Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ooredoo has partnered with Innovatix Systems to roll out advanced cybersecurity services across its markets, including managed security, SOC, EDR, and XDR. Already active in Qatar, Tunisia, Kuwait, and the Maldives, the services will expand company-wide by 2025, providing round-the-clock, multilingual, and market-tailored protection.
Kuwait has launched AI-powered security patrol vehicles equipped with facial recognition, license plate scanners, fingerprint ID, and real-time database connectivity. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Interior, aims to accelerate response times, enhance policing efficiency, and modernize national security operations through AI-driven intelligence.
ZainTECH and Microsoft co-hosted the ‘AI-Ready Kuwait’ summit to align Kuwait’s AI vision with secure cloud and AI solutions, ahead of launching the nation’s first Azure Region. The event highlighted sector-specific applications, local delivery expertise, and strategic partnerships to build sustainable, sovereign, and citizen-focused digital infrastructure.
South Korea will abolish the KCC and replace it with the BMTC, expanding its remit to pay-TV. The move has sparked criticism as “targeted legislation” against Chair Lee Jin-sook and a superficial rebrand that leaves systemic issues of political interference and governance unresolved.
Lebanon has granted Starlink a license to provide satellite-based internet services nationwide after six months of negotiations. Initially available only to companies at $100 per month, the service aims to enhance connectivity in a country struggling with infrastructure and service reliability.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to explore AI research and applications cooperation. The talks align with the UAE’s ambition to build an integrated AI ecosystem, supported by investments in mega data centers, Arabic AI models, and a U.S. partnership for a global AI campus.
Sri Lanka aims to grow its digital economy contribution to GDP from 3% to 15% within a decade, with fintech projected to unlock $15 billion in value. At the Fintech Summit 2025, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya outlined a DPI-led strategy built on trust, innovation, inclusion, and regulation to drive growth.
SLT-Mobitel has staged a major financial turnaround and is driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation through e-governance platforms, upcoming 5G rollout, SME-focused solutions, and nationwide connectivity programs. With strong ESG commitments, the company is positioning itself as a strategic national asset for an inclusive digital future.
Viper Networks and Apollo INT’L have launched a smart city pilot in Saudi Arabia with advanced smart poles integrating 5G, IoT, and smart lighting. The initiative supports Vision 2030, with plans for local manufacturing and expansion across MENA following earlier deployments in Sri Lanka.
China Unicom views Europe as a vital partner in AI and data research, citing trusted data exchange and security as priority areas. The company remains optimistic about global AI cooperation despite geopolitical challenges and underlines telecom’s role as a fundamental service shaping digital progress.