Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman Lens will launch its second satellite by 2026, offering 50 cm resolution imaging to advance Earth observation and support Oman Vision 2040. Building on OL-1’s success, the mission is part of a planned 20-satellite constellation to provide advanced geospatial intelligence for government, business, and research.
Oman Lens has signed agreements to launch a satellite in 2026, equipped with 50 cm high-resolution imaging, multispectral sensors, and an AI platform capable of 400 trillion operations per second. The project supports Oman’s AI-driven digital future and strengthens the GCC’s regional technology capabilities.
Madari Space, an Abu Dhabi startup, will launch its first orbital data centre mission in Q3 2026 with UAE and UN partners. Positioned as a sustainable alternative to Earth-based data centres, the initiative aims to serve Earth observation operators, reduce carbon emissions, and prepare for the future cislunar economy.
Oman’s Space Accelerators Programme supports ten startups in satellite communications, AI, IoT, and more, offering training and incentives. The initiative promotes space innovation aligned with Oman’s economic diversification and tech advancement goals.
Oman’s MTCIT launched the Space Accelerators Programme to nurture 10 local startups in space tech sectors like satellite communications and AI, fostering entrepreneurship and national capability development.
Space42 has launched the Thuraya Mobile Broadband Hotspot, a rugged and secure satellite terminal providing reliable broadband connectivity for remote land and maritime users across multiple regions. Compatible with the Thuraya satellite network and upcoming Thuraya-4, the terminal supports mission-critical communications for government and commercial sectors.
Bahrain’s Space Agency Director General, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, emphasized the Kingdom’s ambitions in space technology and economic diversification at a global seminar. The event highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to build local capabilities, foster international partnerships, and position itself as a regional hub for space innovation.
The UAE and Egypt signed an MoU to enhance collaboration in peaceful space activities, focusing on satellite technology, Earth observation, and space research. This partnership aims to advance sustainable development and knowledge exchange between the two nations. The agreement coincided with the opening of the African Space Agency’s headquarters in Cairo.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with China in space technology and telecommunications. During a meeting with Galaxy Space, the Chinese delegation expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s space sector and collaborating on joint projects with local space institutions and telecom companies.
Intelsat and MaxIQ Space have expanded their Africa Space STEM Programme to Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal. The programme offers hands-on training, expert-led instruction, and STEM kits to 12 schools, aiming to inspire the next generation and build a workforce ready for space technology and STEM careers in Africa.