Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
stc pay Bahrain has partnered with Local to introduce a QR-based checkout experience for restaurants and service businesses. The platform enables instant bill payments with no hardware required, streamlining operations and improving customer experience. The partnership supports Bahrain’s growing fintech ecosystem and expands stc pay’s corporate payment offerings across the GCC.
Algerie Telecom has introduced a referral program via the My Idoom app to encourage FTTH adoption. Existing customers earn 10 days of free high-speed internet per referral, while new subscribers receive boosted speeds for their first month. The program supports customer loyalty and aligns with the company’s broader push to expand fiber coverage and improve connection quality across Algeria.
Bahrain and Malta held discussions to strengthen cooperation in transportation, telecommunications and digital transformation. Ministers from both countries explored investment prospects, opportunities for knowledge exchange and pathways to deepen bilateral relations. The meeting underscored shared interest in advancing infrastructure, supporting economic development and pursuing joint initiatives that benefit both nations.
Huawei will showcase 5G-Advanced and AI-powered innovations at the first MWC25 Doha, demonstrating how next-generation connectivity is reshaping industries and enabling intelligent transformation across the region. The company will present solutions in cloud, digital energy and industry-specific AI, while executives discuss mobile AI, advanced networks and future monetisation strategies. Huawei’s participation reinforces its long-standing support for Qatar’s digital ecosystem.
Vodafone Qatar has completed a successful live-network test of Super Uplink technology on 5G-Advanced, achieving over 600 Mbps upload speeds. By combining two frequency bands, the solution boosts uplink performance by nearly half, enhancing everyday digital experiences and enabling advanced industrial applications. The milestone supports Qatar’s digital transformation goals and strengthens the nation’s position in next-generation connectivity.
Oman has signed a cooperation agreement with Airbus to build and launch OmanSat-1, its first national communications satellite. Based on the OneSat platform, it will strengthen digital sovereignty, expand secure telecom services and boost rural connectivity. Space Communications Technologies will operate the satellite, while the project drives talent development, SME participation and long-term space sector growth under Oman’s National Space Strategy 2023–2033.
Edotco Bangladesh and Summit Communications have renewed a five-year space and power lease agreement to jointly accelerate tower rollout across the country. The partnership enables closer coordination on site development, colocation, and transmission planning, improving readiness for 4G and 5G networks. By integrating towers with Summit’s fibre backbone, the collaboration strengthens rural and urban connectivity and supports Bangladesh’s long-term digital growth.
Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council have signed an MoU to establish a Cyber Centre of Excellence that will bolster national cyber capabilities—starting with space cybersecurity. The partnership includes launching a Space META-SOC, a Cyber Evaluation Lab, and a Crypto Lab focused on PQC and QKD. The initiative supports UAE’s goals in cyber resilience, talent development, and technological sovereignty, with future expansion planned across additional strategic sectors.
Finvasia Group has joined the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative and will establish regional headquarters for five of its major brands—including ZuluTrade, Blockmaze, CapitalWallet, OneVault and Jumpp. The move aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to attract high-tech global companies, deepen its fintech and blockchain ecosystem, and build a diversified, innovation-driven digital economy. Supported by advanced licensing, digital infrastructure, and forward-looking policies, the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for next-generation technologies.
The UAE has taken a major step toward sovereign semiconductor capability through an LOI signed by Tawazun, EDGE, Khalifa University and Lockheed Martin to develop a national chiplet-based microelectronics ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. The initiative includes a 16-month semiconductor training programme with ASU, a new national research centre, and collaboration on mission-critical electronics for aerospace and defence. It reinforces UAE–US tech cooperation and supports long-term goals in innovation, localisation and advanced industrial capacity.