For drivers, the technology could mean centimetre-level GPS accuracy, faster over-the-air software updates, uninterrupted infotainment streaming and stronger emergency connectivity in remote or disaster-hit areas
Connectivity
Latest in Connectivity
Brand View
Sama X is empowering connectivity in the MENA region with satellite powered solutions
Ramsey Khanfour, CCO of Sama X, spotlights the company’s transformative satellite technology and its growing impact across the region.
Aviation
SpaceX reportedly in advanced talks with Saudia for onboard WiFi
Bloomberg says the Musk-owned company also speaking to Emirates, flydubai and Gulf Air in a massive Middle East push
Connectivity
stc Bahrain announces successful landing of 45,000km 2Africa submarine cable
The cable landing represents a milestone in global connectivity and is expected to reinforce Bahrain’s position as an ICT hub whilst accelerating digital transformation across connected countries
Air Arabia
Air Arabia resumes direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus
Customers can book their direct flights between UAE and Syria through Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies
Connectivity
Oman Emirates Gateway submarine cable system to boost connectivity
Du’s Benkirane calls the 275km fibre optic system ‘a bridge towards future-proofing the digital infrastructure of the region’
Artificial intelligence
AI boom strains global subsea cable networks, forces operators to seek new ocean routes
Cable firms scramble to save the internet from AI overload by opening new routes across underserved regions in Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East
Connectivity
Etihad Rail CEO meets Kuwait minister to discuss GCC railway cooperation
The minister emphasised that collaboration in the railway sector demonstrates Kuwait’s support for Gulf integration and economic connectivity between GCC states
Connectivity
Dubai’s RTA launches free Wi-Fi at major transport hubs
Commuters can now access free internet at 43 key transport hubs as part of RTA’s new digital transformation initiative
Connectivity
UAE’s Orbitworks unveils AI-powered Altair satellite fleet to boost sovereign space capabilities
Orbitworks revealed plans to manufacture its Altair satellite fleet in the UAE
Connectivity
UAE’s Space42 opens Middle East’s first high altitude platform stations factory
The HAPS facility is part of Space42’s broader investments in vertically integrated manufacturing and data infrastructure
Abu Dhabi
Space42 focused on building for future growth with its Four Pillars
Abu Dhabi-based SpaceTech company reveals its strategy for growth after muted Q1 result in which revenue fell 13% to $115mn
Connectivity
Space42 partners with Gatehouse to enable standard smartphone satellite connectivity
UAE-based spacetech firm Space42 successfully demonstrates direct-to-device connectivity over L-band satellites, plans commercial rollout in Q4 2025
Broadband
e& PPF Telecom acquires Serbia’s SBB for $891mn
The company said the acquisition was financed through debt
Air France
Air France launches new Riyadh-Paris direct flight services
The new service will commence with three flights a week from May 20, with the frequency to be increased to five flights a week from June
Connectivity
Space42, Cobham Satcom unveil IP NEO satellite broadband for critical sector connectivity
The IP NEO is designed to support industries that demand secure and uninterrupted communications
Connectivity
Space42 and Viasat to explore shared global 5G Non-Terrestrial Network
Will address growing opportunities in direct-to-device satellite communications to smartphones – a market that is expected to reach $50bn in 2032