Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
LYNEports and AVAS have partnered to deploy AI-driven digital twin technology for vertiport planning and advanced air mobility projects in Oman. The collaboration supports Vision 2040 and strengthens national readiness for emerging aerial mobility infrastructure.
Bahrain has launched its National Aviation Strategy (2026–2027) to strengthen its aviation sector, expand air connectivity, and enhance infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The initiative aims to position Bahrain as a regional aviation and logistics hub while supporting economic diversification and job creation under Economic Vision 2030.
Bahrain and Capital A Berhad have announced a strategic aviation partnership positioning Bahrain as a regional hub linking Asia and Europe, expanding air connectivity, supporting logistics and maintenance infrastructure development, and advancing the Kingdom’s ambition to become an integrated aviation and transport center.
Riyadh Air has launched Riyadh Cargo as a tech-first air freight business, embedding digital platforms, real-time tracking, and scalable operations across its wide-body fleet. The move supports Vision 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub while enabling reliable, data-driven cargo growth alongside the airline’s expansion.
Oman and Rwanda have signed an MoU to cooperate on airport development and aviation infrastructure. The agreement enables expertise exchange, joint investment opportunities, and long-term collaboration in airport management, modernization, and connectivity, strengthening bilateral ties and supporting sustainable growth in air transport.
Morocco has launched a fully digital passenger journey at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport ahead of AFCON 2025, deploying self-service and biometric technologies to manage record traffic volumes. Part of ONDA’s Décollage 2025 strategy, the initiative aims to modernise airport operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the passenger experience nationwide.
beOnd is preparing aggressive global expansion with U.S. and Saudi operations, an upcoming inflight internet rollout, new AOCs, and a growing premium fleet. The airline plans 20 aircraft in Saudi Arabia, premium transcon routes in the U.S., and a future India AOC, supported by 32 secured aircraft through 2028.
Riyadh Air and IBM are building the world’s first AI-native airline, eliminating legacy systems and using generative and agentic AI to transform operations, customer experience, and employee workflows. With 59 coordinated workstreams and over 60 partners, the airline is engineered for next-generation aviation and will begin commercial service in early 2026.
Qatar Executive will equip its entire Gulfstream and Bombardier fleet with Starlink by early 2026, expanding ultra-high-speed, low-latency connectivity across all aircraft. The upgrade enhances the inflight digital experience, allowing passengers to work and stream seamlessly, reinforcing Qatar Executive’s leadership in premium private aviation innovation.
Middle Eastern airlines are rapidly expanding high-speed inflight internet, with Emirates, Saudia, Flydubai, Qatar Airways, and Flynas introducing free or enhanced Wi-Fi across their fleets. Using Starlink, SkyFive, and satellite networks, carriers now offer streaming-level connectivity, positioning fast onboard internet as a new standard for regional and long-haul travel.