Bahrain
TRA Spectrum Committee advances Bahrain’s digital future
Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) recently concluded the 18th meeting of the Spectrum Strategy and Coordination Committee (SSCC), advancing Bahrain’s digital future in alignment with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The meeting focused on preparations for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), where Bahrain discussed its stance on key agenda items to secure favorable spectrum allocations for emerging technologies like 6G, advanced satellite services, and global mobile broadband. Additionally, the committee explored developments in 5G and IoT private networks, aiming to empower critical sectors such as energy and industrial automation. Emphasising technology-neutral solutions, the SSCC is committed to fostering innovation while ensuring secure, reliable networks that protect national data sovereignty. TRA Chairperson Eng Mariam Ahmed Al Juman reaffirmed the committee’s role in positioning Bahrain as a leader in digital transformation and telecommunications innovation…Read more
UAE
Reports suggests frustrations are growing over delays to US-UAE Nvidia chip deal
A multi-billion-dollar AI chip deal between the US and the UAE, involving the export of Nvidia hardware, is facing delays five months after being signed, according to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal. The agreement, part of a broader AI and data centre initiative announced during President Trump’s Middle East tour in May, promised hundreds of thousands of Nvidia chips in exchange from Emirati investment in US tech infrastructure. However, the investment has yet to be finalised, delaying Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s approval of export licences. The hold-up has reportedly frustrated Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and other officials, though the White House insists key figures like Lutnick and AI Czar David Sacks are working to deliver the administration’s AI agenda. The deal includes a land mark UAE-US AI campus in Abu Dhabi, led by Emirati firm G42 alongside American hyperscalers, and comes amid past concerns about the UAE’s past ties with China and its role in global chip flows…Read more
Kuwait
ZainTECH and Microsoft to accelerate government digital transformation in Kuwait
ZainTECH, in partnership with Zain Kuwait and Zain Omantel International (ZOI), has launched Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute on the Aure Marketplace, a groundbreaking initiative for secure and compliant connectivity to Microsoft Azure. This new offering simplifies access for government and enterprise customers in Kuwait, allowing them to procure high-performance, low-latency connections to Azure’s global data centres using existing Microsoft Azure credits. ExpressRoute ensures enhanced security, guaranteed data residency, and compliance with national regulations, supporting mission-critical workloads. This collaboration not only streamlines procurement but also aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, boosting the country’s digital transformation goals. By providing high-speed, resilient cloud infrastructure, ZainTECH is advancing the region’s modernisation and resilience efforts…Read more
Saudi Arabia
DataVolt launches Saudi’s first Data Science and AI Diploma
DataVolt, in collaboration with the Energy & Water Academy (EWA) and Innovatics, has launched a pioneering national Diploma in Data Science and AI, aimed at equipping Saudi Arabia’s workforce for the digital future. Announced on October 7, the program integrates academic learning with hands-on AI problem-solving, offering students real industry experience through projects with sponsoring companies like DataVolt. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Data & AI (NSDAI), addressing the growing demand for AI talent in the kingdom, which is expected to contribute $320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030. The diploma, approved by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will see DataVolt sponsor five students, guaranteeing them employment in the company’s data centres, including its flagship AI factry campus under development in Ozagon…Read more