Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
OPSWAT will demonstrate its OP/X Mobile Lab, MetaDefender Kiosk and new Unit 515 cybersecurity division at Black Hat MEA 2025, highlighting advanced protection for critical infrastructure across IT and OT environments. Through OPSWAT Academy training and AI-driven threat defenses, the company aims to support Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing digital economy and strengthen regional cyber resilience.
SUPARCO and NTC have signed an MoU to expand satellite-enabled communication and digital services across Pakistan, especially in remote regions. The agreement allows NTC to use geo-communication satellites for reliable connectivity while SUPARCO leverages NTC’s network for secure satellite imaging, cloud and geospatial services. The partnership strengthens national capabilities in telecom and space technology.
Aramco and Pasqal have deployed Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer, powered by neutral-atom technology and installed in Dhahran. The system, backed by Wa’ed Ventures, will accelerate quantum research and industrial applications across energy and materials. The partnership includes training and research programs to build Saudi Arabia’s quantum talent and strengthen its technology ecosystem.
Morocco has approved a refreshed roadmap and budget to accelerate its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, supporting e-government upgrades, stronger digital services, and major telecom investments. With $1.1 billion in state funding and $8 billion from operators for 5G rollout, the country aims to reach 85% 5G coverage and enter the UN top-50 digital rankings by 2030.
stc Bahrain and Huawei have introduced new digital solutions focused on strengthening SMB digital transformation, including Huawei’s eKit services and updated Ideahub smart screen promotions. Launched at a joint event, the initiative aims to equip businesses with accessible tools for efficiency and growth while reinforcing stc Bahrain’s role as a national digital enabler.
Intersec 2026’s InCyber Briefing will equip CISOs and cybersecurity leaders with practical insights into AI governance, digital threat evolution, and post-quantum readiness. With the UAE cybersecurity market growing rapidly, the event includes expert keynotes, strategic roundtables, and high-level discussions on securing national infrastructure during accelerated digital transformation. The 27th edition will be the largest to date.
Sri Lanka has built cybersecurity directly into its national digital economy blueprint, acknowledging rising competition from global digital markets and a trillion-dollar scam economy. The government’s AI-first strategy integrates trust, security, and inclusion to strengthen digital public infrastructure and economic competitiveness. Officials say improving cyber resilience and digital trust will be key to accelerating national growth.
Morocco has achieved full smartphone penetration in urban households, with rural adoption rising quickly, according to ANRT’s latest ICT survey. Internet access and device ownership have grown sharply nationwide, driven partly by the pandemic. While digital connectivity improves access to education and services, rising online use among children is triggering increasing parental concerns and household tensions.
Salam and AFR-IX Telecom confirmed steady progress on the 8,700-km Medusa Submarine Cable System during Connected World 2025. As Saudi Arabia’s gateway partner, Salam is enabling backhaul and interconnection for the project, which will link 11 countries and deliver 480 Tbps capacity. The collaboration strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a Mediterranean-Middle East digital hub.
Pakistan has joined the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable system, adding 13.2 Tbps of international capacity to its digital infrastructure. The 19,200-km fibre network connects Singapore to France and delivers low-latency links while doubling the capacity of previous systems. With 4 Tbps activated immediately, the upgrade supports Pakistan’s cloud services, data centres and broader digital-economy growth.