Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia has achieved a 79% cashless transaction rate in 2024, surpassing its 2025 target early. With 280 fintech companies now active, SAMA’s reforms and Vision 2030 programs are driving financial innovation, inclusion, and resilience — positioning the Kingdom as a leading global fintech hub.
Saudi Esports Federation has signed an MoU with Riot Games to develop Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem through tournaments, education, and community programs. Backed by Vision 2030 and PIF initiatives, the partnership strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global esports hub.
Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has expanded its digital services to 206, aiming for over 400 in the near future. The Oun app and website have revolutionized municipal access, with 93% of transactions completed electronically and AI integration set to enhance future services.
Pakistan recorded its highest-ever monthly IT exports of $366 million in September 2025, a 25% increase year-on-year. Growth was driven by global expansion, relaxed forex retention rules, and currency stability. IT exports for Q1 FY2025 reached $1.06 billion, setting strong momentum toward the $5 billion FY2026 target.
Zong has launched a nationwide initiative to localize global lithium battery safety standards, ensuring telecom network reliability through research, testing, and collaboration with local labs. The company aims to set an industry-wide benchmark for safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
Oman’s OTS25 Tech Summit spotlighted AI’s growing role in education, research, and national innovation. The two-day event featured experts from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and abroad, highlighting ethical AI, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration as key pillars of Oman’s digital transformation journey.
Oman has inaugurated the Hadatha Center for Cybersecurity Manufacturing to strengthen innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in cybersecurity. Spearheaded by the MTCIT, the center aims to position Oman as a regional cybersecurity hub, drive AI integration, and foster local startups through hackathons and accelerator programs.
Eutelsat has renewed its partnership with Oman’s Ministry of Information to continue national broadcasting services over the EUTELSAT 21B satellite. The deal reinforces Eutelsat’s role as a key satellite partner supporting Oman’s media infrastructure and government broadcast operations.
The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) has expanded its partnership with Oman to boost digital innovation, startup growth, and cross-border data governance. Through initiatives like STRIDE and the Digital FDI project with the WEF, Oman is being positioned as a leading regional destination for digital investment.
The UAE, in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi, achieved 145 Gbps in its first 6G Terahertz test, marking the Middle East’s fastest recorded throughput. The pilot validates THz frequencies for 6G and strengthens the UAE’s role in global standardization and next-generation telecom innovation.