Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Muscat Governorate has been ranked in the Advanced Tier for digital transformation under the Tahawul programme, following the digitisation of 24 municipal services. This achievement highlights Muscat’s commitment to Oman Vision 2040 and sets a benchmark for smart governance, improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency for residents and businesses.
Ooredoo has partnered with MobiBox to bring Blacknut Cloud Gaming to Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman through its Go Play Market platform. The partnership offers over 500 premium cloud-based games, accessible on smartphones, smart TVs, and tablets, with seamless subscription services and direct carrier billing, enhancing digital entertainment in the region.
Beyond ONE has partnered with TIMWETECH to bring premium digital content to mobile users in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The collaboration allows customers to access streaming, gaming, and infotainment services without traditional banking, benefiting Beyond ONE’s prepaid customer base and enhancing digital access to entertainment and education.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized Egypt’s commitment to national digital transformation, focusing on automating company registration and digitizing government services for improved access and efficiency. The government’s efforts include launching new e-services, implementing the Unified Services Card, and collaborating with various ministries to streamline business and social services.
Visa’s 2024 report shows a surge in digital payments in Bangladesh, with a 14% increase in spending and 17% rise in transactions. Dhaka leads the growth, while other cities like Gazipur and Rajshahi also show rising adoption. Contactless payments and e-commerce transactions are key drivers in this shift.
TOD has partnered with Skyworth to enhance the streaming experience in the MENA region. The collaboration combines Skyworth’s QVWi 4K set-top box with TOD’s premium content, offering advanced features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for high-quality entertainment. The partnership aims to meet the growing demand for seamless streaming.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Teletalk Bangladesh Limited signed an agreement on March 4, 2025, to provide corporate digital services, including affordable internet, to support the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) under DSCC’s Health Department. The collaboration aims to improve service delivery and access to health services.
Daraz Bangladesh has launched “Choice,” a new shopping channel offering over 4,000 top-rated products, exclusive deals, and fast deliveries. With a focus on convenience, trusted brands, and customer-centric features like Free Delivery and hassle-free returns, Choice aims to transform online shopping in Bangladesh, especially during Ramadan and beyond.
Visa’s report highlights Bangladesh’s growing digital payment adoption, with 14% increased spending and 17% more transactions in 2024. Dhaka leads this growth, while other cities like Gazipur and Rajshahi also show progress. Online and contactless payments drive the shift, with strong growth in both domestic and international transactions.
Kuwait has partnered with Microsoft to drive digital transformation and economic diversification through AI technologies. The partnership aims to enhance innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in emerging technologies, along with creating a security platform for national infrastructure. The government will also implement Microsoft 365 Copilot solutions for greater efficiency.