E& UAE takes orders for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8 series
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 11:02

E& UAE takes orders for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8 series

E& UAE has begun taking reservations for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 and is offering a no-fee six-month payment plan. The new foldable smartphones became available to order from E& UAE on 07 August. Pricing for the standard version starts at AED 7,199, while the Ultra model begins at AED 7,999. Additionally, business monthly payment options are available through carriers such as du Shop and E& UAE.

Zain Jordan obtains ISO 27701 certification for Privacy Information Management Systems
JORDAN 10:56

Zain Jordan obtains ISO 27701 certification for Privacy Information Management Systems

Zain Jordan has obtained integrated international accreditation for its data protection, information security, and business continuity management systems following a successful audit by global certification body SGS.

Omantel runs 'Digital Detective' children's internet safety scheme for Khareef
OMAN 10:11

Omantel runs 'Digital Detective' children's internet safety scheme for Khareef

Omantel has launched a game called 'Digital Detective' to teach children and families essential online safety skills during Khareef Dhofar 2026. Qais Al Aamri, manager of corporate social responsibility at Omantel, said the Digital Detective scheme helps families to understand online risks, respond responsibly, and foster a safer digital environment. It is aimed at children aged six to fifteen and sessions last 20 to 25 minutes.

Zain starts network testing of real-time AI call translation with Huawei smartphone
KUWAIT 7 AUG

Zain starts network testing of real-time AI call translation with Huawei smartphone

Zain Kuwait launched its AI Calling Translation Pioneer Programme, to deliver real-time Arabic-English translation directly through standard mobile calls.Under the new programme, select customers will gain early access to live two-way AI translation during standard phone calls, enabling seamless, instant speech translation between Arabic and English for both participants.

Iraq's central bank and CMC explore digital payments framework
IRAQ 7 AUG

Iraq's central bank and CMC explore digital payments framework

The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) met to advance Iraq's digital economy framework, Iraqi Business News reported. The talks focused on regulating digital payments, licensing tech companies like Apple, Google, and Meta, monitoring influencer transactions, including reactivating financial services on TikTok, combating financial crimes, and formalizing a joint memorandum of understanding across fintech and electronic services.

Solutions by STC secures SAR 364 mln Center3 contract for new Dammam data centre
SAUDI ARABIA 7 AUG

Solutions by STC secures SAR 364 mln Center3 contract for new Dammam data centre

Solutions by STC has won a SAR 364 million contract with Digital Data Centers Company (Center3) to construct the DDC307 data centre in Dammam. The turnkey agreement spans full project delivery and is set for completion within eighteen months. 

Ooredoo Kuwait donates USD 5 mln to National Emergency Response Fund
KUWAIT 7 AUG

Ooredoo Kuwait donates USD 5 mln to National Emergency Response Fund

Ooredoo Kuwait announced that its board of directors approved a USD 5 million contribution to the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund, reaffirming the company's commitment to supporting national readiness and emergency response capabilities. Beyond this financial pledge, the board and executive management have committed to mobilizing Ooredoo's advanced digital infrastructure, technical expertise, and operational resources to assist state institutions during critical challenges. Ooredoo Kuwait's contribution will

MIS wins Aramco contract to lease data centre infrastructure
SAUDI ARABIA 7 AUG

MIS wins Aramco contract to lease data centre infrastructure

Saudi Arabia-based Al Moammar Information Systems Company (MIS) has signed a five-year framework agreement with Saudi Aramco to provide comprehensive data centre leasing services, with an option to extend the term by an additional two years. In a bourse statement, MIS stated that the contract value will be determined through individual purchase orders issued under agreed terms and pricing schedules. The scope of work covers the provision of racks, cooling systems, power, connectivity, security, and ongoing

STC Group bundles Disney+ with subscriptions in Saudi Arabia
SAUDI ARABIA 6 AUG

STC Group bundles Disney+ with subscriptions in Saudi Arabia

STC Group has partnered with Disney+ to integrate the streaming service with select STC offerings, including Baity broadband bundles and flexible subscription offers. Under the agreement, eligible STC home broadband subscribers on selected Baity plans can access Disney+ alongside other streaming services at no extra charge. Additionally, mobile and fixed customers can use a multi-service "pick and choose" model to bundle subscriptions for custom discounts.

