Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia is preparing to unveil three major tech strategies, including a plan to rank among the world’s top five AI training hubs. With its digital economy nearly doubling in nine years and major funds allocated to AI safety, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global, responsible technology leader.
Ooredoo’s Syntys has acquired Q Data’s two Tier III data centres in Qatar, adding 12.5MW of hyperscale capacity and lifting its national footprint to 26MW. The deal strengthens Qatar’s sovereign AI and cloud infrastructure and supports Syntys’ goal of reaching 120MW across MENA by 2030.
Abu Dhabi has launched a new Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in partnership with the World Economic Forum, focused on quantum, robotics, space systems, and AI. Led by TII, the Centre will accelerate responsible deployment of frontier technologies, strengthen global policy leadership, and position the UAE as a premier hub for advanced innovation.
Pakistan has spent over Rs52bn to extend telecom services to remote areas through the Universal Service Fund, but uneven coverage persists due to low commercial returns, security concerns, and infrastructure gaps. Officials told parliament that private operators drive expansion, and improved law and order is key to attracting investment and closing connectivity gaps.
IEGCO unveiled four machines manufactured locally for the first time at Grain Tech Egypt, introducing Egypt’s first domestic solutions for variable data printing on consumer goods. The move supports import substitution, boosts exports to five markets, and targets expansion across Africa.
Telenor will sell its 30.3% stake in Thailand’s True Corporation for $3.9 billion, continuing its retreat from Asian markets after exiting Pakistan. The move lifts shares 8%, delivers a major accounting gain, and supports the group’s strategy to refocus on Nordic operations while reassessing remaining assets.
Saudi geospatial firm GBT has raised $1.3 million in pre-seed funding to scale its smart city and GeoAI solutions across the Kingdom. The round will fuel team growth, infrastructure, and next-generation products as demand rises under Vision 2030 and mega-projects like NEOM drive adoption of spatial intelligence.
Saudia and the Saudi Tourism Authority helped bring 27 million international visitors to the Kingdom in 2025. A new “Spirit of Saudi” Boeing 787-9 will serve 25 global destinations in 2026, promoting Saudi hospitality and supporting Vision 2030 goals to reach 150 million tourists by 2030.
Pakistan’s local mobile phone manufacturing fell in 2025 due to weak demand and longer replacement cycles, with output down 4 percent year-on-year. Despite the slowdown, locally assembled devices still met 93 percent of domestic demand. Analysts expect a recovery driven by currency stability, easing inflation, and improving consumer confidence.
Zarea has signed a $2m MoU with China’s Wang Chuang Xi Jun Chang Agri to introduce modern seed technologies, agronomic services, and scalable production systems in Pakistan. The partnership targets productivity, supply-chain efficiency, and export linkages, accelerating the modernisation of Pakistan’s agri-value chain.agritech, pakistan, china
agritech, pakistan, china
agritech, pakistan, china