Page 60 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Qatar Enhances Regional Cooperation Ahead of Hosting ITU Plenipotentiary

2026 at the Second Arab Preparatory Meeting

The State of Qatar, represented by across Arab countries to discuss a range of approved nominations from Arab countries,
the Communications Regulatory key topics in preparation for the upcoming including Qatar’s nomination of Engineer
Authority (CRA), participated in the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, which Hussain Abdulla Salatt, Public Relations
Second Meeting of the Arab Working Qatar will be hosting in 2026. The meeting and Communication Manager at CRA, as
Group tasked with preparing for the was held within the framework of joint Vice-Chair of Arab Working Group tasked
International Telecommunication Union Arab coordination, contributing to the with preparing for the PP-26. Ms. Huda
(ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 unification of positions and strengthening Ahmad Al-Korbi, International Relations
(PP-26). The meeting was organized the region’s presence at this important Researcher at CRA, was nominated as
by the Arab League in collaboration international event. During the meeting, Vice-Chair of the Public Policy and Legal
with the ITU and the Communications, participants reviewed the responsibilities Affairs Working Group. As the PP-26 draws
Space, and Technology Commission. It of the related specialized working groups, nearer, preparatory meetings will continue
took place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi focusing on four main areas: public in the coming period leading up to the
Arabia, on August 31, 2025. The meeting policy and legal affairs; administrative hosting of this global event, and Qatar
brought together representatives from and regulatory coordination; digital policy is moving forward with its preparations
relevant entities in the Information and and internet issues; and strategic and to host it in November 2026, reflecting
Communication Technology (ICT) sector financial planning. The meeting also the international community’s trust in its
ability to organize world-class events, and
reaffirming its commitment to fostering
regional and international cooperation in
the ICT sector. Hosting this conference
marks a significant milestone, further
strengthening Qatar’s role in shaping the
future direction of the global ICT sector and
supporting international efforts to achieve
sustainable development. It is worth noting
that the Plenipotentiary Conference is the
highest decision-making body of the ITU.
Held every four years, it adopts general
policies and work plans, sets the strategic
and financial frameworks for the upcoming
cycle, and oversees the regular elections
for the ITU’s leadership positions.

Oman Mobile Subscriptions Surpass 8 Million as Broadband Demand Surges

Oman’s telecommunications sector while prepaid subscriptions climbed 3.6% its steep decline, plunging 52% to 11,289
continues to expand rapidly, with total to 5,236,191. Notably, Internet of Things subscriptions. Satellite internet gained
mobile subscriptions reaching 8,033,008 by (M2M) connections saw explosive growth modestly at 8.5% (724 connections), while
the end of June 2025 — a 15.7% increase of 118.6%, reaching 1,560,256. In the fixed other services — including Ethernet, leased
year-on-year, according to the National broadband segment, subscriptions rose lines, and internet via power lines — fell
Centre for Statistics and Information 2.2% to 588,477. Fiber optic connections 11.2% to 769. The latest figures highlight
(NCSI). Mobile broadband remains the expanded 10.3% to 339,309, and fixed Oman’s steady transition towards fiber
main driver of growth, with 5,516,530 5G subscriptions grew 1.5% to 215,434. and next-generation mobile networks, as
active subscriptions, reflecting surging However, fixed 4G subscriptions dropped businesses and consumers increasingly
demand for data services. Postpaid 31.7% to 20,952, underscoring the decline of migrate away from legacy platforms to
subscriptions rose 5.3% to 1,236,561, older technologies. ADSL usage continued embrace faster, more reliable connectivity.

60 AUG-SEP 2025