Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar processed 55.08 million payment transactions worth $4.58 billion in September, led by point-of-sale and e-commerce channels, according to the Qatar Central Bank. Instant payment and mobile wallet systems continue to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation nationwide.
Vodafone Qatar signed a five-year deal as the exclusive telecom partner of the Seashore Phoenix Games, providing connectivity and digital experiences to power Qatar’s premier fitness competition and support community sports innovation through 2029.
Qatar’s Minister of Public Health led the country’s delegation to GCC health meetings in Kuwait, where member states discussed the Unified Gulf Health Strategy 2026–2030, drug prevention efforts, health insurance reforms, and digital health initiatives under the Gulf Virtual Health Platform.
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first commercial Internet Exchange. Hosted in Ooredoo’s data centre, the IX delivers low-latency interconnection for hyperscalers, ISPs, and cloud providers, with direct access to Microsoft and Google services. The project supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and positions the nation as a regional digital hub.
Ooredoo has sold a 6% stake in Qatar’s Meeza to Fiera Capital (UK), retaining only 4% as it prepares for a full exit. The move supports Ooredoo’s strategy to expand Syntys, its AI-ready hyperscale data centre platform, across MENA to power cloud, AI, and digital transformation.
Qatar’s TASMU Accelerator has attracted 1,185 startup applications from 78 countries, generating QAR 479M in sales and QAR 228M in funding. Beyond financial gains, the program enabled 60+ pilot projects, 2,000+ mentorship hours, and strong ecosystem integration, cementing Qatar’s role as a digital innovation hub.
Qatar has suspended Talabat’s services for one week after finding the delivery platform guilty of misleading practices and consumer protection violations. Authorities cited deceptive product descriptions and failure to ensure service guarantees, while Talabat pledged cooperation and launched an internal review to resolve the issue.
Ooredoo and Qatar Airways have joined forces to establish a national AI hub, combining advanced infrastructure, local talent development, and Nvidia GPU-powered innovation. The partnership aims to accelerate Qatar’s digital transformation while enhancing customer experience, operational efficiency, and security across telecommunications, aviation, and other industries.
The NPC’s Data Summer Camp 2025 trained 125 students in AI, analytics, and open data tools, empowering them to tackle sustainability, accessibility, and digital transformation challenges. Winning projects showcased practical solutions for renewable energy, water conservation, and inclusive employment, supporting Qatar National Vision 2030.
OnMobile and Vodafone Qatar have launched Buzzmo, an AI-powered, telco-centric communication platform that enables real-time personalization and omnichannel engagement. Serving 800+ enterprises, Buzzmo enhances customer experience, accelerates campaign delivery, and strengthens Vodafone Qatar’s enterprise leadership in the region’s digital economy.