Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ufone 4G has partnered with oladoc to deliver affordable digital healthcare across Pakistan, offering millions of users access to free video consultations, discounted lab tests, medicines, and surgeries. With low-cost subscription plans, the collaboration bridges healthcare gaps for rural and underserved communities.
Oman has launched a digital archive of folk games to preserve cultural traditions under Vision 2040. The Children’s Culture Centre has recreated games like Al Anbar and Al Sayyad as interactive 3D experiences, blending heritage with technology to keep them relevant for today’s youth.
Oman Lens will launch its second satellite by 2026, offering 50 cm resolution imaging to advance Earth observation and support Oman Vision 2040. Building on OL-1’s success, the mission is part of a planned 20-satellite constellation to provide advanced geospatial intelligence for government, business, and research.
Oman has launched its first AI Zone in Muscat to attract global start-ups and strengthen its position as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Backed by RO 100 million in initial investment, the project will drive innovation, create jobs, and expand Oman’s role in the global digital economy.
OMRAN Group has acquired a strategic stake in digital travel company Godoba to accelerate digital transformation in Oman’s tourism sector. The partnership will enhance corporate and government travel solutions, support SMEs, and expand Oman’s digital tourism footprint across the MENA region.
Nepal Telecom is offering three days of free 1 Mbps data and on-net voice calls to help citizens stay connected during the current crisis. Subscribers can activate the services via short codes, as part of the operator’s effort to ease communication across Nepal.
An international survey shows Moroccans turn to social media more than traditional sources for science information, reflecting the country’s growing digital ecosystem. At the same time, Al Akhawayn University and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University launched an AI research chair to foster innovation, talent, and regional cooperation in artificial intelligence.
Morocco has partnered with Al Barid Bank to digitize scholarship payments for vocational trainees, ensuring faster, transparent, and traceable disbursements. Covering 35,000 beneficiaries annually, the initiative expands access through a digital platform, merit-based criteria, and financial services packages, reinforcing vocational training’s role in national development.
Thunes has rolled out a real-time money transfer service in Morocco, enabling instant payouts in Dirhams. With Morocco receiving $11.5 billion in remittances in 2023, the service leverages direct bank integrations to ensure faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments, enhancing financial inclusion.
Kuwait’s Municipal Council has questioned authorities over telecom towers allegedly installed in violation of construction regulations. Council member Dr. Hassan Kamal demanded proof of enforcement of Table No. 17, which requires correction of non-compliant towers, and pressed for answers on how some were licensed on prohibited residential sites.