Sharjah approves record budget, KSA unveils draft space regs, Oman launches 5-year SME plan, Vietnam to raise minimum wage, India and Bahrain to launch CEPA talks
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- UAE, Egypt to soon conclude CEPA negotiations
- du, Huawei unveil UAE's first multi-band indoor 5G solution
- Saabsoft, Property Finder unveil strategic partnership to upgrade digital listings ecosystem
- Govt introduces rules regulating digital education, licensing for higher education institutions
- Sharjah ruler approves record budget prioritizing financial sustainability, competitiveness
- Finance Ministry acquires 86% stake in Binladin Group
- ABB’s digital hub to support regional energy transformation
- CST opens consultation on draft space regulations
- Cybersecurity Authority launches Tahqaq service to verify suspicious links
- Saudi astronauts achieve world-first cartilage nanomaterial breakthrough on SSA-HSF1 mission
- Govt plans to list more state-owned company listings on EGX in 2026
- Lebanon inks national gas import deal to address electricity shortage
- EGX expects at least eight new offerings in 2026
- Egypt targets $14-15B in FDI for current 2025-26 FY
- ICT Ministry targets production of 15M mobile phones next year
- SECP unveils revised whitelist of approved loan apps
- Upcoming 5G spectrum policy to include low base price, encourage investment in infra
- New taxes on imported EVs to reduce import bill by $9B
- Dubai Islamic Bank partners JS Bank's Zindigi to offer app-based digital banking
- Court rejects petition to ban crypto, digital forex trading
Other MENA+ Developments
- Ma’aden, Australia's Hancock form mineral exploration JV
- GCC, India finalizing terms of reference for free trade agreement
- Ban on AlUla land sales lifted
- Oman launches 2026–2030 SME plan
- Bahrain Cabinet approves fiscal reforms to tackle rising debt
Southeast Asia Developments
- Blackstone-backed data center operator AirTrunk studying Singapore IPO
- Trip.com begins offering stablecoin payments
- Vietnam to increase nationwide minimum wage from January
- Philippines, UAE to sign CEPA in January
- Haimaker JV plans $1B Vietnam sovereign AI network
India Developments
- RBI reviews scale-based regulation for NBFCs
- Chief Secretaries flag 63% talent shortage in IT, engineering
- Australia to scrap tariffs on all Indian exports from next month
- India, Bahrain establish working group, draft terms for trade deal talks
- Ola Electric’s Roadster X+ with indigenous battery pack gets govt certification
