Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ooredoo and Qatar Airways have joined forces to establish a national AI hub, combining advanced infrastructure, local talent development, and Nvidia GPU-powered innovation. The partnership aims to accelerate Qatar’s digital transformation while enhancing customer experience, operational efficiency, and security across telecommunications, aviation, and other industries.
Egypt is strengthening its AI leadership with the launch of Ai Everything MEA in 2026, hosted in Cairo. Backed by its national AI strategy, the event will unite 60+ countries, global tech leaders, and major investors, while positioning Egypt as a hub for AI innovation, collaboration, and digital progress.
Industrial AI adoption has nearly doubled in a year, according to IFS research, with 59% of companies now deploying it. While profitability gains are strong, the “AI Execution Gap” persists, as most organizations lack strategies, trust, and skills to scale impact. Reskilling and governance remain urgent priorities.
Abu Dhabi’s G42 is in talks with U.S. tech firms including Google, AWS, Microsoft, Meta, and xAI to join its AI campus, while exploring chip supply from AMD, Cerebras, and Qualcomm to diversify beyond Nvidia. The $200B initiative was unveiled during Trump’s UAE visit in May.
SLT-Mobitel posted Rs. 4.3B PAT in 1H 2025 after last year’s loss, signaling a strong turnaround. With 95% fibre coverage and new AI initiatives, it is driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, supporting government networks, and serving as strategic partner for the country’s first National AI Expo.
The Coca-Cola Foundation has partnered with Saudi women-led Lesser App to launch large-scale PET plastic collection in Riyadh and Jeddah under the new PACT initiative. With $1M in seed funding, the program promotes recycling innovation, supports waste workers, and aligns with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.
Saudi Arabia has approved a new law granting foreigners real estate ownership rights through a digital ID system set to roll out in January 2026, boosting transparency and foreign investment. At the same time, AfricAI, a multinational joint venture, has been launched to drive AI adoption in Africa, focusing on localized, enterprise-grade solutions.
Salam will serve as Gold Sponsor of the GSR25 Side Event Exhibition in Riyadh, showcasing innovative ICT solutions. The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s digital leadership, bringing together global regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable technology development.
ZTE and MTN have launched the world’s first 5-band RRU in South Africa, reducing RF modules by 50% and improving energy efficiency by 45.8%. The breakthrough supports MTN’s 97% LTE coverage, boosts sustainability, and sets a new benchmark for Africa’s telecom evolution and digital transformation.
Qatar, represented by the CRA, participated in the Arab Working Group meeting in Riyadh to prepare for ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference 2026. Qatar secured two vice-chair roles and will host PP-26 in Doha, reaffirming its leadership in shaping global ICT policies and strengthening regional cooperation.