Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oracle’s first CloudWorld Tour event in Saudi Arabia marks a key milestone in its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s AI economy. The event celebrated 30 years of Oracle’s involvement in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, featuring keynotes, AI demonstrations, and showcasing Oracle’s cloud innovations that align with Vision 2030.
The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) unveiled the National Digital Accessibility Policy, aimed at ensuring inclusivity in digital services. Aligned with UAE’s vision for an integrated society, the policy emphasizes equal access for people of determination. TDRA commits to robust infrastructure and public-private collaboration to realize this vision.
Nigeria’s telecom operators face high diesel fuel costs due to unreliable electricity, raising operational expenses and security risks. Expansion of fibre networks and digital infrastructure progresses, but energy challenges threaten sustainable telecom sector growth.
Algérie Télécom has launched a pioneering 1.2 Gbps high-speed internet package, part of its Idoom Fibre offerings, marking a significant leap in Africa’s digital connectivity. Announced at a regional workshop, this service reinforces Algeria’s commitment to digital transformation and expanding fiber optic networks nationwide.
Jazz, in partnership with UNDP, launched the WISE program to empower 413 women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. This initiative provides business training and fosters sustainable social enterprises, reflecting a commitment to women’s economic empowerment and social innovation.
Qatar’s computing sector is set to generate $65.5 million in revenue in 2024, with a projected growth to $82.92 million by 2029. The country is advancing digital innovation and transformation, driving demand for digital skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development. Google Cloud’s presence further supports this growth trajectory.
The National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) and Save the Children launched a study on digital safety for children in Jordan. The study reveals gaps in digital protection systems and emphasizes the need for updated legislation and national initiatives to ensure secure online environments for children, promoting self-expression and safety.
CITRA has announced the restoration of normal internet traffic in Kuwait following an emergency plan activation that redirected data traffic. The swift actions addressed a disruption in services, ensuring stability and connectivity for users. The authority reassured the public that all necessary steps were taken.
Kalaam Telecom, Mida Solutions, and FVC have formed a strategic partnership to provide advanced communication solutions in the MEA region. This collaboration will offer Contact Center as-a-Service (CCaaS), Unified Communications as-a-Service (UCaaS), and compliance call recording, with services hosted locally in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to ensure data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.
Iraq is positioning itself as a digital transit hub with new subsea cable projects, including the 45,000 km Tawafrica system linking Europe, Africa, and Asia with a branch into Iraq. Anchored at Al-Faw Port, the projects aim to reduce latency, expand capacity, and attract investment in data centers.