Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain’s landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system boosts its connectivity capacity tenfold, advancing Economic Vision 2030. With 180 Tbps capacity, it supports emerging technologies and positions Bahrain as a key digital hub in the GCC and globally.
5G adoption in Africa is rapidly growing with multiple commercial launches and rising subscriber numbers, but device costs, infrastructure, spectrum, and regulatory challenges hinder wider access. Addressing these barriers could enable 5G to add $10 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030.
First Gulf Company and Arabsat signed an agreement to provide scalable VSAT and satellite data services across Saudi Arabia, starting with 140 Mbps and supporting IoT, cloud, and AI applications, enhancing connectivity especially for remote industrial sectors.
BNET partnered with Keyrus to launch Bayanat, a centralized data platform enhancing data governance, AI, and analytics. The initiative supports Bahrain’s national telecom goals by enabling data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.
Qatar launched satellite internet services, becoming the first Arab country to do so, boosting network resilience and supporting the National Vision 2030’s digital transformation goals. The technology benefits sectors like education and healthcare, with Qatar Airways demonstrating its practical impact.
Vertiv held a training event in Riyadh showcasing modular power distribution solutions, including the Powerbar iMPB busway, to support Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven digital growth and Vision 2030. The company’s local presence enables tailored support for critical infrastructure in data centers and smart cities.
Starlink is set to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan by late 2025. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board is finalizing licensing rules, with Starlink leading applications. Other firms like Amazon and OneWeb are also interested in entering Pakistan’s satellite internet market.
Vodafone Oman introduced Makani Internet for Business, a 5G-powered mobile internet service offering fast, flexible connectivity without fibre. Designed for enterprises, it supports operational resilience and productivity with plug-and-play setup and easy relocation.
Oman’s MTCIT launched the Space Accelerators Programme to support ten local startups in developing space technologies across satellite communications, AI, drones, and more. The one-year initiative includes technical and business training and aligns with Oman’s economic diversification and tech advancement objectives.
Morocco announced plans for a 500 MW renewable-powered data center to enhance national cloud services and digital sovereignty under its Digital Morocco 2030 plan. The hybrid cloud strategy aims to secure sensitive data locally while supporting public and private sector growth, inspired by global best practices.