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 has joined the OECD-hosted Global Partnership on AI, aligning with Vision 2030 to shape global AI governance and promote ethical, human-centric development. The move strengthens international cooperation and is expected to attract investment into the Kingdom’s expanding AI ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a multilingual digital “Umrah and Ziyarah Guide” covering all stages of the pilgrimage journey. Featuring interactive tools, maps, and videos, the initiative enhances awareness, service quality, and digital accessibility for pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia is leveraging MORAN to accelerate 5G rollout, reduce infrastructure duplication, and enhance sustainability under Vision 2030. By enabling shared radio infrastructure while preserving competition, the model supports giga-project connectivity, faster deployment, and lower energy consumption nationwide.
The Pakistan FinTech Summit marks the first global expansion of DIFC’s platform, strengthening UAE-Pakistan fintech ties. With rising funding and 450 fintech firms active, Pakistan is advancing regulatory reforms and digital infrastructure while addressing cash reliance and financial inclusion gaps.
Qatar and Azerbaijan are strengthening ties to expand tech startups across fintech, proptech, and insurtech sectors. Leaders stress public-private collaboration, talent development, and infrastructure investment as key drivers for transforming resource-based economies into regional digital hubs.
Finnfund has invested $5m in CREI to expand solar-hybrid energy systems across MTN South Sudan’s telecom sites, boosting network coverage to 80% of the population and cutting emissions by 43%, while supporting community health and gender inclusion initiatives.
Kuwait has secured approval to award a $64.8m contract to modernise its fixed-line network, aiming for 90% fibre coverage by 2028 with speeds up to 10 Gbps, supporting smart city ambitions and the New Kuwait 2035 vision.
Pakistan will hold separate 5G spectrum auctions for Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK after the national rollout. PTA favours free spectrum allocation in these regions to boost infrastructure investment, alongside reforms to remove right-of-way charges and streamline approvals.
Robi Axiata posted a record Tk 9.37bn profit in 2025, up 33% year-on-year, driven by data growth and lower operating costs. Subscriber base reached 57.4m, with 99% 4G coverage and a 17.5% cash dividend declared.
A Kaspersky report shows 70% of UAE firms plan to deploy AI-driven security operations centres to counter AI-powered cyber threats. Companies expect AI to enhance threat detection and automate responses, despite challenges related to talent shortages and integration costs.