Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency won the WSIS 2025 Prize for its Cybersecurity Curriculum Project, highlighting its success in raising digital ethics and safety awareness across schools, parents, and teachers. The project supports Qatar’s vision to build a cyber safe society and become a global cybersecurity leader.
Oman ranked fourth globally among developing economies for ICT infrastructure FDI from 2020–2024, attracting $1.7 billion. Driven by the National Digital Economy Programme and AI initiatives, Oman aims to boost digital skills, AI research, and grow its digital economy’s GDP share to 10% by 2040.
Saudi Arabia continues to lead global cybersecurity rankings, recognized as a Tier 1 role model by the UN’s ITU. The Kingdom’s national cybersecurity authority and strategic partners drive robust cyber defenses and technology localization, supporting economic development and international collaboration aligned with its digital transformation strategy.
MSCI has upgraded stc group’s ESG rating from BBB to A in 2025, recognizing its leadership in sustainability, governance, and cybersecurity. This places stc in the top third of global telecom firms, reflecting its advances in data privacy, risk management, and adherence to high ESG standards across its diverse operations.
Oman ranks fourth among developing nations in attracting foreign investment for digital infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2024, reflecting its growing role as a regional technology hub. Through national initiatives like the AI and Advanced Digital Technologies Programme, Oman is accelerating its digital transformation and aiming for a significant increase in the digital economy’s contribution to GDP by 2040.
STC Bank has been recognized as Saudi Arabia’s Best Digital Bank, highlighting its rapid evolution from a digital wallet to a full banking service embraced by millions. The award from Inc. Arabia underscores STC Bank’s innovation and leadership in shaping digital financial services for the Kingdom’s tech-savvy population.
du received three awards at FM Middle East 2025 for sustainability leadership, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and AI-driven optimizations. These honors reaffirm du’s commitment to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision and its role as a pioneer in sustainable telecom practices.
Ada Derana secured two awards at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2025 for its advanced election coverage and audio streaming platform eTunes. These honours recognise the network’s leadership in digital innovation and its role in promoting Sri Lankan artists globally amid shifting media landscapes.
A Pakistani student team from IST won the Best AI Use Award at the APAC Solution Challenge 2025 for their AI-driven disaster preparedness solution, while another team from NUCES FAST also reached the top 10. These achievements reflect Pakistan’s rising potential in artificial intelligence and innovation on the global stage.
stc Bahrain received the “Talent Development Strategic Partner” award at Huawei Bahrain’s ICT Talent Ceremony, acknowledging its significant role in nurturing local ICT talent through programs like Jeel ICT. The company’s efforts support Bahrain’s digital transformation and economic growth ambitions aligned with Vision 2030.