Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman has launched its first mobile genetic research laboratory to support biodiversity studies across all governorates. The facility enables on-site analysis of plant, animal, marine, and microbial samples, accelerating research, improving data quality, and supporting Oman Vision 2040’s goals for innovation, sustainability, and a knowledge-based economy.
Oman’s mobile subscriptions exceeded 8 million by October 2025, growing 11.3 percent year-on-year as IoT, fiber broadband, and mobile data adoption accelerated. The data reflects the country’s continued digital transformation and shift toward advanced connectivity technologies.
Nepal Telecom’s 4G expansion project faces investigation over alleged contract violations, political interference, and substandard equipment linked to Huawei. Regulators are probing procurement practices, unpaid penalties, and strategic risks after delays, missing infrastructure, and rising costs undermined service quality and accountability.
Orange Jordan has launched the Kingdom’s first Private 5G Network at JIFEX 2025, positioning itself as the only operator offering this capability. The solution enhances efficiency, security, and sustainability for logistics and industrial sectors, reinforcing Jordan’s push toward advanced digital infrastructure and smarter business operations.
Horizon Egypt has partnered with Hikvision to deploy AI-powered smart city technologies across key real estate developments. The initiative introduces integrated security, access, and city management systems designed to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life, reinforcing the shift toward intelligent urban communities in Egypt.
Egypt is set to launch a unified digital platform that brings company registration, licensing, payments, and customs procedures into a single system to cut timelines and improve transparency. The move supports broader economic reforms, export growth, and investor confidence as Egypt advances its digital transformation agenda.
Qatar processed over $5.1bn in digital payment transactions in November, driven by strong growth in point-of-sale, e-commerce, and instant payments. Central bank data highlights rising adoption of card-based and mobile payment systems as Qatar continues to digitise its financial ecosystem.
Vodafone Oman has introduced Wafi, a loyalty programme offering instant rewards with no points or spending requirements. Integrated into the My Vodafone App, Wafi delivers everyday offers as part of the customer experience, reflecting a shift toward seamless, digital-first loyalty models in Oman’s telecom sector.
ADN Telecom’s Gold Award at the ICSB National Award for Corporate Governance Excellence 2024 reinforces its track record of strong governance practices. Having secured Gold in 2022 and Silver in 2023, the company continues to demonstrate consistency, transparency, and leadership in corporate governance within the ICT sector.
ZainTECH and Vortex have formed a strategic partnership to integrate AI-driven video compression and visual intelligence into enterprise environments across the Middle East. Announced at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, the collaboration aims to reduce bandwidth and storage costs while enhancing monitoring, situational awareness, and data-driven decision-making for government and business clients.