Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Visa’s Women SMB Digitalization Index for Oman highlights the challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The findings show strong adoption of AI but gaps in product innovation and customer acquisition. Visa remains committed to supporting women with tools and mentorship to foster growth and digital transformation in Oman.
Globe has expanded its GoRoam service to China, Turkey, and Oman, providing affordable and seamless mobile data roaming in 17 countries. Travelers can access high-speed internet at local rates, with plans starting as low as ₱23 per day, making international travel more convenient and cost-effective for Filipino users.
Omantel’s market share dropped by five percentage points in 2024 to 48% of Oman’s telecom market, leading to a 3% decrease in net profit, which amounted to $795 million. Competitors such as Ooredoo, Vodafone, and Awasr gained ground, impacting Omantel’s position in the country’s telecom sector.
Paratus Group has launched Paratus Tanzania in a joint venture with Green Telecom, expanding its East African presence. This move targets key sectors such as tourism, mining, and healthcare while improving connectivity for underserved regions. It also creates job opportunities, strengthening Paratus’ commitment to Africa’s digital transformation.
Bangladesh’s internet penetration rate has been steadily declining, reflecting slower connectivity growth. A drop in mobile broadband subscriptions, alongside stable fixed broadband figures, highlights concerns over accessibility and affordability. Experts emphasize the need for improved network quality, cost reduction, and expanded infrastructure to address these challenges.
Abu Dhabi has launched a groundbreaking partnership with Nova Sky Stories and Analog to introduce the world’s largest fleet of 10,000 light drones for immersive storytelling. This initiative will blend the emirate’s rich heritage with advanced drone technology, creating unforgettable experiences that position Abu Dhabi as a global innovation hub.
Northstar Telecom introduces IO by HFCL, a cutting-edge networking solution in Bahrain, offering high-speed WiFi 6, intelligent switching, and local cloud management. This solution meets the growing demand for secure, scalable, and high-performance networks, helping businesses align with regulatory requirements and boost performance.
Iraq’s cabinet has authorized the creation of a national mobile company to operate a 5G network, collaborating with Vodafone. This initiative, backed by local investments and government support, aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, improve service quality, and boost national income. The network will provide faster speeds and lower latency.
Turkcell has introduced Wi-Fi 7 technology in Türkiye, offering ultra-high-speed internet with download and upload speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. This next-generation technology supports multiple devices, delivering low latency and enhanced capacity, ideal for gaming, broadcasting, and 4K streaming, while eliminating the need for wired connections.
Synapsia, an Italian company, has signed a $2.5 billion deal with UAE’s Bold Technologies to develop AI-powered city management services for Abu Dhabi. The project aims to address urban issues such as transport, parking, and emergency response. It includes the creation of My Aion Inc., with plans for an IPO.