Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Water Authority and IBM launched the AI-powered H2O Platform using generative AI and hybrid cloud to unify water data, enable predictive management, and introduce intelligent assistants for both officials and citizens, supporting Vision 2030 and sustainable resource optimisation.
Bangladesh’s internet penetration stands at 53 percent, trailing Bhutan and the Maldives while facing gender, rural, and literacy gaps. An ADB report warns of fragmented governance and weak digital identity systems, but highlights mobile finance and “phygital” service centres as bright spots that could anchor a broader digital leap.
Nepal Telecom will roll out 1 Gbps FTTH connectivity in Omsatiya Rural Municipality under a new three-phase agreement. The project will connect municipal offices, health posts, and community schools, advancing Nepal’s goal of nationwide high-speed internet and strengthening digital access in rural areas.
Omantel has invested over RO 500 million in digital infrastructure over six years, expanding from a telecom operator into a regional technology group. The company’s 5G leadership, submarine cable connectivity, and national data centres are positioning Oman as a regional digital hub and strengthening its digital sovereignty.
Pakistan’s mobile networks are steadily upgrading as fiberization reaches 17.9% in 2025, up from 14.8% a year earlier. With over 58,000 cell sites, rising data consumption, and expanding international bandwidth, the country is strengthening its digital backbone and laying the groundwork for higher-speed, future-ready connectivity.
Oman Data Park (ODP) has entered into a strategic partnership with ZainTECH, the integrated digital solutions arm of Zain Group,…
A major shift in Pakistan’s spectrum policy could route half of auction proceeds to the Universal Service Fund, prioritising nationwide fibre rollout. The cabinet also pushed for easier payment terms for operators and live-broadcast auctions. Officials said the spectrum sale targets major gains in 4G and 5G speeds while addressing Pakistan’s regional lag.
Bahrain has launched direct-to-device satellite services, becoming the first GCC country to enable standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites. The move enhances connectivity in remote and maritime areas, strengthens public safety, and reinforces Bahrain’s leadership in digital innovation.
Oman’s telecom subscriptions surpassed 8 million in 2025, driven by strong mobile growth, a surge in IoT connections, and rapid fibre expansion, while legacy technologies such as ADSL and fixed 4G continued to decline.
Egypt is pushing to expand local manufacturing of telecom devices while advancing data centres, cloud services, and 5G as part of a wider strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure, boost economic growth, and build a knowledge-based economy nationwide.