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
AI-powered cyberattacks are accelerating across the UAE, enabling deepfakes, automated phishing, and rapid data theft. Shorter detection windows heighten risks for banks, hospitals, and smart infrastructure, pushing organisations to adopt zero-trust models, secure-by-design systems, and stronger digital awareness.
The UAE has introduced a far-reaching Child Digital Safety Law that applies to both local and foreign platforms targeting UAE users. With risk-based classification, age safeguards, and extraterritorial reach, the framework reshapes compliance for digital platforms and ISPs ahead of full enforcement in 2027.
Trust has become cybersecurity’s weakest link. As attackers shift toward vendors, files, and human behaviour, the next wave of breaches will bypass tools and exploit assumptions. In 2026, defence will depend less on software and more on culture, governance, and how organisations think about risk.
Batelco and Qareeb are launching Bahrain’s first edge data centre at Beyon’s Data Oasis, delivering sovereign, low-latency and AI-ready colocation for enterprises and cloud providers across the GCC. The facility strengthens Bahrain’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub.
NTT Data, Sumitomo, and JA Mitsui Leasing have formed a new joint venture to build the 8,100-km Intra-Asia Marine Cable linking Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The US$1 billion system will use advanced WSS and SDM technologies to deliver 320 Tbps capacity and enhance regional digital resilience.
Bahrain’s national cybersecurity strategy is strengthening trust in its digital economy, including online gaming. By enforcing governance standards, building cyber awareness, and aligning with global best practices, the Kingdom is creating a secure environment where gaming platforms and players can grow with confidence.
Starlink has made its satellite internet service free for users in Iran amid protests and state-imposed internet blackouts. The move allows terminals to operate without payment, bypassing censorship and reinforcing Starlink’s growing role as a geopolitical tool enabling uncensored connectivity in authoritarian environments.
Nepal Telecom is migrating user data to a new SMSC system on January 13–14, which may temporarily disrupt SMS services overnight. The upgrade is intended to improve reliability, speed, and security of text messaging across the network, strengthening the core infrastructure that handles message storage and delivery nationwide.
ABC Labs has been named among Global Finance’s World’s Best Financial Innovation Labs for the fourth time. The recognition reflects Bank ABC’s leadership in AI, automation, digital onboarding, and tokenised assets, delivering measurable gains in productivity, customer experience, and time-to-market across its regional and global operations.
Omantel has invested over RO 500 million in digital infrastructure over six years, expanding from a telecom operator into a regional technology group. The company’s 5G leadership, submarine cable connectivity, and national data centres are positioning Oman as a regional digital hub and strengthening its digital sovereignty.