Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Robi Axiata has appointed M Riyaaz Rasheed as acting CEO, following the reassignment of Rajeev Sethi to a new role within the Axiata Group. Rasheed, the company’s CFO, had previously served as acting CEO in 2021. Robi is the second-largest mobile operator in Bangladesh, with 5.71 crore subscribers.
Veeam to provide image-based backup support for HPE Morpheus VM Essentials Software including VM migration and data portability from traditional…
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications, Abdullah Al-Swaha, reviewed telecom readiness for Hajj, highlighting 10,500 Wi-Fi access points and near-total 5G/4G coverage at holy sites. He also praised 200+ tech volunteers supported by Awon Tech Society, underscoring efforts to ensure seamless connectivity for pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development ranked first among ministries and second overall in the 2024 Digital Transformation Index. The award, presented during the Digital Government Forum, highlights the Kingdom’s leadership in digital transformation, with notable achievements in AI, e-services, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Rakuten Symphony and Tejas Networks partner to create integrated Open RAN solutions, targeting India and international markets. The collaboration merges Rakuten’s cloud-native software with Tejas’s radio tech to meet evolving telecom demands and expand 4G/5G deployments.
Morocco is set to launch satellite internet services from Starlink and OneWeb in 2025, becoming one of the first North African countries to do so. This move aligns with Morocco’s “Digital Morocco 2030” policy, aiming to strengthen digital infrastructure, increase connectivity, and foster economic growth across Africa.
Presight has partnered with Microsoft to launch the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator, aiming to empower AI startups with cutting-edge technology, mentorship, and funding. The collaboration will help startups refine AI-powered products, optimize strategies, and integrate into global markets, driving innovation and scalability within the UAE and beyond.
Over 100 students graduated from MBZUAI, the world’s first AI-focused university, advancing research in healthcare, climate, and language tech. The UAE continues to cement its global AI leadership with expanded academic programs and a new US-backed $5 billion AI campus in Abu Dhabi.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has requested an extension for the VPN registration deadline beyond November 30, 2024, due to concerns about the complexity of the process. The Interior Ministry previously mandated registration of unregistered VPNs to curb misuse, including accessing illegal content and ensuring compliance with security regulations.
Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has launched the ‘Investor Support’ app to streamline investor complaints and inquiries. Available for Android, the app allows investors to register, submit complaints, track status, and receive follow-ups. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s push for digital transformation in industrial and trade sectors.