Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has introduced a new bylaw to regulate international telecommunications cables. The decision aims to strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure, attract investment, and improve service quality. It establishes a streamlined regulatory framework for cable installation, operation, and maintenance in Omani lands and waters.
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), in collaboration with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA), has launched a cross-border AI trade & investment hub. This initiative will enhance AI startups’ access to global capital, markets, and networks across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, fostering innovation and development.
Tech startups in the UAE and Saudi Arabia face rising competition as international founders reshape the region’s landscape. Entrepreneurs are urged to demonstrate strong business models, adaptability, and market understanding to succeed. Key principles for success include motivation, intuition, courage, foresight, and inspiration to stay competitive and attract investment.
Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, met with Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Hiyam al Yasiri, to discuss potential cooperation in telecommunications. The focus was on strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise, and stimulating investment and business opportunities between the two countries.
Egypt has launched the Invest-IT program to support tech startups in their Seed and Pre-Series A stages. The initiative, led by ITIDA and Flat6Labs, aims to enhance investment readiness and help startups secure funding, expand operations, and drive innovation in sectors like AI, fintech, logistics, and smart energy.
Egypt’s ICT Minister Amr Talaat met with Vodacom and Vodafone officials to discuss investment opportunities in Egypt’s ICT sector. The meeting focused on advancing digital transformation, infrastructure development, and fostering innovation. The South African delegation expressed interest in investing in data centers and cybersecurity, boosting Egypt’s growing tech sector.
PTCL’s merger with Telenor Pakistan is moving towards approval with a new $1 billion investment offer. The deal, anticipated to enhance mobile competition, could position Ufone as the second-largest telecom provider in Pakistan, benefiting consumers with better services.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) will invest $8.2 billion in Maharashtra, India, to expand its cloud data storage infrastructure. The investment aligns with India’s growing cloud services market, which is expected to reach $24.2 billion by 2028. AWS aims to enhance local technology deployment and job growth by 2030.
UAE’s AI market is projected to grow from $3.47 billion to $46.3 billion by 2030, contributing 14% to the country’s GDP. With massive investments in AI infrastructure and strong government initiatives, the UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in AI, attracting wealthy investors and top talent.
Saudi Arabia’s CST and SCIT Group have partnered for a $100 million investment to enhance Air-to-Ground (A2G) communication technology. The initiative aims to improve aviation safety, passenger connectivity, and airline operations, while fostering local talent and regional expansion. This collaboration positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in aviation technology.
