Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
du has completed the world’s first integration of a 25Gbps E-band microwave link into a 5G-Advanced network, delivering fiber-equivalent backhaul capacity over wireless infrastructure. The deployment supports nationwide 5G-A expansion, improves scalability, and aligns with the UAE’s long-term 6G roadmap.
Veon has announced a US$20 million investment in Mobilink Microfinance Bank to expand digital and Islamic banking services in Pakistan. The funding will support MSME financing, financial inclusion, and the country’s growing digital economy, marking Veon’s first FDI of 2026.
Zimbabwe has introduced a 15% digital services withholding tax on payments to foreign platforms such as Netflix and Starlink from January 2026. Collected by banks, the tax targets offshore providers earning revenue locally without a physical presence.
Lenovo has appointed Tareq Alangari as Senior Vice President and President for the META region, strengthening its leadership across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. The move supports Lenovo’s focus on AI, cloud, and digital transformation aligned with major national development strategies.
Red Sea Global and Bunat VC have launched Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated AI investment fund to back AI-native startups from early to growth stages. The initiative combines capital with real-world testing environments across Red Sea destinations, supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation and innovation ecosystem.
GBM Oman appoints Fadi Dernaika as general manager, strengthening leadership with deep local market experience and a strong background in cloud and digital transformation. The appointment supports GBM Oman’s role as a trusted technology partner aligned with national digital transformation priorities.
Freedom Telecom International and e& have signed a strategic MoU to explore global fintech–telco collaboration, combining digital financial services and telecom innovation to develop new value propositions and expand services across international markets.
SDAIA Academy has opened registration for a five-day quantum computing boot camp to build national capabilities, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on training as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital and human capital development goals.
Cyberani has partnered with Bahrain-based CTM360 to integrate digital risk protection and external attack surface management into its managed security services, enhancing 24/7 threat visibility and response for organisations across Saudi Arabia.
Kingdom Centre’s landmark redevelopment in Riyadh is nearing completion, introducing enhanced luxury retail, hospitality, dining, digital innovation, and visitor engagement features aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the city’s global ambitions.