Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s Minister of Communications, Amr Talaat, highlighted the role of 5G in driving sustainable development at the “5G and Beyond” Forum. The event explored 5G’s potential in building smart cities, improving urban services, and enhancing Egypt’s digital infrastructure, with participation from global telecom leaders.
Synamedia and OSN Group have launched an advanced Connected TV advertising solution powered by Synamedia Iris, offering targeted ads with fewer interruptions for a brand-conscious audience. This partnership combines the reach of linear TV with digital targeting, providing advertisers with real-time campaign optimization. Expansion is planned for the GCC and Egypt.
Africa50 has invested in Raya Data Centre to support Egypt’s digital economy and expand RDC’s infrastructure with a new greenfield Tier III data centre. This investment will cater to growing digital demand and support Egypt’s startup ecosystem, while aligning with sustainability goals.
The Middle East is emerging as a global leader in AI, with national strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 propelling the region’s tech growth. With advancements in agentic AI, smart city projects, and a focus on reskilling the workforce, the region is poised for long-term economic success.
Airbus has delivered the Thuraya 4 satellite to Kennedy Space Center ahead of its planned launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite, built on Airbus’s Eurostar Neo platform, will enhance telecommunications across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, enabling Space42 to launch 15 new products.
SLT-Mobitel won three awards at the National Best Quality ICT Awards 2024, including a Silver for “SenseGrid IoT Solution,” a Bronze for “Energen,” and a Merit for “AkazaHR.” These innovations reflect the company’s commitment to driving technological advancement and contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
SAMA has launched Samsung Pay in Saudi Arabia, integrated with the national payment system mada, to enhance the country’s digital payments infrastructure. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of financial inclusion and expanding fintech solutions, helping the region strengthen its position in the global fintech landscape.
LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s premier tech event, will be held from February 9 to 12, 2025. With a new ticketed format, it will feature groundbreaking innovations in AI, sports tech, and smart cities. The event will host 680+ startups, 1,000 speakers, and 1,800 global tech brands for networking and investment opportunities.
Asyad Group and Omantel launched the ASYAD Accelerator to support local tech startups in Oman’s logistics sector. The programme nurtures innovative digital solutions, focusing on cold chain logistics and operational efficiency. Four startups were selected for their scalability and potential to drive Oman’s logistics innovation in alignment with Vision 2040.
Omantel won two prestigious Effie MENA Awards 2024 for its innovative “WhatsApp Oman” and “Maqroo” campaigns. The Gold Award recognized the WhatsApp Oman initiative for its creativity and customer engagement, while the Bronze Award honored the Maqroo font for its impact on dyslexia awareness in the Arab world.