Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
e& UAE outperformed rivals in the Opensignal 2025 report, won 12 of 13 national awards, and set a world record 5G uplink speed of 600Mbps. It launched the UAE’s first enterprise 5G slicing, partnered with Ericsson to expand 5G RAN, and continues to power the UAE’s global leadership in digital transformation under Vision 2031.
The UAE AI Office and Samsung Gulf Electronics have launched the third edition of Samsung Innovation Campus as part of AI Camp 2025. The program delivers AI, machine learning, and IoT training to youth, aligning with the UAE’s vision to empower talent and advance digital transformation.
OpenAI’s “Stargate UAE” project aims to counter China’s “autocratic AI” by building a massive datacentre in Abu Dhabi and exporting “democratic AI” across 10 countries. While hailed as a geopolitical move, experts warn it risks strengthening authoritarian control in a state ranked among the worst globally for political freedoms.
The UAE has ranked first globally in telecom infrastructure with a perfect UN score and continues to lead the world in mobile internet speeds. In 2024, it completed 173.7 million digital transactions, reflecting a 91% satisfaction rate. By 2030, AI is expected to contribute US$100 billion to GDP.
With cyberattacks in the UAE now reaching nearly 200,000 a day, the Cybersecurity Council has issued an urgent warning against downloading unverified apps. Citizens are advised to use only official stores, review app permissions, and stay updated, as part of the UAE’s broader cybersecurity strategy to protect digital life.
The UAE now has 100% internet coverage, with many residents adopting two-phone setups for work-life separation. Mobile subscriptions have reached 203 per 100 residents, while high-speed fixed internet usage continues to rise, reflecting growing digital connectivity and changing lifestyle habits.
The UAE is consulting on a new “Category B” licence to allow resale of broadband satellite internet services like Starlink. The move could expand connectivity for key sectors, enable market competition, and pave the way for Starlink’s UAE launch. Feedback closes on September 25, 2025.
The UAE is pioneering AI-powered projects to modernise Arabic, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology to ensure its global relevance.
UAE’s TDRA launches an interactive system to monitor electromagnetic radiation nationwide, enhancing public transparency and health safety around telecom infrastructure.
e& UAE introduces the first Dual-Band 64T64R MetaAAU in the region, boosting 5G capacity and energy efficiency. The integrated unit cuts equipment needs and power use, accelerating sustainable network rollout and supporting the UAE’s net-zero ambitions.