Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
e& UAE has completed the world’s first IP+DWDM dual-800GE trial, validating high-capacity, low-latency transmission across EMIX’s core network. The solution improves cost efficiency and integrates AI-powered traffic prediction and energy optimisation, supporting the UAE’s digitalisation goals and laying the foundation for future AI-driven WAN networks and next-generation connectivity.
At MWC25 Doha, cybersecurity experts highlighted growing cyber risks facing 5G networks, urging stronger monitoring and unified frameworks to protect telecom infrastructure. The panel emphasized the need for consistent threat models, given the complexity introduced by 5G adoption. NCSA’s Dana Al Abdullah and GSMA’s Tim Hart led discussions and unveiled a joint research paper on addressing 5G-related cyber threats.
Oman has partnered with Airbus to design and launch its first national communications satellite, OmanSat-1, with Space Communications Technologies serving as the national operator. The Ka-band high-throughput satellite will deliver over 120 Gbps capacity and wide regional coverage, strengthening Oman’s sovereign digital infrastructure. Full operations are slated for 2029, supporting Oman Vision 2040’s goals for a knowledge-driven economy.
Es’hailSat has partnered with Mobi Egypt to provide Ku-band capacity on the Es’hail-1 satellite, enabling Mobi Egypt to migrate all its networks to Es’hailSat’s platform. The deal boosts satellite coverage and reliability across Egypt and MENA, leveraging Es’hailSat’s Tier-4 teleport and dual-satellite fleet to support mission-critical enterprise and government connectivity.
Es’hailSat has signed an agreement to provide Ku-band capacity on its Es’hail-1 satellite to Mobi Egypt, enabling the full migration of the company’s VSAT networks. The partnership boosts satellite connectivity across Egypt and MENA, supported by Es’hailSat’s Tier-4 teleport and high-powered satellites. The collaboration enhances reliability for mission-critical operations across multiple industries.
Ooredoo is investing $500 million to expand its global subsea cable network, boosting capacity, resilience, and international reach. The initiative will support new cable systems, landing stations, and upgrades to existing routes, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a digital hub. The investment targets rising enterprise demand for cloud, AI, 5G, and low-latency cross-border data connectivity.
A new GSMA study reveals that GCC countries lead the world in 5G-Advanced deployments, IoT adoption, and enterprise use of AI and digital technologies. MENA enterprises are investing nearly 10% of revenues in digital transformation, with Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia emerging as regional frontrunners. Generative AI, private 5G networks, and IoT are driving major efficiency gains across sectors, while telcos are becoming key transformation partners.
The SeaMeWe-6 subsea cable has landed in Karachi, marking a major boost to Pakistan’s international connectivity. Spanning 21,700 km and linking Asia to Europe, the system includes 17 landing points and is due to go live next year. Transworld Associates is the landing partner and says the investment supports Pakistan’s digital infrastructure ambitions.
Ethio Telecom and ZTE have rolled out 152 rural base stations, extending 2G–4G connectivity to over one million people in remote Ethiopian regions. Using modular, solar-powered technology, the project cuts construction costs and accelerates deployment while supporting services like Telebirr. The expansion strengthens national coverage as Ethio Telecom targets major revenue growth.
Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector posted revenues of SAR 80.46 billion and profits of SAR 14.46 billion in the first nine months of 2025, fuelled by demand for 5G, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. stc led the market with 80% of total profits, while Mobily and Zain KSA reported strong growth. Analysts expect continued momentum driven by Vision 2030 digital investments.