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’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.
Bahrain has achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of “Al Munther,” the nation’s first domestically designed satellite. Deployed aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite features advanced AI, cybersecurity, and a special broadcast, marking a significant step in Bahrain’s space innovation and technological progress.
Mohammad Mehdi Hadavi visited the Iranian Electronic Industries Company, highlighting the importance of knowledge-based companies in advancing telecommunications and space technology. The company’s achievements include the development of domestically produced telecommunications processors, which aim to replace foreign models and enhance security, adaptability, and data safety for the Iranian telecom sector.
Space42 has partnered with FADA to enhance the UAE’s Earth observation capabilities with a contract valued at AED378 million. This collaboration will leverage data from Space42’s SAR satellites, advancing data-driven decision-making, situational awareness, and geospatial analytics. The initiative strengthens the UAE’s sovereign space and technology capabilities.