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 UAE leads the world in tech dependency, with residents spending nearly eight hours daily on screens and TikTok surpassing Instagram adoption. Ranked ahead of Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, the UAE’s universal internet access highlights its position as a hyper-connected nation driving global digital engagement trends.
Bangladesh ranked 82nd in Surfshark’s Digital Quality of Life Index 2025, dropping six places from last year. While internet quality improved, affordability, e-government, e-infrastructure, and e-security remain challenges. The country trails India but stays ahead of Pakistan in South Asia’s digital competitiveness.
Bangladesh ranks sixth in South Asia for internet usage, with only 44 users per 100 people, lagging behind India and Bhutan, according to the ADB. However, the country ranks second in 4G coverage (98.9%) and fourth in mobile subscriptions, underscoring both progress and challenges in its digital transformation.
Morocco’s telecom sector achieved record growth in the first half of 2025, with mobile subscriptions reaching 58.8 million and internet users nearing 41.2 million. Penetration rates climbed to 159.5% for mobile and 111.8% for internet, reflecting stronger digital infrastructure, rising demand, and broadening access nationwide.
Oman is drafting a 2026–30 national plan to combat the invasive parthenium weed, focusing on monitoring, biological control, digital tools, and community awareness. Restoration efforts in Dhofar include large-scale seed dispersal campaigns, reinforcing the country’s push to protect crops, biodiversity, and public health.
Morocco’s mobile subscribers climbed to 58.8M and internet subscriptions reached 41.2M by mid-2025, pushing penetration rates to 159.5% and 111.8% respectively. The figures highlight Morocco’s rapid digital adoption and heavy media engagement, with citizens spending nearly six hours daily on media.
The UAE leads globally in mobile internet speed with 584.97 Mbps, followed by Qatar and Kuwait, while Singapore tops fixed internet speeds at 386.96 Mbps. In the Balkans, North Macedonia leads in mobile, Serbia in fixed, and Bosnia and Herzegovina trails with the slowest internet.
Africa’s smartphone market grew 7% year-on-year in Q2 2025 with shipments hitting 19.2M units. Egypt drove growth with a 21% surge, while low-cost devices under $100 rose 38%. Transsion held 51% share, followed by Samsung (18%) and Xiaomi (14%), as local manufacturing gains pace across the continent.
Oman’s mobile subscriptions hit 8 million by June 2025, up 15.7% year-on-year. Broadband demand surged, with mobile broadband at 5.5 million and IoT connections doubling to 1.56 million. Fibre and 5G adoption grew, while legacy ADSL and fixed 4G services continued to decline, reflecting a shift to next-gen networks.
The UAE now has 100% internet coverage, with many residents adopting two-phone setups for work-life separation. Mobile subscriptions have reached 203 per 100 residents, while high-speed fixed internet usage continues to rise, reflecting growing digital connectivity and changing lifestyle habits.