Page 69 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Saudi Arabia Leads MENA Startup Funding

Saudi Arabia emerged as the top-funded startup market in the captured 64% of the region’s total startup funding, with fintech
MENA region during the first half of 2025, securing US$1.34 billion companies spearheading this surge. Fintech startups raised
in investments—a remarkable 342% increase compared to H1 2024, US$969 million through 20 deals, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status
according to a report by Wamda and Digital Digest. The Kingdom as the MENA region’s premier destination for startup investment.

Bahrain: Satellite Frequency Request Submitted

Registration of satellite frequencies was discussed during a spectrum director Hassan Mohammed noted that the meeting
key meeting between the Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) and the demonstrated the authority’s commitment to advancing Bahrain’s
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). The two sides space sector and improving the management of frequencies in line
reviewed areas for partnership and commended the successful with the best international practices.
preparation and submission of the Al Munther satellite frequency
file to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). “This
achievement, which followed the highest international standards,
reflects the technical expertise of both the BSA and the TRA,” said
a statement. Talks between the two sides covered key topics,
including the allocation of national frequencies for space activities
in line with international regulations and keeping pace with the
rapid development of Bahrain’s space sector. Also explored were
opportunities for co-operation in representing Bahrain at regional
and international events relating to space frequency allocation. “The
collaboration between the two organisations is a key foundation
for enhancing Bahrain’s position in the regional and international
space sector,” said BSA adviser Dr Mohammed Al Othman. He
emphasised that allocating space frequencies according to global
standards will support national projects, promote technological
innovation and benefit both the organisations. On his part, TRA

Mobile Subscriptions in Oman Cross 8.1 million

Mobile service subscriptions in Oman have risen to 8,130,355, each person in Oman now has 1.53 mobile subscriptions,
exceeding the country’s population of 5,315,155. On average, according to the latest figures from National Centre for Statistics
and Information (NCSI). The data indicates robust growth in
the telecommunications sector, supported by expanding digital
services and increased adoption of smart technologies. Active
postpaid mobile subscriptions rose 5.6% year-on-year to 1,239,509
by the end of May 2025. Prepaid mobile subscriptions also grew,
increasing 3.1% to 5,335,847. Subscriptions in the Internet of
Things (IoT) category recorded the highest growth – 118.7% – to
1,554,999. Overall, mobile service subscriptions increased 15.2%
compared to the same period in 2024. Active mobile broadband
subscriptions totalled 5,414,124 by the end of May 2025. Fixed
broadband services saw a 2.6% rise to 588,015 subscriptions.
Fibre optic connections grew 11.4% to 339,279, while fixed
5G subscriptions rose 2.1% to 215,850. In contrast, fixed 4G
subscriptions dropped 38.1% to 19,654. Digital subscriber line
(DSL) subscriptions declined sharply – 50.8% – to 11,806. Satellite
Internet subscriptions decreased 2.1% to 653. Other types of
Internet services – including those delivered via power lines,
Ethernet and leased lines – fell 12% to 773 subscriptions.

69 JUNE-JULY 2025