Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s ICP Hub launch breaks blockchain barriers by enabling payments in Egyptian pounds and supporting decentralized apps with strong privacy. The World Computer Hacker League 2025 offers local developers a global platform to compete with substantial prizes. Operated by Mercatura Forum, ICP Hub Egypt aims to build national digital sovereignty and innovation.
A Dutch government study found that the mobile phone ban in schools has improved student concentration, social interactions, and academic performance, with significant positive feedback from high schools. The ban, effective since early 2024, includes primary schools with limited impact at that level.
Ooredoo Algeria has been licensed to launch and operate a 5G network after ranking second in a competitive tender by Algeria’s regulatory authority. The network promises to accelerate digital transformation and economic development, leveraging Ooredoo Group’s global 5G expertise to enhance connectivity across sectors nationwide.
Zain has launched its 5G Advanced network with nationwide coverage in Kuwait, positioning the country among the first globally to commercialize this technology. The network supports smart city and IoT applications, advancing Kuwait’s digital economy in line with government directives and CITRA’s regulatory approval.
Turkcell, Beko, and Ericsson finalized the EU-supported VERGE project, demonstrating Turkey’s first remote industrial design using 5G and XR technologies. The project highlights 5G’s role in enabling real-time collaboration, network slicing, and AI-powered network management, accelerating product development and digital transformation.
Alibaba Cloud is expanding its Southeast Asia infrastructure with a third Malaysian data centre and a second Philippine facility set for late 2025. Complemented by an AI Competency Centre in Singapore, this buildout supports rising regional demand amid a global $52.7 billion cloud network investment.
Huawei and Zain KSA have launched the Riyadh Antenna Platform, featuring a cylindrical design that cuts wind resistance and site costs, with advanced remote beam steering for enhanced network coverage. This innovation supports Saudi Arabia’s expanded spectrum allocations and addresses deployment challenges in urban and high-wind environments.
Sri Lanka has launched Starlink satellite internet, providing nationwide coverage and monthly plans for homes and businesses. This expansion follows regulatory changes and positions Sri Lanka to improve connectivity, especially in remote regions, as part of bridging the digital divide.
AIQU’s Deploy-on-Demand model enables Saudi Arabian organizations to fill critical tech roles 50% faster and at 30-50% lower cost than traditional hiring. This solution addresses acute talent shortages under Vision 2030 by providing pre-verified professionals and comprehensive onboarding, supporting agile scaling for digital transformation projects.
Keymous+, a North African hacker group, has executed over 700 DDoS attacks across multiple continents in 2025. Blending hacktivism with commercial operations, they are linked to a DDoS-for-hire service and maintain collaborations with other cyber groups. Their opaque motives and high-volume attacks reflect evolving trends in cyber threats.