Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco’s telecom regulator has mandated fiber optic infrastructure sharing under Decision DG/05/2025, requiring Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi to open networks to rivals. The reform supports Morocco’s Digital 2030 strategy, boosts competition, expands connectivity, and lays the foundation for 5G deployment.
The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) launched its AI-REAL Toolkit at the G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting, providing governments with a framework to move from AI readiness to adoption. Covering five pillars and 39 KPIs, the toolkit supports responsible, inclusive, and sustainable AI growth across its 16 member states and beyond.
Jordan School District is pioneering AI in education through its partnership with SchoolAI, giving teachers advanced tools and students engaging AI-powered learning spaces. With over 1,000 activities and innovative moderated AI chats, the district is transforming classrooms into hubs of creativity, exploration, and higher-level thinking.
Jordan’s Sanad app now records 1.3 million monthly users and up to 5 million digital transactions monthly. With 1.8 million digital IDs already active, the government is pushing toward 80% digitisation by 2025 and full digitisation by 2026, targeting 3.5 million active digital IDs.
Zain Jordan has reshaped the Kingdom’s telecom industry since 1995, pioneering 4G, 5G, and fiber networks, while investing over $5 billion in digital infrastructure. Through innovation hubs, data centers, and sustainability programs, it has fueled entrepreneurship, inclusion, and national growth, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Jordan’s digital future.
Omantel has moved to reassure stakeholders after the FSA ordered a restatement of its 2024 financials due to IFRS compliance issues. The company said the revision is technical, will not impact operations, and it remains committed to transparency and protecting shareholder interests.
North Africa is emerging as a cornerstone of MENA’s gaming market, powered by a youthful population, government backing, and investor confidence. With 559 million players across the region and over $56m in recent funding, MENA is becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming ecosystems.
Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister issued Edict (62) of 2025 appointing four officials to the Board of the Qatar–Bahrain Causeway Foundation. The appointments are for a renewable three-year term and strengthen oversight of the landmark infrastructure project.
Kuwait has set a Guinness World Record for the longest-distance remote robotic surgery at over 12,000 km, connecting surgeons in Kuwait and Brazil. Enabled by Zain’s low-latency network and supported by MOH and KFAS, the operation showcases Kuwait’s leadership in digital medicine and global healthcare innovation.
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first commercial Internet Exchange. Hosted in Ooredoo’s data centre, the IX delivers low-latency interconnection for hyperscalers, ISPs, and cloud providers, with direct access to Microsoft and Google services. The project supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and positions the nation as a regional digital hub.