Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Nahda Tech Conference in Damascus, organized by the Syrian Computer Society and Ministry of Telecommunications, kicked off today. It features a training camp focused on entrepreneurship and IT projects. Minister Abdul Salam Heikal also launched “Hudhud,” a platform aimed at exporting Syrian products to global markets, enhancing the national economy.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sales via MADA cards surged by 73.4% in March, reaching SR27.55 billion. This growth highlights the rapid shift towards digital payments, with online transactions and POS payments both seeing significant increases. SAMA’s partnership with Google Pay marks a step toward further digital expansion in the Kingdom.
The Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum 2025 (DFDI) in Pakistan concluded successfully with the launch of the Digital FDI Pakistan Insight Report. The event highlighted Pakistan’s leadership in digital transformation, attracting over $700 million in digital investments. The forum emphasized global collaboration for advancing digital economies and sustainable growth.
Oman has improved its ranking in the 2024 GEMS Index, increasing its score to 72%, up from 66% in 2023. The country saw significant progress across key pillars of digital government, including service availability, satisfaction, and mobile platform improvements, though a digital divide still exists in the region.
SAP Pakistan is advancing digital transformation by partnering with universities, SMEs, and industries. It has rolled out software solutions for education and business, while also offering training programs. With a strong focus on technology, SAP is helping shape Pakistan’s digital landscape, aiming to foster a digitally empowered economy.
Cybernet has selected Nokia’s 1.2 Tbps optical transport solution for its new Optical Fiber Cable network in Pakistan. The network will connect over 25 cities, providing more than 50 Tbps of capacity, supporting enterprise, consumer broadband, and regional connectivity, accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Casablanca will host the 2025 Smart City Summit, focusing on sustainable urban development and human-centered planning. The event will feature conferences, a startup village, and a hackathon, bringing together local and international experts to address urban challenges. It aligns with Morocco’s national development strategies.
Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, met with Meta representatives to discuss the expansion of fiber optic infrastructure across Iraq to enhance telecommunications and internet services. They also explored further collaboration in digital transformation, personal security, and publishing regulations.
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of Qatar released a Position Paper on IoT and M2M technologies, aiming to foster innovation, security, and economic growth. The framework will provide clear regulatory standards, benefiting consumers, service providers, and businesses while strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital technologies.
The 26th edition of ITCN Asia, Pakistan’s largest IT and telecom expo, will take place from May 9 to 11 at the Expo Center in Lahore. With over 1,500 global and local brands participating, the event aims to showcase Pakistan’s emerging role as a tech hub, featuring knowledge sessions on AI, Cybersecurity, and more.