Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman’s Jinan Tech project has entered its implementation phase, constructing traditional, IoT-based, and hybrid greenhouse models to enhance sustainable farming. Led by Sultan Qaboos University with industry partners, the initiative will later provide training for farmers, students, and SMEs to maximize its nationwide impact.
Nepal Telecom has introduced a three-day free data and on-net calls offer to support citizens during the crisis. Subscribers can activate the services via short codes, gaining 1 Mbps internet and free voice calls within NTC’s network to stay connected with family and friends.
Asiacell has launched Iraq’s first VoWiFi service, enabling customers to make calls over Wi-Fi in areas with poor mobile coverage. The service, free of charge and app-free, improves indoor call quality while easing network congestion amid Iraq’s rapid urban expansion.
du has been named the official telecom partner of the Universal Postal Congress Dubai 2025, providing high-speed connectivity and digital infrastructure for delegates from 192 countries. The collaboration with 7X underscores the UAE’s role as a global leader in logistics, connectivity, and digital transformation.
Sarat Ventures Y Innovations Biotech Fund has launched a $50M initiative to back early-stage biotech companies targeting Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. Anchored by Allocator One, the fund aligns with Vision 2030, aiming to fuel life sciences growth, attract global talent, and advance transformative therapies.
Qatar’s TASMU Accelerator has attracted 1,185 startup applications from 78 countries, generating QAR 479M in sales and QAR 228M in funding. Beyond financial gains, the program enabled 60+ pilot projects, 2,000+ mentorship hours, and strong ecosystem integration, cementing Qatar’s role as a digital innovation hub.
InnoVista has launched Pakistan’s first National Agentic AI Hackathon with partners Google, PAFLA, and Systems Limited. The event will span six cities, engage 1,000+ participants, and focus on AgriTech, fintech, climate, health, and education, fostering AI-driven innovation and positioning Pakistan as a global AI contender.
Ufone 4G has partnered with oladoc to deliver affordable digital healthcare across Pakistan, offering millions of users access to free video consultations, discounted lab tests, medicines, and surgeries. With low-cost subscription plans, the collaboration bridges healthcare gaps for rural and underserved communities.
Oman has launched a digital archive of folk games to preserve cultural traditions under Vision 2040. The Children’s Culture Centre has recreated games like Al Anbar and Al Sayyad as interactive 3D experiences, blending heritage with technology to keep them relevant for today’s youth.
Oman Lens will launch its second satellite by 2026, offering 50 cm resolution imaging to advance Earth observation and support Oman Vision 2040. Building on OL-1’s success, the mission is part of a planned 20-satellite constellation to provide advanced geospatial intelligence for government, business, and research.