Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed toured UMEX and SimTEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, reviewing global advances in unmanned systems, AI, robotics, and simulation. He highlighted the exhibitions’ role in global knowledge exchange and in reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for future technologies across civil and defence sectors.
Oman’s mobile networks continue to lead the region, with Opensignal highlighting strong gains in 5G, speed, reliability, and coverage. Regulatory reforms, spectrum refarming, and large-scale upgrades have delivered near-universal 4G and 90% 5G reach, positioning the Sultanate as a regional connectivity benchmark.
Nepal Telecom will roll out 1 Gbps FTTH connectivity in Omsatiya Rural Municipality under a new three-phase agreement. The project will connect municipal offices, health posts, and community schools, advancing Nepal’s goal of nationwide high-speed internet and strengthening digital access in rural areas.
Jordan and Saudi Arabia have launched a new business network to institutionalize private-sector collaboration, accelerate deal-making, and expand trade and investment. Backed by chambers, diplomats, and business leaders, the platform introduces structured matchmaking, sector committees, and digital tools to convert opportunities into real projects.
Starlink is providing free satellite internet across Venezuela until 3 February after major connectivity outages in Caracas linked to power disruptions. The service aims to restore access in a country with a history of internet restrictions and infrastructure gaps, offering continuity during a period of widespread uncertainty.
Network International has appointed former Careem CFO Ashish Jain as Group Chief Financial Officer. Jain will lead financial strategy, capital allocation, and operational excellence as the fintech accelerates growth across the Middle East and Africa, bringing deep experience in scaling businesses and navigating complex, high-growth environments.
Orange Côte d’Ivoire has launched Orange Sat, a satellite broadband service powered by Eutelsat to connect rural white zones. Offering both unlimited enterprise plans and low-cost prepaid passes, the initiative expands digital inclusion by bringing reliable internet to areas beyond 4G and fibre coverage.
Grameenphone has become the first operator in Bangladesh to acquire 700MHz spectrum, paying Tk2,370 crore for 10MHz. The low-band frequency will improve rural and indoor coverage, strengthen 4G and future 5G networks, and mark a major upgrade in nationwide mobile broadband capability.
Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit will showcase 11 startups at its third Demo Day in Riyadh on January 28, spanning AI, edtech, food tech, proptech, and more. Each company receives $100,000 and four months of intensive support, advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s drive for innovation and economic diversification.
Zarea has signed a $2m MoU with China’s Wang Chuang Xi Jun Chang Agri to introduce modern seed technologies, agronomic services, and scalable production systems in Pakistan. The partnership targets productivity, supply-chain efficiency, and export linkages, accelerating the modernisation of Pakistan’s agri-value chain.