Samsung provides AI laboratory to school in UAE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 12:49

Samsung provides AI laboratory to school in UAE

Samsung has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar (GFM), bringing the school into the Samsung Certified Schools programme. A dedicated Samsung AI Lab will be set up at GFM, fitted with Samsung devices to support hands-on work in coding, machine learning, artificial intelligence and creative design. Two hundred pupils from the school will join the Samsung Student Ambassador programme, giving them the skills and confidence needed to lead digital change within their s

STC Bahrain launches AI-enabled cyber defence centre
BAHRAIN 12:46

STC Bahrain launches AI-enabled cyber defence centre

STC Bahrain has announced the launch of its AI-enabled, autonomous cyber defence centre (CDC), powered by StrikeReady's advanced artificial intelligence SOC Platform. It says this is the first of its kind in the MEA region. The STC CDC offers next-generation security services that move beyond traditional monitoring by providing autonomous detection, investigation, and automated threat response at unprecedented speed.

Omani TRA plans to connect 49 remote schools with satellite internet
OMAN 12:39

Omani TRA plans to connect 49 remote schools with satellite internet

The Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) says it will launch a nationwide satellite initiative to provide high-speed internet to remote and hard-to-reach government schools, Muscat Daily reported. Samah Al Khudouri, infrastructure specialist at the TRA, said this is the first phase of a plan to ensure full connectivity at every school in Oman. This will enable every pupil and teacher to benefit from digital educational services and modern learning technologies.

Zain Bahrain runs campaign at City Centre mall to celebrate Opensignal recognition
BAHRAIN 12:34

Zain Bahrain runs campaign at City Centre mall to celebrate Opensignal recognition

Zain Bahrain has launched a campaign under the slogan 'First is Your Place' at City Centre Bahrain, celebrating its recognition by Opensignal as the country's most awarded network. Running until 08 June, the activation invites mall visitors to participate for a chance to win smartphones, TVs and cash prizes. To enter, participants simply take a photo on the dedicated 'Number 1' chair and share it on Instagram, tagging Zain Bahrain's official account.

Solutions signs SAR 485 mln contract to modernise STC systems
SAUDI ARABIA 10:29

Solutions signs SAR 485 mln contract to modernise STC systems

Arabian Internet and Communications Services Company (Solutions by STC) has signed a SAR 484.78 million contract with STC to establish and develop internet and communications networks for the telecom firm, Argaam reported. The scope of work includes expanding STC's internal internet network, covering both existing and new network elements, in addition to internet services projects serving STC's business units.

Iraqi Communications & Media Commission orders Korek shutdown after canceling debt agreement
IRAQ 08:34

Iraqi Communications & Media Commission orders Korek shutdown after canceling debt agreement

The Communications and Media Commission (CMC) in Iraq has officially terminated its settlement agreement with Korek Telecom and ordered an immediate suspension of the company's operations, Iraqi News reported. The industry regulator announced the regulatory and legal clampdown on 02 June, targeting the mobile operator's assets to recover an estimated USD 1.5 billion in outstanding regulatory and licensing debts. 

E& UAE sells Careem stake to Uber, scaling back super app ambitions
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 08:06

E& UAE sells Careem stake to Uber, scaling back super app ambitions

E& UAE is selling a 12.5 percent stake in Careem Technologies back to Uber for USD 100 million in cash, reducing its majority holding to 37.5 percent as it retreats from its super app ambitions, The National reported. The divestment reverses the 2023 agreement, under which E& paid USD 400 million to secure a majority stake in Careem's non-transport super app operations.

Egypt invests over USD 6 bln in telecom infrastructure since 2019
EGYPT 2 JUN

Egypt invests over USD 6 bln in telecom infrastructure since 2019

Egypt has spent over USD 6 billion since 2019 to upgrade its fixed and mobile internet infrastructure, Ahram Online reported citing ICT minister Raafat Hendy. It also allocated 410 MHz in new frequency bands to its four telecom operators in February for USD 3.5 billion. Hendy's remarks were made at a meeting with prime minister Mostafa Madbouly to review the ministry's work plans and follow up on ongoing projects.

Gilat Telecom net profit surges 93% in Q1
ISRAEL 2 JUN

Gilat Telecom net profit surges 93% in Q1

Gilat Telecom, a satellite and fibre-based connectivity provider, said its net profit increased by 93 percent year-on-year to ILS 7.35 million in the first quarter of 2026 from circa ILS 3.85 million a year earlier. It reported strong and consistent growth across its key business metrics, a significant profitability improvement, a strengthened balance sheet, ongoing expansion of its government and satellite activities, and growth in its internet and integration operations in Israel. Adjusted EBITDA rose abo

Orange Jordan partners with FATE Esports to boost local competitive gaming talent
JORDAN 1 JUN

Orange Jordan partners with FATE Esports to boost local competitive gaming talent

Orange Jordan has signed an agreement with FATE Esports to support the country's competitive gaming sector. They aim to nurture local youth talent and expand Jordan's digital landscape, aligning with Orange Jordan's commitment to innovation and technological growth. Their partnership has been active since 2020. FATE Esports is an alumnus of the 'BIG by Orange' launched in 2015.

Ooredoo Qatar supports quantum-safe communications project by Hamad Bin Khalifa University
QATAR 1 JUN

Ooredoo Qatar supports quantum-safe communications project by Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Ooredoo Qatar and the Ministry of Defence have established the country's first quantum-safe communications link. The breakthrough was done in a collaboration between Hamad Bin Khalifa University's Qatar Centre for Quantum Computing (QC2), the Ministry of Defence, and Ooredoo Qatar. Using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the project delivers a quantum-safe link that generates and distributes encryption keys using the principles of quantum mechanics.

