Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Arab Women Organization has convened a regional workshop in Tripoli to examine the impact of wars and armed conflicts on women and girls in the Arab world. With participation from ten countries, the initiative aims to strengthen regional cooperation and translate policy discussions into practical programmes that protect and empower women affected by conflict.
TECOM Group has launched Phase 4 of Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City, investing AED615 million to add 263,000 sq.ft. of Grade-A office space by 2028. The expansion follows full leasing in earlier phases and supports Dubai’s digital economy growth under national strategies like D33 and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.
Morocco has implemented an advanced, technology-led security framework ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The deployment includes intelligent surveillance, specialized police units, drones, and modernized fleets across host cities, reinforcing public safety and operational readiness for the continental football tournament.
Algeria has officially launched 5G following months of testing and regulatory preparation. Backed by the government and three licensed operators, the rollout supports national priorities in AI, IoT, and digital industries, with the digital economy projected to contribute up to $13 billion to GDP by 2030.
Airtel Africa’s partnership with SpaceX will bring Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity to 174 million customers across 14 African markets. Launching in 2026, the service will extend mobile coverage to remote areas without terrestrial networks, supporting messaging and data services while advancing digital inclusion across the continent.
The deployment of the world’s first 25Gbps E-band microwave link signals a major advancement in 5G-Advanced transport networks. By delivering fiber-like capacity wirelessly, du and Huawei are enabling faster rollout, broader coverage, and scalable infrastructure that supports the UAE’s transition toward 6G-ready digital connectivity.
Gambit Cyber’s $3.4m seed round signals continued investor interest in AI-driven cybersecurity platforms focused on continuous threat exposure management. With early adoption across financial services, telecom, and critical infrastructure in India, the UAE, and Europe, the company is betting on automation to address alert fatigue and skills gaps, even as proof of large-scale impact remains to be demonstrated.
Pakistan’s annual Cybersecurity Awareness Week concluded with a strong focus on prevention but no new remedies for cybercrime victims. As complaints surge and the NCCIA struggles with staffing, funding, and access issues, critics argue that awareness alone is insufficient without a functional, citizen-friendly redress and protection mechanism.
du and Huawei have deployed the world’s first 25Gbps E-Band microwave link for 5G-Advanced, delivering fibre-equivalent capacity in fibre-scarce areas. The three-year partnership supports scalable, high-performance network expansion across the UAE while laying technical foundations for future 6G services.
Airtel Africa will deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service across 14 African markets in 2026, initially supporting SMS and text messaging. The partnership aims to extend basic mobile connectivity to remote areas by complementing terrestrial networks, subject to regulatory approvals in each country.