Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Wellbeing leaders in Muscat urged organisations to treat employee engagement as a strategic priority, not a perk. The summit highlighted how wellbeing directly drives productivity, retention, and resilience, calling on employers to embed human-centred practices into workplace culture across Oman.
Vodafone Qatar will showcase end-to-end digital solutions at Web Summit Qatar 2026, guiding startups and SMEs from idea to scale through immersive demos and expert consultations. The initiative aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and reinforces Vodafone’s role as a trusted partner for business growth in the digital economy.
Iraq has suspended its national 5G project after a dispute between the CMC and the Ministry of Communications over implementation and exclusivity. The move follows a €6 million deal with Vodafone and pauses plans to launch a state-backed 5G operator backed by public institutions.
stc posted KD 342.5 million in revenue and KD 34.1 million in net profit for 2025, driven by consumer growth, enterprise expansion, and operational efficiency. EBITDA reached a multi-year high, while AI adoption, 5G projects, and strong governance reinforced its leadership in Kuwait’s digital transformation.
Oman has launched a national CubeSat programme to build domestic satellite manufacturing capabilities and train local talent. The initiative, led with support from Oman Lens, will involve students and engineers in end-to-end satellite development, with advanced training in China, enabling AI-powered Earth observation for planning and sustainability.
Tencent Cloud plans to expand its Middle East data centre footprint as regional demand for cloud and AI infrastructure accelerates. The move aligns with a broader surge in hyperscale investments across the Gulf, driven by national digital strategies, AI ambitions, and a rapidly growing market for sovereign and enterprise cloud services.
Ethio Telecom and Somaliland-based ISP Somcable are exploring a strategic cross-border partnership to expand regional digital connectivity. The talks focus on leveraging infrastructure, subsea cable assets, and shared expertise to accelerate growth, align with Ethio Telecom’s “Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, and advance digital empowerment across East Africa.
Dialog Axiata has integrated Sri Lanka’s GovPay platform into its eZ Cash network, allowing citizens to pay for government services at more than 55,000 retail outlets nationwide. The move expands access to public payments, supports financial inclusion, and strengthens the reach of digital government services across all regions.
du and Cisco Networking Academy have launched a new AI and data science certification programme for UAE youth, offering hands-on training with generative AI tools and analytics platforms. The initiative supports Vision 2071, strengthens employability, and builds a future-ready workforce for the country’s digital economy.
Saudi Arabia concluded a major digital empowerment forum with the launch of a SAR100 million lending portfolio for non-profits, alongside new advisory and revenue-building initiatives. The event brought together over 3,000 participants to advance digital transformation, data protection, and impact measurement, strengthening the sector’s financial resilience under Vision 2030.