Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar’s MCIT and GTA have released a white paper on the Dhareeba portal, highlighting efficiency gains and time savings since its 2020 launch. The platform simplifies tax services and supports Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030, reinforcing the country’s vision of becoming a global leader in digital governance.
In the aftermath of devastating floods in KP, PTA and telecom operators swiftly restored 85% of damaged sites within 48 hours. To support affected residents, Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone launched free call and SMS offers, ensuring people remain connected with family and emergency services during recovery.
U Mobile has launched Ultra5G, its standalone 5G network, at Berjaya Times Square and Penang Bridge 1, showcasing live demos of 4K streaming and network slicing. With plans to cover 170 buildings in 12 months and 80% population coverage by 2026, U Mobile is accelerating Malaysia’s 5G future.
Iran’s Space Agency confirmed that Zafar and Paya satellites will be launched on Russia’s Soyuz rocket in fall 2025, while also preparing the Chabahar Space Center for domestic launches. Alongside, Iran is advancing its Nahid-2 program, reflecting both Russo-Iranian space cooperation and growing domestic capabilities.
Pakistan has successfully launched and activated a new remote sensing satellite from China’s XSLC. The satellite is now transmitting high-resolution images, enabling advancements in urban planning, disaster management, agriculture, environmental protection, and CPEC projects, marking a major step in Pakistan’s technological self-reliance.
Türk Telekom posted record Q2 growth with TL 50.4B in revenue and 2.5M new postpaid subscribers over 12 months. With 54% of LTE sites fiber-connected, it is well-positioned for Türkiye’s 2025 5G spectrum auction and rollout in 2026, while also nearing a 25-year concession renewal.
LINX and center3 have upgraded Riyadh’s Internet Exchange with expanded 100GE ports and new 400GE connectivity, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role as a digital hub. The enhancements support Vision 2030 goals, while center3’s $10B expansion plan targets 1GW of data centre capacity by 2030.
Ooredoo has launched the Salalah Data Centre and submarine cable landing station, the first of its kind in southern Oman. Positioned as a digital hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa, the facility supports cloud, AI, and edge computing, offering scalable hosting, reduced latency, and vital resilience for global connectivity.
Abu Dhabi’s Zero Two has invested in Singapore-based Evolution Data Centres, joining Warburg Pincus as co-controller. The deal marks Zero Two’s first move into Southeast Asia, backing the rollout of hyperscale-ready, renewable-powered data centres in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Turner & Townsend will manage project and cost services for du’s new hyperscale data centre in Dubai. Spanning 20,000 sqm, the facility will target LEED Gold certification and strengthen the UAE’s role as a global digital and AI hub through resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure.