Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Algeria and Mauritania have signed a cooperation agreement focused on personal data protection, aiming to enhance data privacy and foster collaboration between their respective data protection authorities. The agreement, signed in Algiers, reflects both nations’ commitment to uphold citizens’ rights while advancing their data protection frameworks.
du reported its highest-ever financial performance in 2024, with revenue rising by 7.3% and net profit growing by 49.1%. The company’s success is attributed to strategic investments in 5G infrastructure, a shift towards ICT services, and a streamlined organizational structure. du is well-positioned for continued growth in the UAE.
Oman’s telecom sector grew 15.5% year-on-year, with IoT subscriptions more than doubling to 1.56 million and mobile broadband reaching 5.59 million. Fiber and 5G continued to expand, while DSL and fixed 4G collapsed, signaling a clear market shift toward next-generation connectivity.
Saudi fintech Bwatech has raised $16 million led by Sharaka Financial to expand its integrated platform for bank guarantees, account management, and open banking. Operating in SAMA’s sandbox, Bwatech is building efficient corporate financial infrastructure to support Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Jordan’s mobile phone imports in Q1 2025 totaled 306,000 units worth JD38.6 million, a slight increase in value compared to the previous year. However, the quantity dropped significantly due to rising global smartphone prices. Pricing variations were influenced by consumer demand, with high-end models dominating in markets like the US.
Qatar has achieved 100% internet penetration, positioning itself as a global digital leader. This milestone reflects significant investments in infrastructure, government support, and a commitment to digital inclusion, aligning with Qatar’s Vision 2030 to become a knowledge-based economy and drive innovation across sectors.
Oman’s Royal Academy of Management, in partnership with the Rising Omani Startups Programme, has launched the six-month Startup Leadership Programme to equip founders with strategic leadership, financial, and growth skills. The initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 by preparing startups for sustainable international expansion.
Cisco and Nvidia have expanded their partnership to provide AI technology solutions for enterprises, aiming to deliver high-performance, low-latency connectivity for AI workloads. The collaboration will optimize AI infrastructure investments and enable businesses to adopt AI quickly and effectively, leveraging Cisco and Nvidia’s combined expertise in data centers and networking.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Muscat has issued a warning about fraudulent SMS messages impersonating banks to steal money. TRA advises customers to avoid interacting with suspicious messages, report them immediately, and take steps like blocking suspicious senders on WhatsApp to protect against fraud.
Starting January 2025, Saudi Arabia mandates the use of USB Type-C as the unified charging port for mobile devices and electronics. This move aims to improve user experience, reduce costs, and promote sustainability by minimizing electronic waste. The second phase, including laptops, will begin in April 2026.