Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Abu Dhabi Customs reported a 27% increase in digital transactions and a 28% rise in proactive automated transactions in the first half of 2024. Customs declarations grew by 2%, and clearance times dropped to 13.86 minutes. The organization scored 94% in customer satisfaction, reflecting significant progress in digital transformation and service efficiency.
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has announced that the Neo Space Group has won the competition for obtaining a permit to provide Earth Observation (EO) Platform Service.
Tenmou, Bahrain’s first Business Angels Company, has invested in two innovative startups: Tajweed, a digital Quran and Arabic language platform, and Travilege, an ERP software for travel agencies. These investments support Bahrain’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping startups secure additional funding, create jobs, and expand beyond the kingdom’s borders.
Trust has become cybersecurity’s weakest link. As attackers shift toward vendors, files, and human behaviour, the next wave of breaches will bypass tools and exploit assumptions. In 2026, defence will depend less on software and more on culture, governance, and how organisations think about risk.
Pakistan’s telecom authority has decided not to proceed with a VPN ban, following legal advice from the Law Ministry. Despite efforts to regulate VPN use, the PTA withdrew the policy after determining it lacked legal grounds. VPN usage continues to grow in Pakistan as users seek to bypass government restrictions.
Saudi Arabia will host the 19th edition of the UN Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh from December 15-19, 2024. The forum will bring together over 10,000 participants to discuss internet policies, digital governance, and emerging challenges. The event will feature 300 sessions focused on fostering global digital cooperation.
In May 2024, Qatar topped the Speedtest Global Index for mobile internet speed, with a median download speed of 329.37 Mbps and an upload speed of 25.36 Mbps. It was followed by the UAE, Kuwait, Denmark, and Norway. Rankings require at least 300 unique user results per location.
At the inaugural AI Retreat, UAE Minister Omar Sultan AlOlama announced plans to shape Dubai’s development over the next 185 years through AI. Emphasizing immediate action, the event gathered over 2,500 leaders to discuss AI legislation, talent, and infrastructure, aiming to solidify Dubai’s position as a global AI leader.
Turkcell and A10 Networks deepen their partnership by accelerating network virtualization and security integration in 2025. Turkcell enhances its CGNAT infrastructure with software-defined solutions, enabling scalable, efficient, and secure service delivery amid IPv4 shortages and growing subscriber needs. The collaboration supports 5G and IoT readiness while reducing operational costs.
Azizi Developments is advancing its digital transformation by partnering with leading tech firms like Dell Secureworks, CommVault, and Microsoft Azure. These collaborations enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and bolster security, positioning Azizi at the forefront of technological innovation in the real estate sector.