Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt has added a personal credit report and score inquiry service to the Digital Egypt platform, enabling citizens to securely access and monitor their financial data and strengthening national financial inclusion.
TDRA hosted the ICT Development Forum 2025, uniting government agencies, telecom operators, and global tech leaders to discuss future telecom trends, innovation, regulation, and digital safety. The event emphasized collaboration, smart technologies, and strengthened cybersecurity as the UAE advances its digital transformation agenda.
Kuwait has approved a new Digital Commerce Law that modernizes online business regulation, strengthens consumer protection, and introduces innovations such as digital signatures, online licensing, dispute-resolution committees, and a Regulatory Sandbox. The legislation positions Kuwait as an emerging regional digital hub and supports its long-term digital economy vision.
Pakistan’s National Assembly committee has criticised the PTA for slow nationwide internet and ordered immediate surveys and improvement measures. The panel reviewed progress on Islamabad and Karachi IT parks, praised NTC’s cybersecurity initiatives, and noted spectrum shortages as the country prepares for a 5G rollout.
Qatar is accelerating digital innovation in education through MCIT’s new Technology Radar initiative, helping identify high-impact emerging technologies that can strengthen digital learning and enhance education quality in alignment with Digital Agenda 2030.
Grameenphone and Banglalink accuse Robi of keeping Airtel operational as a distinct brand despite merger conditions requiring full integration. They claim this creates competitive imbalance and confuses users, while Robi argues sub-brand strategies are legally permitted and common globally.
Iran’s participation in WTDC-25 supports its goal of expanding international cooperation in telecom and digital innovation. The conference provides a platform to shape global ICT policy while advancing collaboration in cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and digital development across the region.
GSMA urges Bangladesh to revise draft licensing rules that could restrict foreign participation, enforce asset divestment, and blur spectrum usage boundaries, saying they may undermine TNLP 2025 goals and mobile sector investment.
Pakistan prepares for a February 5G auction as experts finalize pricing options, but a court delay over the critical 2600MHz band remains the key obstacle to unlocking new spectrum for growing national data demand.
Qatar’s MCIT has held the second Digital Skills Working Group meeting to coordinate national efforts under the Digital Agenda 2030. Government ministries reviewed progress on digital skills frameworks, youth-focused initiatives, and training programmes, while discussing ways to improve alignment across national projects. The meeting aims to build a unified, strategic digital skills ecosystem for Qatar.