UAE
Abu Dhabi seeks bidders for unidentified data centre project
The Abu Dhabi government has issued an RFQ for a cloud project to serve more than 40 government entities. According to the tender, the government seeks to integrate digital infrastructure and cloud environments across government entities into a “centralised hybrid multi-cloud setup” known as ADGOV Cloud. This new system will feature a unified multi-cloud tenant design spanning multiple platforms, including Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), and AWS, while also integrating with the Unified Data Center (UDC)—a private government cloud hosted in a third-party data centre. The bid submission deadline is February 3rd, 2025…Read more
UAE joins $1bn subsea power connectivity initiative
The UAE has partnered with Italy and Albania to develop a $1bn subsea energy connection, aimed at importing renewable energy across the Mediterranean region. This initiative will enhance the existing 430km power interconnections along the Adriatic seabed. The partnership focuses on generating renewable energy in Albania, which will be exported to Italy via subsea cables, and involves Italian grid operator Terna and the UAE’s National Energy Company, Taqa. The collaboration also includes deploying large-scale renewable energy projects in Albania (solar, wind, and hybrid solutions) and further emphasises the Emirates’ role in connecting nations through its renewable energy expertise…Read more
Bahrain
BNET signs asset transfer deal with stc Bahrain
BNET, Bahrain’s national broadband network, and stc Bahrain have signed an asset transfer deal seeing stc Bahrain transferring its fibre assets to BNET. This deal aligns with the Firth National Telecommunications Plan, aimed at achieving a single network objective under BNET, supporting sustainable and competitive growth in Bahrain’s telecommunications and ICT sectors. Bahrain is ‘’in the midst of a new chapter in the development of the local telecommunications sector, where we have introduced fairer competition among telecommunications companies in the retail sector for the benefit of customers’’ commented Ahmed Jaber Alhogbani Aldoseri, CEO of BNET…Read more
Interesting news
Oman
Oman starts work on first space economic zone
Oman has begun construction of Zone 88, the Sultanate’s first scientific and economic zone dedicated to space industries and advanced technologies. Located within the Special Economic Zone in Duqm, Zone 88 will feature facilities for ADAS, AI, and advanced technology testing, along with space habitat centres and commercial space launch areas. The zone aims to meet regional demands in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. The region’s space economy has trebled over the past 10 years, reaching an estimated $25bn in 2023. It is also projected that the value of the Middle East’s space sector will reach $75bn by 2032…Read more