Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saoud Hamad Al Riyami has been appointed Acting CEO of Ooredoo Oman, effective 27 February 2025, succeeding Bassam Yousef Al Ibrahim. Al Riyami, with over 18 years of experience, is currently the Chief Business and Wholesale Officer at Ooredoo Oman. He will serve in the acting role until a permanent CEO is named.
Orange Foundation and Terre des hommes (Tdh) have partnered to open two new Women’s Digital Centers in Jordan, expanding the initiative to more governorates. These centers will offer training in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and mental health, empowering women to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan of Axiata Group highlights Bangladesh as a promising high-growth market, emphasizing the need for stable policies to attract long-term investments. Axiata’s strategic efforts aim to enhance digital infrastructure, preparing Bangladesh for advanced data consumption and future 5G deployment.
Media City Qatar (MCQ) partnered with Al Jazeera Media Institute for the “Al Jazeera Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Media.” The event highlighted AI’s role in journalism and content creation. MCQ also celebrated its success with “Qatar ArtBeat,” a Guinness World Records achievement showcasing AI-driven creativity.
Dubai-based fintech startup Ziina has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate its growth and expand product offerings. The company, known for its innovative payment solutions, plans to use the funds to develop new features and explore market expansion in the UAE and beyond.
Visa, in partnership with Bahrain Islamic Bank, launches the second She’s Next program in Bahrain to empower women entrepreneurs with grants and resources, aiming to enhance their business growth and digital presence.
Huawei has partnered with Al-Azhar University, Egyptian-Russian University, and 6th of October University to launch the Huawei AI Program, providing over 25,000 Egyptian students with free, online AI education through the Huawei Talent platform. The program is inclusive, accessible, and designed to prepare youth for the digital era.
Morocco plans to roll out 5G as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup. The country aims to achieve 25% 5G coverage by 2026 and 70% by 2030. Additionally, satellite technology and fiber-optic infrastructure will enhance rural and public connectivity.
Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology launched the Digital Accessibility Guide to promote inclusive digital services. The guide helps mobile app and website developers adopt accessibility best practices, ensuring that services are usable by all, including people with disabilities and the elderly, while reducing future modification costs.
Emirates has launched Emirates Courier Express, a revolutionary end-to-end delivery solution designed for faster, direct global deliveries. With an average delivery time of under 48 hours, the service operates across seven markets, offering flexible service levels. It leverages Emirates’ vast network for faster, more efficient package transportation.