Du runs internship scheme for Emirati students in US
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 6 AUG

Du runs internship scheme for Emirati students in US

Du has welcomed UAE national students studying in the US to its Experience X internship programme run in collaboration with the Emirates Global Youth Council in the US. The inaugural four-week programme runs until 14 August and offers students hands-on experience within Du's core operations. Each participant is matched with a team aligned with their academic major, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges.

Vodafone Egypt gains Al Ahly stadium naming rights and become tech partner
EGYPT 6 AUG

Vodafone Egypt gains Al Ahly stadium naming rights and become tech partner

Vodafone Egypt said it is expanding its sports sector investments through two partnerships. It has teamed up with Al Ahly SC and United Sports to serve as the club's official technology partner and main sponsor. It has also gained stadium naming rights.

Omantel runs Khareef publicity events
OMAN 6 AUG

Omantel runs Khareef publicity events

Omantel, the primary sponsor and official technology partner for Khareef Dhofar 2026, is running a campaign called 'Seven or Eight?' with public events, local business support and advanced digital services. The campaign's Omantel Zone at Wafa Walk hosts virtual reality simulations, competitive challenges and family entertainment. Visitors can see Omantel's consumer and enterprise service suites and explore its Hayyak, Baqati and Baiti Fibre services, the Makasib loyalty programme, and GameOn. The venue demo

MIDDLE EAST 6 AUG

Egypt to head regional AI governance and quantum computing groups

Egypt has been elected to chair both the AI Governance Working Group and the Quantum Computing Working Group under the Arab Permanent Committee for AI and Emerging Technologies. The selection took place in Tunisia during the committee's second founding meeting. The Arab Telecommunications and Information Council of Ministers (ATICM) established the committee at its 29th session in January to developo a unified regional stance on advanced technologies.

QATAR 6 AUG

Meeza obtains QAR 2 bln more funding to boost data centre capacity

Qatari managed IT services company Meeza has secured another QAR 1.6 billion commodity Murabaha facility from Dukhan Bank to fund the next phase of its infrastructure expansion, which is expected to add about 44 MW capacity to its portfolio. This includes the development of its M-Vault 6, M-Vault 7 and M-Vault 8 data centres in Qatar. The capital injection should enhance Meeza's capacity to serve hyperscalers, enterprise clients and government entities.

JORDAN 6 AUG

Zain Jordan and Royal Scientific Society expand air quality monitoring partnership

Zain Jordan has expanded its environmental monitoring partnership with the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) by providing the telecoms infrastructure needed to operate the ministry of environment's national air quality stations. Zain will power real-time data transmission at twelve automated monitoring stations, including Russeifa, Mafraq, Baqaa, Jiza, Muwaqqar, Irbid, Sahab, Karak, Hasa and Zarqa, delivering hourly environmental analytics.

OMAN 6 AUG

Ooredoo Oman brings in special Nojoom rewards for Khareef

Ooredoo Oman has introduced new, exclusive rewards for its Nojoom loyalty programme members visiting Dhofar during the Khareef 2026 season. It is offering special discounts and perks at selected hotels, cafes and "lifestyle" destinations, encouraging travelers to explore beyond typical tourist spots while supporting local businesses during the peak travel period. Ghaneem Al-Mashikhi, director for the Dhofar Region at Ooredoo, said the aims is to create memorable experiences.

