Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar is investing $500 million in a new terrestrial fiber route linking Oman to Europe via Iraq and Turkey, aiming to bypass Red Sea risks and boost global network resilience. The project enhances Qatar’s role as a digital hub, supported by telecom mergers, expanding data centers, and renewable energy-driven infrastructure.
Qatar Executive will equip its entire Gulfstream and Bombardier fleet with Starlink by early 2026, expanding ultra-high-speed, low-latency connectivity across all aircraft. The upgrade enhances the inflight digital experience, allowing passengers to work and stream seamlessly, reinforcing Qatar Executive’s leadership in premium private aviation innovation.
MWC25 Doha showcases the GCC’s rise as a powerhouse of digital innovation. By bringing global and regional stakeholders together, the event demonstrates how world-class infrastructure, investor appetite, and startup momentum are reshaping the connectivity landscape and positioning the region at the forefront of next-generation technology development.
The UAE and Pakistan agreed to expand cooperation across ICT, emerging technologies, digital skills, and innovation. In a meeting between UAE Ambassador Salem Alzaabi and Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, both sides emphasized investment opportunities, Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem, and the role of expatriate talent in fostering bilateral technology-led development.
Oman has opened registration for the Hadatha Sectorial Hackathon, a national initiative aimed at improving cybersecurity and digital resilience in the telecom sector. The event brings together professionals and entrepreneurs to develop scalable solutions that strengthen local technologies and support the country’s digital transformation.
Kuwait is fast-tracking digital transformation through ongoing infrastructure upgrades, nationwide 5G readiness, and major talent-development initiatives. Nexus 2025 showcases emerging technologies and deepens public–private collaboration, reflecting Kuwait’s Vision 2035 goal of building a competitive, knowledge-based digital economy supported by SMEs, youth innovation, and strong regulatory leadership.
Nigeria’s approval to deploy 4,000 telecom towers marks a major step toward expanding rural connectivity. By targeting 23 million underserved citizens, the initiative aims to boost economic inclusion, strengthen security, and support agricultural transformation through improved digital infrastructure.
Kuwait is accelerating its digital transformation through upgraded infrastructure, strong government backing, and initiatives to strengthen talent, SMEs, and telecom readiness. Nexus 2025 highlights the country’s commitment to innovation, showcasing emerging technologies and fostering public–private collaboration aimed at advancing Kuwait’s Vision 2035 digital economy.
Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship has partnered with OpenAI to enhance Siraj, an AI-powered educational assistant designed to support students and teachers with interactive, curriculum-aligned learning. Following a successful pilot involving over 150,000 users, the collaboration will improve capabilities, strengthen data governance, and advance digital learning across public schools.
Taager’s entry into Morocco signals rising demand for low-barrier e-commerce tools across MENA. With its end-to-end infrastructure, Taager aims to help young entrepreneurs start online businesses without upfront costs, positioning Morocco as a gateway for further North African expansion.