Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have agreed to build a high-speed rail line connecting Riyadh and Doha, with stops in Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The electric railway will reach speeds above 300 km/h and cut travel time between the capitals to around two hours. Expected to be completed within six years, the project aims to serve up to 10 million passengers annually and strengthen regional connectivity.
Google Trends 2025 shows cricket as Pakistan’s most dominant online obsession, cutting across class and region as a rare national unifier. Technology searches surged as Pakistanis explored AI tools, digital payments, and online learning. “How-to” queries highlighted everyday survival challenges, while climate, health, politics, and local entertainment reflected a society navigating uncertainty through digital dependence.
Oman will host the International Semiconductor Executive Summit on December 9–10, bringing together over 150 global leaders, CEOs, and experts to discuss the future of the semiconductor industry in the MENA region. Organized by MTCIT under the patronage of Oman Vision 2040 leadership, the summit will focus on building an integrated regional semiconductor ecosystem, showcasing advanced technologies, enhancing local talent, and supporting Oman’s long-term economic diversification and digital transformation strategy.
Electronic fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Oman’s digital ecosystem, prompting the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to organize a public dialogue on December 14 under its “Constructive Dialogue” series. The session will focus on identifying common scam techniques, understanding how networks facilitate fraud, and assessing public awareness. By bringing stakeholders together, the TRA aims to strengthen consumer protection frameworks, enhance cybersecurity awareness, and improve overall trust in telecom services.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman has taken legal action against companies selling unlicensed telecom devices used for unauthorized network setups, citing risks to consumer protection, data security, and service quality. Alongside this enforcement, the TRA will host a public engagement session on December 14 under its “Constructive Dialogue” initiative to address the growing challenge of electronic fraud, explore scam patterns, and develop stronger consumer protection measures through collaborative discussion.
Mobile operator Ncell has begun issuing numbers under a new 971 prefix after receiving approval from Nepal’s telecom regulator. The new range was introduced as the company’s existing number series approached exhaustion. Ncell has asked government bodies, banks, and service providers to update their systems to ensure seamless OTP delivery, digital transactions, and mobile-based services.
Ncell CEO Michael Foley has called on the Nepal government to provide clear policy direction for the launch of 5G, citing uncertainty around spectrum, taxation, investment, and licensing as major barriers. He warned that outdated telecom laws and ambiguity over Ncell’s ownership status after 2029 are discouraging long-term investment. While 5G is seen as vital for Nepal’s digital future, Foley said government facilitation is essential to make nationwide deployment commercially viable.
Makhazen was recognized at the 2025 Kuwait Hackathon for its continued efforts to develop local cybersecurity talent through its long-term partnership with CODED Academy. The company has supported the training of more than 6,900 students since 2022 and renewed its sponsorship for a second consecutive year. The 2025 program delivered workshops to over 620 participants and hosted more than 220 competitors, reinforcing cybersecurity as a national priority and key pillar of Kuwait’s digital transformation.
GCC telecom operators are accelerating the commercial rollout of 5G-Advanced networks, with Zain KSA, Ooredoo Kuwait, stc Kuwait, du, and e& leading deployments. With over 10,000 5G-A sites and more than one million users across the UAE and Kuwait, the region is emerging as a global 5G-A hub. These developments will be explored at the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, focusing on monetization, AI integration, and cross-industry applications.
The MENA gaming market is expanding rapidly, led by sports, battle royale, RPG, and action-adventure games. Football titles dominate sports gaming, while PUBG and shooter games lead mobile playtime. RPGs generate the highest revenues, especially in Gulf countries. Puzzle, MOBA, and racing games also maintain strong regional engagement as mobile gaming continues to drive overall market growth.