Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Omantel has successfully completed a trial of self-operating Passive IoT technology, which uses ambient energy sources instead of batteries. The trial, conducted over Omantel’s 5G network, demonstrated the potential for Passive IoT to transform industries like logistics and healthcare with minimal maintenance and extended device lifespans.
Yaqoot by Zain KSA now enables visitors to Saudi Arabia to register their mobile SIM cards via the Ministry of Interior’s Absher app. This seamless digital solution eliminates the need for in-person registration, offering tourists and pilgrims a fully online experience for SIM activation and identity verification.
Dialog Axiata has launched a new real-time school van tracking service, enhancing student safety and operational efficiency. Leveraging GPS and 4G technology, parents can track their child’s van and receive alerts via SMS. The service benefits van operators by improving reliability and accountability. Devices cost LKR18,990, with a subscription fee of LKR1,910.
Abu Dhabi start-ups showcased their innovations at the Sushi Tech Tokyo conference, highlighting sustainable agriculture, climate technology, and AI-driven health solutions. The event strengthened UAE-Japan business ties, with discussions on expanding economic partnerships and investments. A new free-trade agreement between the two countries is expected later this year.
Inception, a G42 company, has signed a strategic partnership with CPX to enhance AI innovation and cybersecurity across industries. The MoU designates CPX as the main provider of cybersecurity services, while Inception becomes CPX’s primary partner for AI product development, co-creating AI-native cybersecurity solutions.
At GISEC 2025, experts discussed the cybersecurity challenges posed by 5G and edge computing. Panelists from various countries highlighted the need for enhanced security, data protection, and cross-sector collaboration. The panel emphasized global cooperation to ensure secure 5G ecosystems and protect critical infrastructure.
Orange Tunisia has inaugurated a new Tier III data center in Kalaa Kebira, Sousse. The 1,000 sqm facility will support both Orange’s internal needs and provide high-quality hosting services such as cloud computing and business continuity. This move reflects Orange’s commitment to enhancing Tunisia’s tech infrastructure.
Oman has improved its ranking in the 2024 GEMS Index, increasing its score to 72%, up from 66% in 2023. The country saw significant progress across key pillars of digital government, including service availability, satisfaction, and mobile platform improvements, though a digital divide still exists in the region.
Egypt’s Minister of ICT, Amr Talaat, met with Keiichi Yoshimura of Tokyo’s Startup and International Financial City Strategy Office to discuss cooperation on digital innovation and AI. Talaat also explored investment opportunities in semiconductors and electronics with executives from Renesas Electronics, TDK, and Mitsubishi Electric during his visit to Japan.
Jordan’s telecommunications sector showed strong growth in Q4 2024, with mobile broadband subscriptions increasing by 4.1% to 8.046 million. The volume of mobile voice calls and text messages surged, while mobile data usage grew by 13%. Mobile phone penetration reached 69% of the population, reflecting broader digital adoption.