Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
AIS Business launched Thailand’s first locally operated hyperscale cloud, powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, designed for AI workloads with data sovereignty and localized billing. It also introduced a NaaS platform for flexible enterprise network management.
EDGE and CS Group have signed an MoU to co-develop advanced tactical communication systems, integrating operational command with tactical data networks. This collaboration advances EDGE’s strategic drive to deliver sovereign, ultra-secure communication technologies for defense and government sectors.
Airtel Uganda has expanded 4G services to Kassanda District, improving network reliability and speed. The operator’s community engagement includes digital literacy efforts like data management education, supporting nationwide digital inclusion and economic participation.
Nokia, e& UAE, and MediaTek demonstrated the Middle East’s first six-component carrier aggregation on 5G Standalone networks, achieving 5.8 Gbps speeds across multiple mid-band spectrum bands. This breakthrough advances 5G performance in the UAE, enabling ultra-fast connectivity and supporting the region’s digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s government ICT contracts grew 18.75% to SR38 billion in 2024, driven by health, military, and infrastructure sectors. Investments focus on AI, cloud, and emerging tech, supporting Vision 2030. The Kingdom leads globally in digital government rankings and ICT spending share.
Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja spotlighted satellite internet’s role in bridging the digital divide, praised key organizations expanding connectivity, and called for unified investor strategies and digital literacy to advance Pakistan’s digital future.
Mobile phone imports in Pakistan declined by 16.31% in July-May 2024-25, with a sharp 35.83% drop in May 2025 compared to last year. Despite this, overall merchandise exports rose by 5.15%, while total imports increased by 7.50% in the same period.
COMEX 2025, Oman’s flagship tech exhibition, returns with a focus on eGovernment, enterprise ICT, startups, gaming, and fintech. The event offers global pavilions, hackathons, and awards, drawing leaders and investors to explore opportunities in Oman and the GCC.
Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning launched a digital platform for instant property title deed issuance, cutting service time and reducing in-person visits significantly. The initiative supports Oman’s digital transformation and Vision 2040 goals, with plans to expand accessibility nationwide through kiosks and service halls.
Brookfield Asset Management is close to acquiring a stake in an Omani telecom operator, marking its first investment in Oman’s telecom market. The deal highlights increasing foreign interest amid Oman’s telecom liberalization and digital growth initiatives.