
Oman Launches Its First Earth Observation Satellite, Powered by AI
The satellite launch supports Oman’s Vision 2040 goals of technological advancement and data-driven solutions for national progress.
The satellite launch supports Oman’s Vision 2040 goals of technological advancement and data-driven solutions for national progress.
Starlink has partnered with Bharti Airtel to enter the Indian market, offering satellite broadband services. The deal is contingent on regulatory approvals. If successful, Starlink could improve connectivity in remote areas, although security concerns about its unauthorized use in illegal activities have been raised.
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (DCDE) will showcase Dubai’s digital business ecosystem at Expand North Star 2024, highlighting opportunities for startups and investors. The chamber will present initiatives like ‘Launchpad Dubai’ and ‘Create Apps in Dubai,’ aimed at enhancing digital skills and supporting business growth in the emirate.
Cyberattacks in the Middle East surged in late 2023 and early 2024, with hacktivist and APT groups frequently targeting government and energy sectors. Data breaches were the most common consequence, urging companies to adopt result-driven cybersecurity strategies for enhanced protection.
The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Flat6Labs have launched the IT Invest program to support tech-enabled startups in Egypt. The initiative aims to equip seed and pre-Series A startups with training, resources, and networking opportunities to enhance their investment prospects and contribute to economic growth.
Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) has been named Best Wholesale Company in the Middle East for 2024 at the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit in Dubai. This award recognizes Mobily’s strategic role in the region’s Wholesale and Carrier services, highlighting its commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and global leadership.
Banglalink and Symphony have collaborated to launch the Symphony EVO 10, an affordable 4G phone supporting VoLTE calls, as part of the “My First 4G Phone” campaign. Buyers receive a six-month free internet package, including 9GB of data, enhancing connectivity for new and existing users nationwide.
Iran and Iraq are deepening scientific cooperation, focusing on establishing science and technology parks and educational exchanges. The recent Iran-Iraq Science Week facilitated agreements to grant scholarships, exchange professors, and expand research collaborations. Iraq looks to Iran’s expertise in modern technologies to enhance its scientific infrastructure.
Orange Jordan and Proparco have partnered to enhance programming skills through Coding Academies, expanding digital inclusion in Jordan. The €1-million agreement aims to train more young programmers, while an additional USD 15-million agreement supports the expansion of Orange’s fiber optic network.
A study by Ookla reveals that Gulf nations, including Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, offer some of the best 5G roaming speeds globally. The research shows that visitors from countries like Austria and Saudi Arabia enjoy top speeds, enhancing the digital experience for travelers and boosting regional tourism.