Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia ranks third globally in AI model development and AI job growth, according to the Stanford AI Index. With strong performance in language model progress, talent attraction, and scientific citations, the Kingdom’s AI ecosystem is rapidly advancing under Vision 2030 and national initiatives such as SAMAI.
Ahya Technologies, operating across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, won the UN’s 2025 AI for Climate Action Innovation Award for its AI-driven emissions tracking and carbon market platform. The firm supports climate compliance, partners with major regional institutions, and aims to reduce 150 million tons of CO₂e by 2030 while expanding climate-tech opportunities in MENAP.
Mindanao is expanding digital collaboration with Qatar through talks on ICT investments, tech talent development and innovation programs. The MinDA–MCIT partnership could bring startup support, digital skills training, innovation hubs and smart-tech solutions to local communities, advancing Mindanao’s competitiveness and aligning with national goals for AI readiness and digital transformation.
Vodafone Qatar and Hytera have signed a new MoU to enhance mission-critical communications across sectors such as public safety, healthcare, utilities and transport. By combining Vodafone’s network strength with Hytera’s professional communications technologies, the partnership supports Qatar’s broader digitalisation goals and strengthens operational resilience across key industries.
PTA has proposed strict rollout obligations for Telecom Infrastructure Provider licensees, requiring minimum yearly deployment of fiber, towers, Earth Stations or landing stations. The plan targets inactive licensees and aims to drive nationwide infrastructure expansion, improve network resilience and increase accountability. Stakeholders can submit feedback before the rules are finalized.
Telenor Pakistan and Data Vault have partnered to launch Pakistan’s first sovereign AI cloud, offering GPU-as-a-service and locally hosted AI infrastructure for enterprises. Fully compliant with national data and AI regulations, the platform enables secure model training and industry-specific AI solutions, strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to produce — not just consume — advanced AI technologies.
Oman has partnered with Airbus Space Systems to build and launch OmanSat-1, its first communications satellite. Based on the OneSat platform, the satellite will support regional communications and advance Oman’s National Space Policy. The project includes local workforce training, industry participation and long-term ambitions to develop a national space industry.
Ooredoo Oman has launched the beIN STREAM device exclusively with Manzili Home Internet, offering families a simple plug-and-play entertainment upgrade. With regional sports, Arabic content and family programming — plus front-row access to the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ — the device delivers instant, high-quality streaming when paired with Ooredoo Fibre or 5G Home Internet.
Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are rapidly transforming Oman’s payments ecosystem following the rollout of card tokenization. With Apple Pay dominating usage and P2P transactions surging, businesses are shifting toward secure, cashless operations. Instant mobile payments, rising commercial adoption, and strong debit card usage are reshaping digital commerce across the country.
Nepal marked International Information Security Day with an urgent call to shift from awareness to sustained national cybersecurity action. Government, industry and academic leaders highlighted key vulnerabilities, advocated year-round planning, and emphasized Zero Trust, practical skills and stronger national coordination. The event set a unified mandate for protecting Nepal’s digital future.