Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The 9th edition of Women Tech Quest (WTQ) held in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore inspired women to lead in Pakistan’s IT and e-commerce sectors. The event featured competitions, keynote speeches, and discussions on leadership, digital transformation, and financial empowerment. Winners were recognized in testing, design, and coding categories.
Ericsson and stc Group launched the Ericsson Connected Recycling platform in Saudi Arabia at LEAP 2025, with Alshaya Group as the first customer. This platform enables businesses to track and trade circular material flows, helping reduce waste, promote recycling, and minimize environmental impact while enhancing sustainability efforts.
stc Group and Huawei have launched the region’s first AI-driven 5G network software to enhance connectivity for the gaming and esports industries. The Intelligent Personalized Experience (IPE) 5G-Advanced solution optimizes key network metrics like bandwidth, delay, and jitter in real-time, providing high-quality, uninterrupted gaming experiences for users worldwide.
Tunisia’s major telecom operators, Orange Tunisia, Ooredoo Tunisia, and Tunisie Telecom, have all launched 5G services following the receipt of their licenses. The services promise faster speeds, enhanced connectivity, and greater coverage, contributing to the country’s digital transformation and future telecom infrastructure.
Zain Bahrain has implemented 5G-capable streetlight solutions in Durrat Al Bahrain, in collaboration with LSS Technologies. This innovation enhances coverage and speed, contributing to the development of smart city solutions. It aligns with Zain’s Sustainability Strategy and supports SDGs related to innovation and sustainable cities.
Ncell has launched its VoWiFi service, allowing users to make HD voice calls over WiFi at no extra charge. The service is compatible with iPhone 8 and later models, with plans for broader device support. It benefits users in areas with weak cellular signals, offering clear audio and seamless connectivity.
stc Group and Ooredoo Oman have signed an agreement to launch the Saudi-Omani Network Infrastructure Corridor (SONIC), aimed at boosting regional connectivity and digital transformation. The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030, linking the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, with a focus on high-capacity solutions and economic growth.
Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Nokia to modernize its core network, integrating AI, machine learning, and 5G standalone capabilities. The deal will enhance network performance, support ultra-low latency services, and enable real-time industrial automation and high-quality gaming experiences. Nokia’s solutions also optimize efficiency, capacity, and energy consumption.
Pakistan has established 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) across the country, housing over 350 IT firms and employing 18,000 professionals. The government is developing major IT parks in Karachi and Islamabad to further strengthen the ICT sector, creating thousands of jobs and boosting IT exports. A digital transformation strategy is underway.
Eng. Ahmed Al-Anqari of Etihad Salam Telecom discussed innovations in telecommunications at LEAP 2025. He highlighted the company’s focus on supporting SMEs, promoting sustainability through eco-friendly solutions, and providing advanced technologies to drive digital transformation. Etihad Salam aims to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.