Dialog Axiata successfully conducted Sri Lanka’s first VoNR trial on a live 5G network, using a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone. The trial showcased VoNR’s benefits, including better voice quality, faster connections, and improved network efficiency. However, 5G services remain in trial stages as spectrum allocation is still pending.
The UAE and Ireland have signed an MoU to strengthen economic and technical cooperation, establishing a Joint Economic Commission. The agreement focuses on trade, investment, renewable energy, and other sectors, aiming to foster deeper bilateral ties and promote sustainable development. Non-oil trade between the nations reached $1.1 billion in 2024.
Checkout.com plans to launch card issuing services in the UAE by 2026, pending regulatory approval. The service will enable businesses to offer branded physical and virtual cards, streamline B2B payouts, and manage expenses. Checkout.com continues to expand in the MENA region, enhancing its digital payment solutions and partnerships.
Recent data from Tunisia’s telecom regulator shows a shift towards data-driven services, with mobile internet usage and 4G adoption growing, while traditional voice services plateau. Mobile broadband is now the dominant access point, highlighting a digital transformation in the telecom sector that operators and regulators must support.
SLIIT successfully hosted CODEFEST 2024, Sri Lanka’s leading national software competition, with over 4,000 participants from schools and universities. The event showcased coding talent across 12 categories and awarded over one million rupees in prizes. CODEFEST continues to drive innovation and nurture tech talent, aligning with Sri Lanka’s Vision 2030.
Sri Lanka hosted the APICTA Executive Committee Meeting 2025, bringing together representatives from 15 member economies to discuss regional ICT collaboration and innovation. The event highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing role in the digital economy and featured discussions on e-governance, smart infrastructure, and digital entrepreneurship.
Rabbit, the Egypt-based quick commerce startup, has expanded into Saudi Arabia with a regional HQ in Riyadh. The company aims to deliver 20 million items across the Kingdom by 2026. Rabbit focuses on fast, AI-powered deliveries in 20 minutes and has seen significant growth in its Egypt market.
Saudi Arabia has achieved a global milestone in artificial intelligence, ranking first in women’s empowerment in AI. The Kingdom also ranked highly in AI job growth, talent attraction, and leading AI models. These accomplishments reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to lead in AI as part of Vision 2030.
Web Summit Qatar 2025 gathered over 25,000 attendees, 1,500 startups, and 700 investors, marking the largest tech event in the Middle East. Influential speakers like Paddy Cosgrave, Will Smith, and Alexander Wang participated, positioning Doha as a key global innovation hub and fostering collaborations in technology and entrepreneurship.
Qatar Central Bank has introduced the ‘Multiple Wallets per Mobile Number’ feature in the Qatar Mobile Payment system, allowing users to open two wallets under different payment service providers. This initiative enhances user experience, supports competition and innovation, and promotes financial inclusion in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy.