Jordan Media City partners with TVU Networks to deploy IP distribution infrastructure
JORDAN 29 MEI

Jordan Media City partners with TVU Networks to deploy IP distribution infrastructure

Jordan Media City (JMC) has partnered with TVU Networks and its regional partner MEBS to deploy advanced, IP-based content distribution capabilities. For over two decades, JMC has served broadcasters on five continents but evolving client demands have highlighted the urgent need for flexible, scalable IP distribution. Traditional expansion required lengthy planning and rigid financial commitments so JMC has deployed TVU Networks' MediaHub, a cloud-native platform designed for flexible IP distribution.

SAUDI ARABIA 29 MEI

Saudi's CST reports surge in telecom traffic during Hajj

Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) reported increased telecom and internet traffic across Makkah and the holy sites during the Hajj season. During Hajj, users made 17.6 million local voice calls and 2.6 million digital app calls. The regulator said the robust networks effectively managed an unprecedented surge in demand from millions of pilgrims and visitors. 

SAUDI ARABIA 28 MEI

STC reports 44% surge in Eid Al-Adha network traffic

STC Group said it managed a 44 percent surge in overall data traffic at peak times during the first day of Eid Al-Adha on 27 May compared with 2025. There was a 60 percent rise in 5G traffic alone, reflecting the growing reliance on high-speed digital services during the pilgrimage. The group deployed advanced products and executed roughly 15,000 autonomous actions per hour.

MIDDLE EAST 28 MEI

Iraq joins Worldlink project for cable from Gulf to Europe

Iraq will serve as a hub for the Worldlink transit cable project, routing Gulf-to-Europe data through Iraqi territory, Iraqi News reported. The project worth over USD 700 million supports the global expansion of undersea cable networks and diversifies international data pathways. It is being financed by a private Emirati-Iraqi partnership involving Tech 964 Holding, DIL Technology and Breeze Investments.

ISRAEL 27 MEI

Silicom seals USD 5 million design win for white-label network switches

Silicom said it has clinched a design win in the cybersecurity space set to generate an annual turnover of about USD 5 million once volumes ramp up. The design win also establishes white-label network switches as a fresh revenue stream for the Israeli vendor, expanding its existing track record forged on high-performance networking components such as server adapters and FPGA smart cards.

QATAR 27 MEI

Qatar launches first digital parenting series to enhance online safety

Qatar's ICT ministry has launched the first edition of its Digital Parenting series, reinforcing a growing regional focus on online safety, responsible technology use, and digital literacy within increasingly connected societies. This initiative equips families with knowledge and tools to better understand digital environments. By offering practical and accessible guidance through its Safe Space platform, the series helps parents navigate modern challenges linked to social media, cybersecurity risks, and ch

MIDDLE EAST 27 MEI

Samsung Wallet adds support for qlub restaurant payments

Samsung Wallet is integrated with qlub, a contactless payment platform for hospitality venues. This partnership allows Galaxy users in the Gulf region to settle restaurant bills directly at their table securely. Samsung Wallet on Qlub streamlines restaurant payments by allowing diners to scan a table QR code, view their bill, and pay in taps. This feature also simplifies group dining with bill splitting, while protecting personal data through tokenization and Samsung Knox encryption.

SAUDI ARABIA 27 MEI

Classera, Zain KSA partner to advance AI-powered education

Classera and Zain KSA have signed a strategic partnership agreement to launch a large-scale initiative focused on integrating advanced technologies and artificial intelligence solutions into Saudi Arabia's education sector. The project is expected to support millions of students by offering interactive and AI-powered learning experiences. The partnership also includes plans for future regional and international expansion into additional markets beyond Saudi Arabia.

EGYPT 27 MEI

NTRA signs pact with Alexandria Governorate to improve telecom infrastructure

Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has signed a cooperation protocol with Alexandria Governorate to develop the telecommunication infrastructure and improve the quality of mobile services across the governorate. This step supports government efforts to expand infrastructure and upgrade telecom networks, improving citizen services while advancing digital transformation and sustainable development. Under the agreement, both sides will leverage Alexandria Governorate facilities to expand fixe

SAUDI ARABIA 27 MEI

STC Group reports 42% surge in data traffic on Arafah Day

STC Group said it successfully managed one of the world's most demanding digital and operational traffic peaks during the Day of Arafah on 26 May. The Saudi group's data traffic surged by 42 percent, with 5G technology accounting for over 51 percent of total usage on the day, marking a 16 percent year-on-year increase in 5G adoption. Additionally, the network achieved a 13 percent increase in average download speeds and cut latency by 50 percent. 

OMAN 26 MEI

Omantel Innovation Labs hosts bootcamp for cybersecurity startups

Omantel Innovation Labs organised the Cybersecurity Startup Bootcamp. This event brought together over 80 participants across 32 teams, including more than ten early-stage startups. The programme aimed to accelerate the development of secure, scalable, and investment-ready cybersecurity ventures in Oman.

IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF) 26 MEI

Iran orders reopening of internet access

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a directive to restore the country's access to the international internet, Tasnim news agency reported. The order, issued through state media, instructs the ministry of information and communications technology to lift restrictions and return connectivity to its pre-January level. 

IRAQ 26 MEI

Zain Iraq outlines AI upgrades across network, customer service

Zain Iraq announced a major expansion of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across its operations to upgrade its national network. The mobile operator said it's leveraging intelligent data to enhance network quality, claiming a first among Iraqi telecom operators to implement advanced, AI-driven network intelligence at this scale. 

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Background

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