Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Beyond ONE is reshaping digital connectivity in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with 5G, AI-powered entertainment, and inclusive mobile solutions for millions of expatriates. Through Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi Mobile, it champions community engagement, financial inclusion, and sustainability in line with Vision 2030 goals.
Zong Engage’s Manhunt 2 PUBG Mobile Tournament drew 21,000 players and 1,300 teams, becoming Pakistan’s biggest esports event. With international participation and major partnerships, Zong continues to power youth innovation and elevate the country’s digital entertainment landscape.
TikTok, working with the Bangladesh government, launched a dedicated STEM Feed to deliver credible, curated science and technology content to learners nationwide. The Dhaka event gathered officials, educators, and creators; #STEMTok will amplify local, Bangla-first content. With safety features and policy alignment, the initiative aims to narrow urban-rural learning gaps and empower youth through accessible digital education.
Bahrain hosted the Second Gulf Intellectual Property Conference, gathering regional experts to discuss the intersection of digital transformation, IP legislation, and sustainable investment, reinforcing the Gulf’s commitment to innovation and digital justice.
Bahrain’s iGA and Beyon Connect have launched the Bulk KYC Service, enabling financial institutions to securely verify customer data at scale against national records — strengthening compliance, data integrity, and digital trust across the financial ecosystem.
Orange Egypt, in partnership with mnGm, has launched the country’s first digital gold trading service via mobile wallets, allowing customers to invest in gold seamlessly through the My Orange app. The move reinforces the telecom’s leadership in Egypt’s digital finance landscape.
The UAE Ministry of Education has rolled out a new online tuition payment system for expatriate students in government schools, replacing manual payments with a secure digital platform. The move enhances efficiency, transparency, and safety, alongside new pilot procedures to improve student dismissal systems.
Oman has signed an MoU with Nova Technology to develop its esports ecosystem through the WAJH platform, a new Esports Academy, and major gaming tournaments. The initiative aims to position Oman as a regional esports hub, empower youth, and support innovation under Oman Vision 2040.
Morocco has launched a $38 million Digital for Sustainable Development Hub with the UNDP to advance AI, blockchain, and digital infrastructure across Arab and African nations. The initiative reinforces Morocco’s role as a regional digital leader while boosting innovation, economic growth, and cross-border collaboration.
Pakistan ranked ninth globally for app downloads in 2024 with 3.56 billion installs, growing 9.2% year-on-year. Despite rising usage and mobile data consumption, app development activity declined sharply, even as TikTok, CapCut, and Tamasha led the charts for downloads nationwide.