Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Khazna Data Centers is expanding its UAE footprint with two new facilities in Abu Dhabi—AUH4 in Mafraq and AUH8 in Masdar City. These facilities, alongside QAJ1 in Ajman, will serve the growing demand for AI and cloud services in the UAE. The centers, built to LEED Gold standards, will support cutting-edge AI workloads and digital transformation goals.
New GV Series Flagship Redefines Comfortable Movie Nights with Google TV and Netflix on Bedroom Ceilings Middle East, 21 April…
Fuze has received approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for a Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes license. This allows the company to offer advanced payment solutions, including AI-driven compliance, virtual IBANs, and real-time transactions, aligning with the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy to drive financial innovation.
MTN has officially transferred its Afghanistan operations to M1 New Ventures, a Lebanon-based investment firm, which will now operate under the brand ATOMA. The transition, completed under the Taliban’s regulatory framework, includes an auction for 48 megahertz of spectrum, generating around $100 million in leasing agreements.
Syria’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Haykal, met with Michalis Hadjikyrou, Cyprus’ Chargé d’Affaires, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in communications and information technology. The focus was on advancing Syria’s digital infrastructure, fostering collaboration between the two nations in this sector.
Africa has the lowest internet usage rate globally, with only 38% of the population online in 2024, far below the global average. High costs, limited digital skills, and poor infrastructure, especially in rural areas, hinder access. The ITU urges stronger policies and investment to address digital inequalities and improve connectivity.
Dr. Khulood Almani, CEO of HKB Tech, outlines her vision for Saudi Arabia’s AI innovation and digital transformation. With a focus on sustainable entrepreneurship, AI-driven development, and localizing technology, she emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks and collaboration to drive economic growth while fostering a digitally inclusive future.
The Saudi Digital Library, part of the Ministry of Education, offers 169 databases and millions of digital resources to support researchers, students, and academic institutions. With over 2.2 million beneficiaries, it aims to become the largest digital knowledge hub in the Middle East, expanding access to scientific materials and research.
A new study shows that nearly 348 million people in the Arab world use the internet, with 228 million active social media users. TikTok is the most popular social media app in the region, particularly in the Gulf, while Facebook and YouTube lead in North Africa and Egypt, respectively.
Commercial Bank and Microsoft hosted the first DHL4SMEs workshop in Qatar, focusing on digital and financial strategies for SMEs. The event, part of the DHL4SMEs program, offered insights on innovative digital platforms and technologies to help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive market, supporting Qatar’s economic development goals.