Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ooredoo has partnered with Darktrace to offer AI-driven cybersecurity services to businesses in Qatar. The collaboration provides access to the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform, enabling real-time threat detection, autonomous response, and protection against emerging cyber risks, strengthening enterprise security and resilience.
The expanded Zain Bahrain–Ericsson partnership brings advanced 5G edge capabilities to the Kingdom, enabling ultra-low latency, secure connectivity, and optimized performance. The deployment supports Industry 4.0 use cases such as AI-driven automation and real-time monitoring, strengthening Bahrain’s digital infrastructure and enterprise transformation efforts.
Basatne has integrated TechBridge as a standalone subsidiary to deliver an end-to-end circularity and ESG reporting platform for telecom operators. The move addresses rising e-waste and ESG pressures from 5G rollouts, enabling asset recovery, refurbishment, and real-time sustainability reporting while unlocking a $145 billion market opportunity.
Cyberattacks escalated sharply in 2025, hitting governments, corporations, and critical infrastructure worldwide. Repeated US federal breaches, major ransomware campaigns, and economically damaging attacks in the UK and Asia highlighted systemic vulnerabilities, weak detection, and the growing impact of state-linked cyber actors on global stability.
Saudi Telecom Company, through Center3, has signed an MoU with PIF-backed Humain to form a joint venture developing AI-focused data centres in Saudi Arabia. The partnership targets up to 1GW of capacity, combining Center3’s infrastructure scale with Humain’s AI mandate to support high-density computing workloads.
Gaza’s remaining tech workers are struggling to stay online as Israel’s war devastates the enclave’s digital infrastructure. Coding offline, using solar power, and relying on rare connectivity, freelancers and technicians are fighting to preserve livelihoods and purpose amid widespread destruction and displacement.
Algeria is planning a new submarine fibre optic cable to strengthen international connectivity and boost internet speeds. The move supports rising data demand, expanding 5G services, and the country’s broader digital transformation, with additional high-capacity cable systems expected to come online by 2026.
Sri Lanka has entered its public 5G phase with commercial launches by Dialog Axiata and SLT-Mobitel. The rollout includes hundreds of live sites, supports advanced use cases such as AR, VR, and real-time gaming, and strengthens the country’s digital infrastructure for next-generation services.
Engro has secured $475 million in one of Pakistan’s largest Shariah-compliant financings to acquire Deodar and over 10,000 telecom towers. The deal strengthens shared telecom infrastructure, supports cost efficiency, and aligns with Pakistan’s push for digital connectivity and Islamic finance-led growth.
Dialog Axiata has partnered with SpaceX to resell Starlink’s LEO satellite internet services in Sri Lanka, targeting enterprises and underserved communities. The collaboration complements Dialog’s terrestrial network, offering managed satellite connectivity with installation and maintenance to help bridge the country’s digital divide.