Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Cairo Metro Line 3 (Green Line) has introduced free Wi-Fi at eight major stations, including Attaba, Bab Al-Shaaria, and Al-Ahram. This initiative, a collaboration between the National Authority for Tunnels, Ministry of Transport, RATP Dev, and Orange Egypt, aims to improve passengers’ commuting experience by offering seamless internet access.
Ufone 4G has partnered with Jubilee General Insurance (JGI) to offer two insurance plans to its customers. The ‘Personal Accident Insurance’ provides coverage for accidental death and disabilities, while the ‘Bill Protector Insurance’ covers bills in case of disability or death. Plans start from as low as Rs 1 per day.
Bahrain and Algeria’s parliamentary delegations met at IGF 2024 in Riyadh to discuss AI governance and international cooperation. They proposed the creation of an Arab framework for regulating AI and emphasized the need for training programs to address digital transformation challenges, including cybercrime and AI awareness among legislators.
AI adoption is rapidly growing among UAE SMBs, with 87% using or experimenting with AI to drive revenue, productivity, and customer experience. However, challenges remain in keeping up with technology complexity, and concerns around security and trust persist. The UAE leads globally in AI experimentation among SMBs.
Virgin Mobile UAE has introduced a seamless eSIM activation process for tourists, allowing them to activate their eSIM at the airport through facial recognition. This initiative enhances convenience for visitors, offering unlimited data and calls with flexible plans, and supporting the UAE’s vision for a digitally connected future.
Parkin Company has signed an MoU with BATIC Investment to transform parking infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, utilizing digital technologies like AI, smart sensors, and real-time data analytics. This partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to improve parking efficiency, reduce congestion, and support the country’s smart city goals.
Nepal Telecom has launched a new communication tower in the Palanta rural municipality of Kalikot, aiming to enhance connectivity in a previously disconnected area. The tower will provide 4G and 5G services to 10% of the population, with plans to expand coverage across surrounding municipalities, improving rural telecommunication.
TotalEnergies and Hutchinson have partnered on a solar energy project in Morocco, aiming to reduce Hutchinson’s environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. The project will feature a 1.7 MWp solar capacity with 2,850 PV modules, generating 2,590 MWh of clean energy annually, supporting Morocco’s renewable energy ambitions.
Pakistan has seen a 28% increase in mobile internet speed over the past year, with speeds rising from 15.65 Mbps to 20.02 Mbps. The PTA reports a 24.2% surge in mobile internet usage and highlights positive growth in broadband and telecom subscribers, despite challenges in global internet speed rankings.
ODP has partnered with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to modernise the Ministry’s IT infrastructure with a comprehensive cloud transformation. This includes establishing a Disaster Recovery Centre and implementing enhanced cybersecurity measures. The project aims to improve public service delivery, strengthen resilience, and align with Oman’s digital transformation goals.