Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ooredoo has entered a sustainability-focused MoU with GORD to enhance its environmental and social performance. The partnership will leverage research, assessments, and global best practices to support Ooredoo’s sustainability roadmap, aligned with the UN SDGs and Qatar National Vision 2030.
Ooredoo has partnered with Innovatix Systems to roll out advanced cybersecurity services across its markets, including managed security, SOC, EDR, and XDR. Already active in Qatar, Tunisia, Kuwait, and the Maldives, the services will expand company-wide by 2025, providing round-the-clock, multilingual, and market-tailored protection.
The UAE National Pavilion will participate in SOFEX 2024 in Jordan, showcasing advanced defence technologies from leading UAE companies. Supported by the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the pavilion aims to foster international cooperation, form strategic partnerships, and highlight the UAE’s role as a regional hub for defence innovation and manufacturing.
Jazz and Mobilink Microfinance Bank have partnered to advance financial inclusion and women’s empowerment in Pakistan. The initiative provides female entrepreneurs with smartphones, free data, and digital tools, aiming to bridge the digital divide and promote financial independence across the country.
The PTCL-Ufone acquisition of Telenor Pakistan remains stuck pending CCP approval, delaying network upgrades, weakening market competition, and slowing 5G readiness, as rivals gain ground and sector uncertainty grows.
The GCC region is leading globally in digital government services, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE driving citizen satisfaction and embracing AI-powered solutions. A report by BCG highlights the high trust in AI and the region’s commitment to digital transformation, aiming to meet rising citizen expectations and enhance public service quality.
Primark has opened its first Middle East store in Kuwait through a partnership with Alshaya Group, marking its 18th international market. The expansion will continue into Dubai in 2026 with three new stores planned.
Bahrain’s Interior Minister inaugurated the first Middle East Border Management & Technology Summit, bringing together experts from 22 nations to enhance security cooperation, technology integration, and data-driven border systems through AI, analytics, and cybersecurity innovations.
Sri Lanka’s TRCSL has implemented a mandatory registration system for all RF-emitting devices, including mobile phones and drones, to curb illegal imports and enhance security. The initiative ensures compliance with telecom regulations and aims to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing networks, with an automated tracking system set to launch soon.
Nepal’s telecom regulator has given internet service providers 35 days to clear their outstanding contributions to the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund, which requires ISPs to pay 2 percent of their annual income. NTA said several companies have ignored repeated requests to submit payments and audited financial details. While the ultimatum has now been formally issued, the regulator has not yet revealed the names of the defaulting ISPs. The funds are critical for expanding telecom services in rural and remote regions.