Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kalaam Carrier Solutions has extended its partnership with Riedel Networks for three more years, continuing to deliver mission-critical connectivity for motorsport and enterprise customers across MENA. The deal builds on a strong collaboration since 2022 and expands Bahrain’s role as a regional digital hub.
stc pay has won the Fintech – Telecommunications award at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2025. The platform, licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, offers innovative financial services including payroll, IBAN-linked wallets, and Mastercard products, supporting Bahrain’s goal of a cashless, digitally inclusive economy.
Algeria’s National Investment Fund (NIIF) has launched a new technology hub in Algiers under its National Digital Transformation Strategy. Partnering with leading tech firms, the hub will drive innovation in finance and beyond, supporting Algeria’s ambition to modernize institutions and become a regional technology leader.
Equinix has opened its first AI-ready IBX data centre in Chennai with an initial 800 cabinets, scalable to 4,250. The US$69 million facility integrates with Mumbai’s cloud ecosystem, supports liquid cooling for AI workloads, and strengthens India’s digital and innovation ambitions in emerging technologies.
Airtel Chad has launched a US$90 million investment programme to address service quality issues, expand 4G and fibre connectivity, and modernize its network. The initiative, spanning through mid-2026, includes new site deployments, fibre backbones, and infrastructure upgrades, with monthly reports submitted to regulator ARCEP.
Telecom Egypt has expanded its international footprint with a new PoP at Aqaba Digital Hub in Jordan, paired with the Coral Bridge subsea cable. The initiative strengthens Egypt-Jordan digital links, enhances regional resilience, and provides high-capacity infrastructure to support cloud, AI, and international data transit across the Middle East.
Grameenphone and Rakuten Symphony are rolling out South Asia’s first Open RAN pilot, starting with 4G and 5G NSA sites in Bangladesh. The initiative is expected to pave the way for a nationwide Open RAN deployment, reinforcing Grameenphone’s strategy for a flexible, future-ready network.
TII and NVIDIA have launched the Middle East’s first Joint AI & Robotics Lab in Abu Dhabi, integrating Falcon AI models with NVIDIA’s compute platforms to develop humanoids, embodied AI, and real-time robotic systems. The initiative cements the UAE’s role as a global leader in applied AI and robotics innovation.
Ooredoo has sold a 6% stake in Qatar’s Meeza to Fiera Capital (UK), retaining only 4% as it prepares for a full exit. The move supports Ooredoo’s strategy to expand Syntys, its AI-ready hyperscale data centre platform, across MENA to power cloud, AI, and digital transformation.
du has launched 5G+ in the UAE, delivering up to 2x faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance through standalone 5G-Advanced infrastructure. The upgrade supports ultra-HD streaming, lag-free gaming, AI-powered apps, and next-generation mobile experiences, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in digital connectivity.