Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zoho has launched its first UAE data centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of a AED100 million investment. The facilities enable local data hosting, strengthen data sovereignty, and support government and enterprise adoption of over 100 Zoho and ManageEngine cloud solutions, reinforcing the UAE’s digital transformation goals.
e& enterprise and Sergas have formed a strategic partnership to modernise energy operations through integrated digital platforms. The collaboration introduces a next-generation security operations centre, unified customer communications, and an AI-driven contact centre to enhance cybersecurity, efficiency, service reliability, and customer experience across Sergas’ energy services.
SteelFab 2026 has opened in Sharjah, bringing together 600 global brands and 350 exhibitors from 35 countries. Spanning 25,000 square metres, the exhibition showcases advanced metalworking technologies, AI-powered manufacturing, and next-generation steel solutions, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional industrial hub.
Qatar Airways has completed a record-breaking Starlink rollout across its widebody fleet, delivering free high-speed internet to millions of passengers. With near real-time connectivity, operational efficiency, and industry-first certifications, the airline is redefining in-flight experience and positioning itself as the global benchmark for connected aviation.
Bangladesh’s telecom sector stands at a critical juncture, says Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman. While 2025 unlocked long-stalled reforms, high taxes, unresolved disputes, and rigid competition rules continue to deter investment. He argues that arbitration, regulatory balance, and policy clarity are essential to restore confidence and enable telecom to drive national development.
Pakistan’s mobile networks are steadily upgrading as fiberization reaches 17.9% in 2025, up from 14.8% a year earlier. With over 58,000 cell sites, rising data consumption, and expanding international bandwidth, the country is strengthening its digital backbone and laying the groundwork for higher-speed, future-ready connectivity.
Qatar and the UAE will join a US-led initiative to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains under the Pax Silica framework. The move signals a strategic shift toward “silicon statecraft,” aligning Gulf states with allies such as Israel, Japan, and the UK to protect critical technology infrastructure and reduce reliance on rival powers.
Jazz introduces ‘JazzWorld’ as new corporate group identity
Telecom operator Jazz has unveiled JazzWorld as its new corporate group identity, signaling a strategic shift that brings its expanding portfolio of digital and non-telecom businesses under a single umbrella.
The move mirrors global technology rebrands such as Facebook’s transition to Meta and Twitter’s evolution into X, where parent identities were redefined to reflect broader ambitions beyond their original platforms, while core consumer brands remained intact.
Jazz said JazzWorld represents its transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a multi-business group spanning digital services, financial platforms, lifestyle applications, health tech, cloud, and emerging technologies. Under the new structure, Jazz will continue to operate as the group’s core telecom brand within existing legal and regulatory frameworks, while JazzWorld becomes the overarching corporate identity.
Entities grouped under JazzWorld include JazzCash, Mobilink Bank, Tamasha, ROX, Simosa, Garaj, Teknosys, ApnaClinic, ZARR, and FikrFree, alongside newer growth areas such as data centres, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
As part of the restructuring, Jazz announced the creation of a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer role, appointing Aamer Ejaz to lead the function. The company also confirmed that its Chief Information Security Officer will now report directly to the CEO, reflecting an elevated governance focus on cybersecurity.
The rebrand does not alter Jazz’s status as a licensed telecom operator. The Jazz brand will remain responsible for connectivity services, while JazzWorld serves as the corporate architecture for the group’s broader digital ambitions.
Further details on how the JazzWorld identity will be reflected across platforms and products are expected in the coming weeks.
Pakistan offers some of the world’s cheapest mobile data, with prices as low as $0.12 per gigabyte and a $1.02 2GB basket. However, low ARPU, high inflation, currency depreciation, and rising operating costs are squeezing operator margins, raising questions about long-term sector sustainability.
Nigeria and Egypt are emerging as Africa’s primary data center hubs as cloud adoption and AI workloads drive explosive demand. With strong growth forecasts, new hyperscale campuses, and strategic geography, both markets are reshaping the continent’s digital backbone—provided power, policy, and skills challenges are resolved.