Zain KSA has partnered with Nokia to enhance 5G and 5G-Advanced capabilities through Cloud RAN and AI RAN technologies. This collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector, supporting next-gen technologies like 6G, IoT, and AI, and contributing to the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
Mobily has committed $905 million to bolster Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, focusing on data centres and submarine cables. This investment, announced at LEAP 2025, aims to support the Kingdom’s digital transformation and meet growing demand for advanced digital services like AI and data analytics.
stc Group has become the first MENA operator to join the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx) to integrate telecom APIs into its digital products. The partnership will focus on enhancing IoT offerings, including connected car technology, and streamline access to telecom APIs, reducing complexity for enterprise customers in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Zain Kuwait and Parallel Wireless have achieved a milestone in 5G with a successful standalone (SA) proof of concept, demonstrating download speeds over 1.3 Gbps and energy savings of 35%. The trial highlights open RAN’s potential, showcasing scalability, efficiency, and sustainability towards Zain’s net-zero goals by 2050.
Ericsson and Mobily have partnered to explore the development of AI-powered autonomous networks in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration aims to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and orchestration solutions to improve 5G networks’ efficiency, service quality, and scalability, driving digital transformation in the country.
Pakistan’s government plans to launch 5G services by mid-2025, aiming to resolve internet speed issues. Despite financial concerns highlighted in the PTA’s 2024 report, the government remains committed to overcoming challenges in transitioning to 5G, with an emphasis on improving connectivity and telecom industry growth.
Iran’s TIC, Omantel, and Pishgaman have partnered to create a data transit corridor between Iran and Oman. This collaboration aims to increase data capacity to 4.5 Gbps, enhance international connectivity, and position Iran as a regional data hub, reducing data transfer costs and time between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Diriyah Company has partnered with IBM to implement the IBM Maximo Application Suite for asset management in its City of Earth project. The collaboration leverages AI-powered solutions for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring to enhance performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency, positioning Diriyah as a smart city leader.
Etihad Salam Telecom Company and ServiceNow have partnered at LEAP 2025 to offer SMEs tailored digital solutions. The collaboration combines Etihad Salam’s connectivity services with ServiceNow’s expertise in automating business processes, aiming to optimize operations, reduce disruptions, and provide rapid, flexible deployment to help SMEs thrive.
Zain KSA and Nokia have signed an MoU to develop 5G and 5G-Advanced solutions using Cloud RAN and AI RAN technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance network performance, support next-gen technologies, and contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation and improving customer experience in the telecom sector.
