Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The interim government in Bangladesh plans to raise the supplementary duty on mobile phone services from 20% to 23%. This increase will raise taxes on recharges, leaving users with less usable balance. The move has sparked concerns about its impact on internet usage and the country’s ICT progress.
Oman’s Central Bank has made IBAN mandatory for all domestic bank transfers from July 1, 2025, aiming to boost transaction accuracy and speed. Following successful IBAN implementation for international payments, this policy ensures greater financial security and aligns Oman with global banking standards.
Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications, visited Silicon Expert’s Banha office, emphasizing Egypt’s growing role in advanced engineering services and AI-driven offshoring. The company’s investment in Banha, employing over 500 engineers, aligns with Egypt Vision 2030, boosting local talent, creating jobs, and contributing to digital transformation.
Nepal’s Communication Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced plans to modernize state-owned media, ensuring wider access and relevance in the digital age. Radio Nepal and NTV will be made available to all Nepalis, with a focus on inclusivity. Restructuring of state media and the regulation of social media are also underway.
SAP Innovation Day in Kuwait focused on the role of AI and digital technologies in advancing Kuwait’s Vision 2035. The event featured key collaborations with local businesses, with SAP offering AI-driven solutions like SAP S/4HANA and SAP SuccessFactors to support digital transformation in healthcare, finance, and more.
TAQA and ACWA Power, along with other international firms, have secured multi-billion-dollar green hydrogen projects in Morocco. These projects, focused on ammonia, industrial fuel, and green steel production, are part of Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its position in the global green energy market, with a combined value of nearly $32 billion.
Zain Group has been awarded the Cloudera Data Impact Award for its Data Office’s innovative work in developing advanced data architectures. This recognition highlights Zain’s commitment to a data-driven strategy, fostering a culture of data literacy, and leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency and business outcomes.
stc is leveraging AI-powered 5G technology and advanced digital infrastructure to deliver a seamless and high-performance experience at the 2025 Esports World Cup, reinforcing its leadership in Saudi Arabia’s esports ecosystem.
JD.com has launched JoyExpress, a self-operated courier service in Saudi Arabia, expanding its logistics footprint and intensifying competition with Meituan. The service covers same-day delivery and cross-border logistics, marking a significant step in JD.com’s Middle East growth strategy amid a heated rivalry in China’s delivery market.
The Oman CX Forum 2025, held at St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat, will unite over 250 industry leaders to explore customer experience innovations. Featuring expert talks and the Oman CX Awards, the event focuses on AI, personalization, and loyalty strategies to help Omani businesses thrive in a competitive digital market.