Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman has launched a national CubeSat programme to build domestic satellite manufacturing capabilities and train local talent. The initiative, led with support from Oman Lens, will involve students and engineers in end-to-end satellite development, with advanced training in China, enabling AI-powered Earth observation for planning and sustainability.
Tencent Cloud plans to expand its Middle East data centre footprint as regional demand for cloud and AI infrastructure accelerates. The move aligns with a broader surge in hyperscale investments across the Gulf, driven by national digital strategies, AI ambitions, and a rapidly growing market for sovereign and enterprise cloud services.
du and Cisco Networking Academy have launched a new AI and data science certification programme for UAE youth, offering hands-on training with generative AI tools and analytics platforms. The initiative supports Vision 2071, strengthens employability, and builds a future-ready workforce for the country’s digital economy.
SLB has been awarded two five-year contracts by PDO to supply wellheads and artificial lift systems for Oman’s Block-6. The deals expand local manufacturing in Rusayl and Nizwa, introduce made-in-Oman gate valves, and deploy advanced production technologies, reinforcing Oman’s in-country value agenda and long-term energy development.
Ncell has renewed its ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications, reaffirming its leadership in information security and data privacy in Nepal. The renewal validates Ncell’s compliance with global standards, strengthens customer trust, and ensures robust protection of personal and sensitive data across its core operations.
Manara launched the Cloud Catalyst Forum in Riyadh, bringing together Saudi hiring partners and emerging engineers, featuring a 1,000-participant AI hackathon and deep AWS collaboration. The initiative strengthens cloud and AI talent pathways aligned with Vision 2030, backed by a $2.8 million AWS training commitment.
Primark is expanding rapidly across the Middle East, opening three stores in Dubai in 2026 and confirming new locations in Qatar and Bahrain by year-end, building on its Kuwait debut and tapping into strong regional demand for value-driven fashion.
Qatar has pledged over $434 million to support Lebanon’s energy, security, and education sectors. The package includes $400 million to stabilise the power grid, continued backing for the Lebanese Armed Forces, and scholarships for youth, reaching over 1.5 million people and reinforcing Qatar’s long-standing commitment to Lebanon’s resilience.
Oman–UAE space cooperation is emerging as a regional benchmark, with joint satellite projects, knowledge exchange, and alignment on global frameworks like the Artemis Accords. Dr Sultan Al Neyadi said innovation, youth development, and strong partnerships are essential for building a sustainable space sector and unlocking economic value across the region.
e& UAE has become the first organisation in the country to achieve TM Forum’s “Running on ODA” status, validating its shift to a cloud-native, API-first architecture. The milestone confirms e&’s ability to operationalise open standards, dismantle legacy silos, and accelerate digital innovation across its ecosystem.