Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
ZTE and GO Telecom have completed Saudi Arabia’s first long-distance 5G-A mmWave trial, achieving 6 km coverage and 1 Gbps speeds on the 26 GHz band. The technology supports enterprise private networks, FWA, and industry applications, advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation goals.
Qatar processed $4.4B in digital payments during July 2025, with cards accounting for 75% of activity, led by POS and e-commerce. Instant payments via Fawran crossed $896M, while QMP wallets reached 1.2M. The trends reflect Qatar’s push toward financial inclusion and a cash-light economy.
Pakistan has established the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) under the Digital Nation Bill, appointing Dr. Sohail Munir as chairperson and Dr. Muhammad J. Sear as member. The authority will oversee the national digital master plan, data governance, and digital transformation projects to advance Pakistan’s digital economy.
Oman’s TRA has introduced strict new rules on telecom pricing and promotions to prevent price wars, protect consumers, and maintain fair competition. Measures include limits on offers, intervention triggers on steep price drops, and stricter oversight of dominant operators, with the framework set for ongoing review.
Huawei Morocco and the Ministry of Higher Education have launched the 2025 Seeds for the Future program, sending Moroccan students to China for training in advanced technologies. The initiative blends theory with practice, fosters international collaboration, and prepares Morocco’s youth for careers in the global digital economy.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense has unveiled a cybersecurity-focused roadmap as part of its 2025–2030 vision. The strategy prioritizes infrastructure protection, real-time threat detection, secure communications, and cyber workforce development, backed by partnerships with global technology leaders and oversight from senior MoD officials.
Talabat has celebrated the graduation of Academy X’s second 2025 cohort, empowering Kuwaiti female students with AI, coding, and entrepreneurship skills. The program, run by CODED Academy and sponsored by talabat, aligns with New Kuwait Vision 2035 and strengthens women’s role in the nation’s digital economy.
Zain Cash has partnered with the Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association to enable fee and subscription payments through its app. The initiative supports financial inclusion, strengthens the role of agricultural engineers, and reinforces Zain Cash’s leadership in Jordan’s digital financial services ecosystem.
Jahez has secured a USD 40 million Shariah-compliant facility from NBB to finance its new headquarters. The company’s Q2 2025 profit fell 22% due to weaker EBITDA and higher depreciation. Meanwhile, Jahez expanded its regional footprint with a USD 245 million acquisition of Qatar’s Snoonu.
The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) has launched a pilot version of its first mobile app, providing real-time updates on securities, indices, and market news. Available now on Google Play, the app enhances transparency, accessibility, and investor communication as part of EGX’s digital transformation strategy.