Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kazakhstan has launched a new telecommunications corridor connecting Central Asia to the UAE, enhancing digital transit capacity, reducing latency, and strengthening cross-border connectivity. The initiative supports the Digital Silk Road vision while positioning Kazakhstan as a strategic hub for international data traffic and regional digital infrastructure growth.
Saudi Arabia is reshaping Vision 2030 to prioritize technology, digital infrastructure, and advanced industries, shifting investment away from large construction projects toward innovation-driven sectors. The strategy focuses on sustainable economic diversification, workforce development, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for technology and emerging industries.
Tunisia recorded an 81% increase in mobile payments in 2025, driven by digital wallet adoption, infrastructure modernization, and financial inclusion initiatives. The growth reflects a broader shift toward electronic transactions as mobile platforms become the preferred payment method across consumer and merchant activities in the country.
Aramco and Microsoft have signed an agreement to advance industrial AI adoption across energy operations, focusing on operational efficiency, digital sovereignty, and workforce development. The partnership aims to integrate AI into core industrial systems while supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation and technology innovation goals.
Tally Solutions has expanded its Saudi partner network to support SME digital transformation, combining software solutions with local accounting and advisory expertise. The initiative aims to improve financial compliance, operational efficiency, and digital adoption among SMEs while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification and technology adoption goals.
Ookla’s 2025 Speedtest Global Index shows GCC markets leading MEA performance, while North Africa delivered the biggest ranking gains driven by 5G launches and accelerated fiber expansion. Bahrain and Oman also improved through regulatory changes and network investment. The analysis highlights that modernization, spectrum timing, and investment capacity matter more than urbanization alone.
AlloyX and Bahrain FinTech Bay have partnered to accelerate stablecoin innovation and adoption in Bahrain, focusing on regulated digital finance, blockchain integration, and fintech ecosystem collaboration. The initiative supports the Kingdom’s ambition to strengthen its role as a regional hub for digital assets and next-generation financial infrastructure.
Northstar Telecom and Omnicomm have partnered to introduce fuel monitoring and fleet optimisation solutions in Bahrain, combining telematics technology with real-time analytics to improve operational efficiency, fuel transparency, and fleet performance across logistics, construction, and enterprise vehicle operations.
Algeria is expanding vocational training programmes to address rising cybersecurity demand, focusing on developing skilled professionals, modernizing training systems, and strengthening national digital security capabilities. The initiative supports workforce readiness, digital sovereignty, and long-term protection of critical infrastructure amid increasing cyber threats.
Al Rustaq Hospital’s performance in 2025 highlights growing healthcare demand in Oman, with expanded surgical capacity, new subspecialties, and international accreditation strengthening service quality. Planned infrastructure upgrades and regional healthcare coordination aim to improve patient access and enhance operational efficiency across the hospital’s expanding medical services.