Telecommunications
Telecommunications news covering 5G networks, broadband infrastructure, connectivity solutions, and telecom industry developments in Saudi Arabia and the region.

Syrian Tech Sector Marks First Participation at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh
Syria’s communications and technology sector makes its debut at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, presenting seven startups and exploring bilateral investments.

Saudi Digital Economy Value Reaches SAR 522 Billion as AI Expansion Accelerates
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy reached SAR 522 billion, with tech sector jobs expanding to 410,000 and the Kingdom hosting nine regional unicorn companies.

Saudi Communications Minister Details 99% Coverage and 2028 Network Targets
Communications Minister Al-Swaha reported 99% basic telecom coverage in Al-Baha and Asir, outlining 2028 expansion targets for 5G and fiber networks.

Saudi Arabia Expands Fiber Coverage to 5.8 Million Homes
Saudi Arabia has expanded fiber optics coverage to 5.8 million homes, reducing the digital divide to 1% while ranking among the top five globally.

Saudi Arabia Hosts First International xAI Data Center Outside US
Saudi Arabia has been selected to host xAI’s first international data center outside the US, alongside new hardware manufacturing and server export projects.

Saudi Arabia to Issue Freedom of Information System to Regulate Data Sharing
Saudi Arabia will introduce a Freedom of Information system to govern data exchange, safeguard national sovereignty, and stimulate digital innovation.

specialized by stc Showcases Critical Communication Networks and Hadath Platform at LEAP 2026
specialized by stc presented its Business Critical Network and Hadath event management platform at LEAP 2026 to support industrial operations across Saudi Arabia.

Salam Announces Strategic Sponsorship of LEAP 2026 and Unveils AI Connectivity Solutions
Etihad Salam Telecom Company has announced its strategic sponsorship of LEAP 2026, unveiling its Connectivity+ portfolio and AI solutions in Riyadh.

China Completes Bidirectional Laser Communication Test Between Earth and Moon
Chinese researchers established a bidirectional optical link between Earth and the Moon, achieving downlink speeds of 100 Mbps over 400,000 kilometers.

stc Group Sponsors Free General Admission Tickets for LEAP 2026
stc group has sponsored free general admission tickets for LEAP 2026 through August 30, ahead of the technology conference in Malham.

Saudi Internet 2025 Report Identifies Top Gaming Platforms in the Kingdom
The Saudi Internet 2025 report tracks the most-used gaming platforms across the Kingdom, providing key data on player habits and digital network trends.

GCC Approves Unified Cybersecurity Standards and Joint Regional Drills
GCC nations approved unified cybersecurity frameworks and joint drill plans during the fifth ministerial meeting held in Bahrain.

Saudi Startups Secure Consecutive Funding Rounds Through LEAP Platform
Saudi startups Ejari and Torod announced significant investment rounds following their participation in the LEAP technology conference.

Saudi Arabia Participates in Fifth GCC Cybersecurity Committee Meeting in Bahrain
Saudi Arabia joined the fifth GCC Cybersecurity Committee meeting in Bahrain to approve joint controls, incident exercises, and the 2024–2028 regional strategy.

GSMA and ITU Partner to Co-Locate MWC26 Doha and PP-26 Gathering in Qatar
GSMA and the ITU will co-locate MWC26 Doha with the PP-26 policy conference in Qatar during November 2026.

Mastercard and QNB Process First International Card Transaction in Syria in 15 Years
Mastercard and QNB Group completed Syria’s first international card transaction in 15 years following system reconnection.

Visa Tests First Live International Card Transaction in Syria
Visa conducted its first live international card transaction test in Syria on August 27, 2026, collaborating with Fransabank Lebanon and Paymera.

stc Group Showcases Digital Solutions Across Key Sectors as Strategic Partner at LEAP 2026
stc group serves as strategic partner at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, presenting digital infrastructure and platforms for logistics, tourism, sports, and construction.

Saudi Ministry of Media to Host Government Press Conference with Communications Minister
The Saudi Ministry of Media hosts a government press conference on August 30, 2026, featuring Communications Minister Abdullah Alswaha to discuss tech updates.

Ciena Survey: UAE and Saudi Service Providers Expect AI Network Services to Drive Revenue Growth
A Ciena study reveals that over 90% of telecom providers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE expect AI network services to drive major revenue growth.

Infobip Launches SIM-Based Number Verification for Telecom Operators
Infobip launched a SIM-based authentication tool to help telecom operators monetize Network APIs while replacing one-time passwords for enterprise security.

CST Publishes Saudi Internet 2025 Report on Digital Public Services
The Saudi Internet 2025 report reveals download statistics for official public applications across the Kingdom, highlighting citizen adoption.