ISRAEL 6 AUG

Gilat Satellite Networks revenue grows 17% in Q2

Gilat Satellite Networks said revenues rose 17 percent year-over-year to USD 122.7 million in the second quarter ended June from USD 105.0 million in Q2 2025. GAAP operating income fell to USD 4.7 million from USD 5.7 million a year earlier, while non-GAAP operating income surged 35 percent to USD 12.6 million from USD 9.3 million in Q2 2025.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 5 AUG

E& picks Ciena coherent optics to scale DWDM network

E& UAE is deploying Ciena's next-generation optical and software products to construct a high-capacity Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network. The expanded network capacity is specifically designed to support the data-intensive connectivity demands of hyperscalers, neoscalers, and major data centre operators, Ciena said. To support the build-out, E& UAE is deploying Ciena's Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) alongside its Waveserver platform, powered by WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) 1.6Tbps cohere

SAUDI ARABIA 5 AUG

Huawei lights up Kingdom Tower during Pura 90s roadshow in Riyadh

Huawei has launched a Riyadh roadshow to mark the arrival of the Huawei Pura 90s Series. The month-long roadshow runs until 29 August at Riyadh Park and invites consumers to explore the smartphone's capabilities in an environment featuring dedicated photography zones and live demonstrations. Huawei has also illuminated Riyadh's iconic Kingdom Tower with Pura 90s Series branding.

SAUDI ARABIA 5 AUG

MIS renews nearly SAR 420 mln funding agreement with Saudi Awwal Bank

Al Moammar Information Systems Company (MIS) has announced the renewal and amendment of its Sharia-compliant credit facility agreement with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) valued at SAR 419.75 million. The final approval and signing took place on 29 July after the initial financing date of 02 July. According to a bourse disclosure, the Islamic financing facility is designed to fund new project contracts while facilitating the issuance of letters of credit and performance guarantees.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 5 AUG

UAE and Meta discuss strengthening partnership in online safety and digital governance

The UAE's National Media Authority (NMA) chairman Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed has met with Kojo Boakye, Meta's VP of public policy for Africa, Middle East and Tuerkiye in London to discuss ways to strengthen their partnership in digital governance and content safety, WAM reported. The meeting was part of the NMA's efforts to build alliances with global digital platforms and support the development of a safe, innovative and responsible digital media ecosystem able to keep pace with rapid transfor

OMAN 5 AUG

Omantel brings out new Business Postpaid Plans

Omantel has announced the launch of its new Business Postpaid Plans offering flexible yearly and monthly options. A key feature is the introduction of upfront yearly local and roaming data and voice allowances, granting users immediate access to their full annual benefits from day one. This allows businesses and their employees to manage communication usage based on real-time demands such as peak business periods, increased travel or unexpected project needs.

MIDDLE EAST 5 AUG

Qualcomm promotes Middle East and Africa lead to EMEA president

Qualcomm has formally unveiled Wassim Chourbaji as its newly appointed president for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business. His new role is effective immediately. Chourbaji has been with Qualcomm for more than 20 years, most recently serving as president of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) unit. He has also led on Qualcomm's EMEA-wide government affairs activity. 

ISRAEL 5 AUG

Bezeq Group revenue rises 1% in Q2

Israeli telecom operator Bezeq Group has reported a 1.4 percent year-on-year increase in second-quarter revenue to ILS 2.17 billion from ILS 2.14 billion. Adjusted EBITDA rose 6.2 percent to ILS 978 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 45.2 percent, up from 43.1 percent. Adjusted net profit climbed 38 percent to ILS 315 million, mainly due to higher revenues and lower financing and operating expenses, after adjusting for the change in Yes' valuation in Q2-2025.

Just In

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Australian govt funds eSmart Kids online safety programme

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E& UAE takes orders for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8 series

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Zain Jordan obtains ISO 27701 certification for Privacy Information Management Systems

10:38

NCC directs telecom firms to allocate dedicated budgets for cybersecurity

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Background

9 AUG 23:44

The week in telecom: Starlink's mobile ambitions and LEO challengers, plus Hollywood studios try streaming shorts and sports

2 AUG 23:37

The week in telecom: Telcos resist economic slowdown in Q2 while big tech gears up for more AI investment

26 JUL 23:19

The week in telecom: Samsung works on foldable challenge, US telcos try FMC

19 JUL 23:41

The week in telecom: OnePlus exits tough smartphone market and Apple takes on OpenAI