline for urgent cases. Integrated with ground and air medical transport, the system aims to improve care continuity, especially in remote regions, as part of the country’s 2030 health digitalization strategy.
Libya and Saudi Arabia have signed a preliminary telecom MoU to strengthen regional cooperation, focusing on network development, technical studies, and connectivity strategies. The partnership aims to enhance Libya’s digital infrastructure, support expertise exchange, and align telecom modernisation with broader economic and digital transformation goals.
Nepal Telecom plans to launch 5G in standalone mode through open bidding, potentially ending its long-standing partnership with Huawei for new network deployments. The move reflects security, policy, and technology considerations as Nepal advances its digital transformation agenda and prepares for nationwide 5G rollout.
Zain Kuwait won three major awards at the Telecom Review Excellence Awards in Dubai, recognizing its leadership in 5G-Advanced, network experience, and digital transformation. The accolades highlight Zain’s 4WARD strategy, advanced infrastructure investments, and commitment to delivering human-centric digital innovation across Kuwait.
Oman’s telecommunications sector recorded strong growth through October 2025, with rising mobile, broadband, fiber, and IoT subscriptions driving digital transformation. Rapid expansion in machine-to-machine services and fiber connectivity highlights shifting demand, while declining legacy technologies signal continued network modernisation across the Sultanate.