Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The PTA has proposed the installation of express feeders to resolve Karachi’s telecom network issues caused by power outages. Despite backup power systems, network downtime persists in key districts. The PTA’s survey reveals improvements in call completion rates and 4G data speeds, with ongoing efforts to stabilize network infrastructure.
Nillion has partnered with stc Bahrain to integrate its blind computing privacy technology into Web2 applications, aiming to advance privacy solutions in the Middle East. The partnership includes deploying nodes on Nillion’s PETnet network, leveraging Bahrain’s data laws and stc’s telecom infrastructure to develop scalable, secure applications.
Hub71’s Cohort 16 welcomes 27 startups, collectively raising $145 million, with 63% headquartered outside the UAE. Startups from key sectors like FinTech, HealthTech, and ClimateTech are set to scale in Abu Dhabi. The initiative strengthens the UAE’s digital economy and reinforces its position as a global tech hub.
Ghana ranked 8th in Africa for internet quality according to the 2024 Surfshark Digital Quality of Life Index, with an index score of 0.304. While African countries face challenges like slow speeds and high costs, the index highlights their ongoing progress in digital infrastructure and quality of life.
NEOM and DataVolt have signed a $5 billion agreement to build sustainable data centers in Saudi Arabia. The first phase of the project, set to be operational by 2028, will focus on using renewable energy and advanced cooling technologies to create a net-zero, green AI factory addressing global data center challenges.
Bahrain’s revamped eKey 2.0 app, developed with Beyon Connect, achieved 13,000 registrations on its first day. The app provides secure digital ID authentication for government and private sector services, with features like password-less login, facial recognition, and user-controlled data sharing, supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation initiatives.
du, the Dubai telecom operator, recorded a 49% increase in 2024 net profit, reaching Dh2.49 billion. The company plans expansion into adjacent sectors like data centers and fintech, while launching new sub-brands. Additionally, du aims to offer sovereign cloud and AI services in the UAE by mid-2025.
In 2024, Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) conducted 148 inspections and reviewed over 11,400 telecom device import applications. Violations related to imports decreased significantly, reflecting improved compliance. TRA emphasized the importance of licensing and adhering to technical regulations to prevent interference and ensure optimal use of the frequency spectrum.
Vodafone Qatar will celebrate National Sport Day 2025 with the ‘Vodafone Sport Village’ at Baraha, Msheireb. The event, from 8 am to 4 pm, will feature sports activities, AI-driven experiences, 5G activations, and various engagement zones, encouraging the community to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle.
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first standalone commercial Internet Exchange. This partnership enhances connectivity, reduces costs, and supports Qatar’s digital transformation, providing businesses with efficient access to global content providers and improved network performance, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.