The MENA mobile market is projected to reach $360 billion by 2030, driven by mobile internet use, mVAS services, and rapid 5G adoption. With growing local content and network investments, the region faces challenges like connectivity gaps and regulatory issues but remains a key growth market for mobile services.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, spoke at the Bab Al Bahrain Forum 2025, highlighting the country’s role in innovation, human capital, and sustainable economic growth. The forum brought together key international figures to discuss global and regional economic challenges.
e& has seen a 12.9% increase in its total subscriber base, reaching 194.8 million, and posted a strong Q1-2025 performance with revenues up by 18.7% and a net profit surge of 129.9%. The company also divested a 40% stake in Khazna Data Centers for Dh8 billion and entered a strategic partnership in Morocco.
du has joined the FreeMove Alliance, extending its global mobile connectivity solutions into the Middle East. The partnership enables du to offer multinational corporations access to enterprise mobility solutions, centralized management, and global support, strengthening its service portfolio and enhancing telecommunications for international businesses in the region.
Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Ericsson to upgrade its charging system with a cloud-native solution for its 5G standalone network. This system allows Ooredoo to monetize new services efficiently, such as AR/VR, gaming, and streaming. The collaboration strengthens Ooredoo’s 5G capabilities and enhances digital experiences for users.
Abu Dhabi’s IHC, ADQ, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have unveiled a Dirham-backed stablecoin, pending regulatory approval by the UAE Central Bank. The stablecoin, running on the ADI blockchain, aims to enhance the UAE’s digital finance sector, offering secure, stable payment solutions for businesses and consumers.
The TP Innovation Centre has opened in Dubai Internet City, offering immersive experiences, design thinking labs, and workshops tailored to key industries like banking, healthcare, and retail. The center focuses on co-creation, talent development, and digital competitiveness, aiming to drive innovation and support Dubai’s ambitious digital future goals.
du has partnered with Microsoft to build a AED 2 billion hyperscale data center in the UAE, boosting the country’s cloud and AI capabilities. This facility, aligned with Dubai’s AI strategy, will enhance digital infrastructure. The company is also rolling out 5G-Advanced technology to support national digital transformation goals.
A power outage in Spain and Portugal on Monday caused disruptions to Orange Maroc’s Internet services in Morocco, affecting international connections. While other providers like Maroc Telecom and Inwi have not reported issues, Algerian authorities warned of potential disruptions. No impacts have been reported in Morocco or Algeria yet.
Khazna, the UAE’s leading data center developer, plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, aiming for 25% market share. The company is set to compete with local firms while targeting hyperscaler needs. Khazna is also expanding globally, with new centers in Turkey, Kenya, and Europe, driven by strong investments and rapid growth.
