Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
e& UAE will integrate AE Coin, the UAE’s first dirham-backed licensed stablecoin, into its payment systems, enabling customers to pay telecom bills and access digital services via regulated blockchain transactions. The partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank supports faster settlements, transparency, and secure mass-market digital payments.
Sri Lanka is advancing its digital economy strategy while responding to Cyclone Ditwah by using GovPay to streamline disaster relief donations and launching a global support portal. Despite major damage to telecom infrastructure, satellite connectivity and coordinated recovery efforts have highlighted the resilience and importance of digital systems during crises.
Saudi Arabia has achieved a 99% rating in security technology, ranking among the world’s top countries, according to the CEO of the Quality of Life Program. Advanced digital security systems, rapid emergency response, and smart public services have significantly improved safety, efficiency, and quality of life across the Kingdom.
Qatar’s MCIT has hosted digital awareness sessions with Microsoft to help SMEs adopt modern productivity and business management tools. The initiative supports operational efficiency, informed decision-making, and sustainable growth, aligning with the Digital Agenda 2030 to boost SME digital readiness.
Ooredoo Qatar powered connectivity for major international events hosting over 1.5 million attendees, handling more than 300TB of data and six million calls with 99.99% reliability. Advanced 5G, AI-driven optimisation, and dedicated operations centres ensured seamless, high-capacity performance during peak demand.
Pakistan and China have signed 24 technology MoUs covering digital infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and skills development. The agreements aim to build a digital corridor, train hundreds of thousands of Pakistani youths, expand ICT exports, and accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation through global partnerships.
Bawabat Accelerator has launched through a partnership between ITHCA Group and Saudi Vision Venture Capital to help Omani tech startups scale into Saudi Arabia. The initiative connects founders with Saudi investment networks, regional expertise, and early-stage capital, strengthening cross-border collaboration between Oman and Saudi venture ecosystems.
Omantel received an investment-grade ‘BBB-’ rating from Fitch, reflecting strong financial fundamentals, market leadership, and strategic importance to Oman’s digital transformation. The upgrade highlights Omantel’s role in advancing digital infrastructure, economic diversification, and regional technology leadership.
Rakiza has raised $1 billion from global investors to finance infrastructure projects in Oman, supporting sectors including food security, telecoms, logistics, and energy. Backed by the Oman Investment Authority, the fund has created a new channel for foreign investment while building an independent platform for long-term national development.
Nepal Telecom has grown its GSM, mobile broadband, and FTTH user base, serving over 15.8 million customers nationwide. Strong 4G adoption, expanding fiber coverage across all districts, and plans for 5G rollout are reinforcing NTC’s leadership in Nepal’s telecom market.