Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh ranks among the world’s lowest 5G adopters, with 16% of shipments in early 2025 being 5G devices. But new operator launches and affordable handsets from TECNO and VIVO signal the start of wider adoption, paving the way for stronger connectivity and digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al-Swaha and Bahrain’s Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa met in Kuwait to enhance cooperation in AI, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, reinforcing GCC efforts to build an integrated regional digital economy.
Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet service in Jordan, joining Oman, Qatar, and Yemen in the company’s Middle East footprint. The expansion marks a major step in regional connectivity, as Starlink’s low-Earth orbit network continues to redefine internet access across remote and underserved markets.
Binance founder CZ and Shazam cofounder Dhiraj Mukherjee will headline FinTech Forward 2025 in Bahrain, underscoring the event’s global influence. Set for October 8–9, FF25 will showcase Bahrain’s fintech leadership and its growing role as a regional gateway for innovation and sustainable digital finance.
GCC ministers meeting in Kuwait underscored the region’s leadership in digital transformation and telecom excellence. Discussions focused on advancing Gulf integration, localizing advanced technologies, and strengthening infrastructure as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain achieved top global ICT rankings.
The MENA Data Center Market Database tracks 197 existing and 113 upcoming facilities, revealing $8 billion in new investments by 2027. Saudi Arabia leads the expansion with 45% of regional capacity, positioning MENA as a fast-emerging global hub for colocation and cloud infrastructure.
The Arab Youth Tech Fellowship in Abu Dhabi is nurturing future Arab innovators through immersive training in AI, health tech, and sustainability. Day two showcased groundbreaking AI healthcare research and the Gulf’s first Human Digital Twin demo, underscoring the transformative potential of AI in medical science and entrepreneurship.
Iraq ranks 114th globally and 10th among Arab nations for internet affordability, with average costs at $2.33 per Mbps. In contrast, Qatar offers the region’s cheapest rates at $0.07, while Singapore leads globally. The findings highlight disparities in digital access across Arab and global markets.
Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, joined GCC and DCO meetings in Kuwait to strengthen regional digital cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development. Bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia and the DCO further advanced plans for AI, telecom, and digital economy collaboration.
Pakistan’s telecom industry is reeling from a nationwide data privacy scandal as user data reportedly circulates on the black market. Government officials vow action under existing telecom and consumer protection laws, but experts warn of a looming digital privacy collapse without stricter enforcement and accountability.