Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Du’s secondary share sale, valued at up to Dh3.39 billion, will raise its free float to 27.5 per cent and attract broader investor participation. Positioned as a defensive sector, UAE telecoms offer stable returns, while du’s focus on AI and digital services underscores its aggressive expansion strategy in a dynamic market.
Asiacell has launched Iraq’s first VoWiFi service, enabling customers to make calls over Wi-Fi in areas with poor mobile coverage. The service, free of charge and app-free, improves indoor call quality while easing network congestion amid Iraq’s rapid urban expansion.
Oman Lens will launch its second satellite by 2026, offering 50 cm resolution imaging to advance Earth observation and support Oman Vision 2040. Building on OL-1’s success, the mission is part of a planned 20-satellite constellation to provide advanced geospatial intelligence for government, business, and research.
Nepal Telecom is offering three days of free 1 Mbps data and on-net voice calls to help citizens stay connected during the current crisis. Subscribers can activate the services via short codes, as part of the operator’s effort to ease communication across Nepal.
Thunes has rolled out a real-time money transfer service in Morocco, enabling instant payouts in Dirhams. With Morocco receiving $11.5 billion in remittances in 2023, the service leverages direct bank integrations to ensure faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments, enhancing financial inclusion.
Kuwait’s Municipal Council has questioned authorities over telecom towers allegedly installed in violation of construction regulations. Council member Dr. Hassan Kamal demanded proof of enforcement of Table No. 17, which requires correction of non-compliant towers, and pressed for answers on how some were licensed on prohibited residential sites.
Iraq’s Federal Board of Supreme Audit has reported that Asiacell and Zain Iraq owe over 161 billion Iraqi dinars in accumulated debts to the state. The document highlights significant financial liabilities but provides no details on repayment mechanisms or potential government actions.
Starlink has launched its corporate internet service in Bangladesh, with Eastern Bank and 20 other firms signing up. The world’s largest Starlink ground station in Gazipur will power the service, while Robi becomes the first reseller. High costs could restrict uptake, but the service promises to transform rural connectivity.
North Africa is rapidly embracing 5G, led by Tunisia’s pioneering launch and Egypt’s nationwide rollout in 2025. With Algeria and Morocco preparing deployments, the region is on track to accelerate digital transformation, attract investment, and drive socio-economic growth through innovation in smart cities, logistics, and digital services.
Vodafone Qatar will offer Apple’s iPhone 17 series, new Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3, with pre-orders opening on September 12 and availability starting September 19. Customers can purchase online or at major Doha malls, and will also receive a two-year extended local warranty on eligible Apple devices.