Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan’s internet usage reached 95.6% in 2024, surpassing Arab and global averages. Daily use stands at 94.8%, with 11 million users nationwide. Mobile and smartphone adoption continues to rise, while landlines decline. The survey highlights rapid digital transformation across households, devices, and connectivity platforms.
UAE consumers are rapidly moving away from cash, with 68 percent now largely non-cash users, according to Visa. Everyday spending is dominated by cards and mobile payments, while cash lingers mainly in tips, remittances, and rent. Convenience, security, and rewards are accelerating the shift.
Orange Jordan has expanded its fiber network to Tafila and Aqaba, bringing high-speed internet to over 1.1 million homes nationwide. The rollout supports Jordan’s digital transformation goals, strengthens nationwide connectivity, and reinforces Orange Jordan’s position as the country’s fastest fixed fiber network.
Morocco has climbed 14 places in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index and launched the Jazari Institutes and Jazari Root to build a national AI ecosystem. The initiative strengthens technological sovereignty, supports inclusive development, and positions Morocco as a leading AI hub across Africa and the Global South.
Saudi Arabia recorded near-universal internet usage in 2025, with 99% of residents aged 15–74 online, according to GASTAT. Mobile access dominates, social media leads usage, e-government adoption exceeds 98%, and e-commerce continues to grow, driven by strong female participation.
Jordan recorded measurable improvements across more than 20 global indicators, driven by progress in digital government, innovation, competitiveness, and economic resilience. Gains in global rankings highlight stronger public services, governance, inflation control, and digital workforce development.
Oman’s telecom subscriptions surpassed 8 million in 2025, driven by strong mobile growth, a surge in IoT connections, and rapid fibre expansion, while legacy technologies such as ADSL and fixed 4G continued to decline.
Pakistan’s telecom sector crossed 200 million subscribers in FY2024–25, with revenues exceeding Rs1 trillion and broadband penetration surpassing 60%. Investment growth, expanded 4G coverage, rising data consumption, and increased local device manufacturing reinforced the sector’s role in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Oman’s telecom subscriptions exceeded 8 million by November 2025, driven by strong growth in mobile, fibre broadband, and IoT connections. The data reflects rising digital adoption, expanding fibre infrastructure, and a clear shift away from legacy fixed technologies.
BAGHDAD: Iraq is preparing to significantly expand its national fiber-optic internet rollout after a recent population census revealed that more than eight million homes were excluded from earlier plans, according to the Ministry of Communications.