Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia’s cloud SEZ introduces a single corporate tax regime for cloud and data-centre firms, excluding zakat and aligning with global standards. The zone aims to accelerate cloud adoption, attract digital infrastructure investment, and reshape the Kingdom’s tax and regulatory environment for next-generation technology businesses.
Khuzam Digital Valley was launched as a dedicated digital infrastructure city spanning 200,000 square meters within the Khuzam destination. Developed by NHC Innovation, the project targets data centers, cloud, AI, and telecom firms, providing integrated infrastructure and build-ready land to support Saudi Arabia’s digital economy and specialized real estate growth.
QNB is positioning itself at the centre of Qatar’s fintech evolution by modernising banking infrastructure, embracing cloud and AI, and fostering global collaboration through Web Summit Qatar. The bank’s strategy aligns digital innovation with national objectives, strengthening Qatar’s ambition to become a leading regional hub for financial technology.
MCIT and MOPH hosted a healthcare-focused SMEs Go Digital workshop to promote digital transformation and AI adoption across Qatar’s health sector. The session showcased practical applications to improve patient experience and operational efficiency, supporting innovation-driven SME growth in line with the Digital Agenda 2030.
Doha ranked first globally for mobile internet performance among tourist cities, achieving average speeds of 354.5 Mbps. The Holafly study measured real-world usability by download time, highlighting Qatar’s decade-long investment in 5G and digital infrastructure, transforming Doha into a connected, frictionless destination for travelers, business users, and remote workers.
Vodafone Qatar has become the first company to resell Starlink’s B2B satellite services in Qatar, bringing high-speed, low-latency connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach locations. The solution delivers up to 500 Mbps via low-earth orbit satellites, strengthening enterprise resilience and expanding national digital infrastructure.
Trango Tech is expanding its mobile app development operations across the GCC, with dedicated teams in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The move targets growing demand in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and logistics, delivering secure, scalable, bilingual apps aligned with regional regulations and business needs.
Nearly 80 percent of mobile phones in Pakistan already support key 5G frequency bands, according to PTA sources, as the country prepares for its first 5G spectrum auction. The release of new spectrum is expected to boost 4G speeds and enable commercial 5G services in major cities within months.
PTA has warned users against sharing illegal online content, including blasphemy, hate speech, fake news, and obscene material, stressing such acts are punishable under law. The Authority also launched a facility enabling overseas Pakistanis to retain their SIM cards while abroad, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
PTCL has submitted the Telenor Pakistan–Ufone merger to the telecom regulator, triggering a formal review of competition, spectrum, and consumer impact. PTA’s assessment is expected within two months, followed by SECP and court approvals. The deal aims to strengthen PTCL’s mobile business and reshape Pakistan’s telecom landscape.