Latest news with #KarimYaici
Mid East Info
7 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Ookla collaborates with National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to organise the Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East & Africa, to discuss strategies for measuring and optimizing network performance During the event, participants shared insights on diverse topics, ranging from network assessment techniques to emerging technologies and their impact on regulations, and the importance of data-driven insights
CAIRO, Egypt, June, 2025- Ookla® ( a global leader in connectivity intelligence, and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) organised the Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East & Africa in Cairo, Egypt, under the theme 'Harnessing Data and Technology for Superior QoS: Strategies for Measuring and Optimising Network Performance'. The event aimed to discuss strategies for collecting, using and sharing crowdsourced data to promote transparency, track policy impacts, and make informed investment decisions. The summit convened regulators from the Middle East and Africa, along with representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Broadband Association (WBBA) and various industry experts. During the event, participants shared insights on diverse topics, ranging from network assessment techniques to emerging technologies and their impact on regulations, and the importance of data-driven insights. Furthermore, the regulatory summit highlighted the increasing role of crowdsourced data in telecom regulations and ways in which regulators can leverage it to identify service gaps, promote digital inclusion, drive innovation and accelerate market growth. By complementing traditional data sources, crowdsourced data enables more adaptive and competitive regulatory frameworks. During the event, discussions emphasised the vital role of high-speed internet connectivity in driving socio-economic development across the MEA region. According to studies, improvements in broadband speeds can contribute to GDP growth and improved labour productivity. In the region, investments in fixed broadband infrastructure, especially for the expansion of fibre-optic networks, are vital for improving service quality, bridging the digital divide, and attracting foreign investments. Participants also highlighted the need for comprehensive network assessments and extended regulatory oversight, especially for emerging services and indoor connectivity. Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, said: 'We are delighted to organise the Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East & Africa in collaboration with NTRA in Cairo. The event highlighted the importance of data in helping regulators make smarter decisions. Access to and the use of crowdsourced data contribute to making more informed decisions, fostering transparency and ensuring that citizens in the MEA region benefit from high-quality, accessible and affordable connectivity.' Dr. Hossam Abdel-Mawla, Vice-President Technical Affairs and Quality of Service at NTRA, said: 'The Telecommunications Regulatory Summit – Middle East & Africa served as an ideal platform to foster collaborations and knowledge exchange among regulators, industry leaders and international organisations. By actively sharing best practices and exploring innovative data-driven strategies, we are shaping a future where telecom regulations ensure digital inclusion and economic growth across the region.' During the summit, Ahmed Nabawy, Director of Client Services at Ookla, also shared initial findings on 5G coverage and performance in Egypt and Tunisia. He highlighted the potential of Ookla's data in helping prioritise high-impact rollout areas by analysing 5G-capable device density. Furthermore, Ookla showcased its product portfolio strategy, which is centred on a unified data platform that transcends traditional quality of service (QoS) measurements to deliver deeper insights into network performance and user experiences. This solution leverages AI to generate actionable recommendations, empowering operators to make smarter decisions and enhance connected experiences. During the event, the sessions emphasised the need to move beyond traditional network metrics and incorporate quality of experience (QoE) metrics and address the complexities of modern digital services, including critical in-building connectivity. By leveraging advanced data collection and analysis tools, regulators can enhance transparency, improve accountability, and make smarter decisions. ABOUT OOKLA®: Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, brings together the trusted expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, Ekahau®, and RootMetrics® to deliver unmatched network and connectivity insights. By combining multi-source data with industry-leading expertise, we transform network performance metrics into strategic, actionable insights. Our solutions empower service providers, enterprises, and governments with the critical data and insights needed to optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and help close the digital divide. At the same time, we amplify the real-world experiences of individuals and businesses that rely on connectivity to work, learn, and communicate. From measuring and analyzing connectivity to driving industry innovation, Ookla helps the world stay connected. Ookla is a division of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity, and martech.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ookla's analysis report examines Morocco's fixed network performance and Wi-Fi speed at top hotels
Ookla ( a global connectivity intelligence company, has released an insightful analysis of fixed network performance in Morocco ( and its readiness to support the influx of tourists and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) sporting event. The report sheds light on the performance of fixed broadband in key tourist cities and the speed of Wi-Fi in top hotels in Morocco, offering valuable insights as the country prepares for the summer tourist season and to host the AFCON from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Ookla's examination of Wi-Fi performance in the country's premier hotels highlights how the infrastructure is adapting to meet the demands of high-speed internet connectivity, supporting guests and football fans during their stay. The report showcases the ongoing growth of Morocco's fixed telecom sector, driven by fibre optic deployments, which are rapidly improving network performance. The fixed wired broadband market has grown significantly, reaching nearly 2.6 million connections by September 2024, up from over 1.6 million in 2019, according to the Moroccan telecom regulator (ANRT). 'Our analysis reveals the ongoing transformation of Morocco's digital infrastructure, which will play a crucial role in supporting the influx of tourists and international events such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. With continued investment in fibre and the upcoming 5G rollout, Morocco is boosting its appeal as a tourist destination, especially for travellers who prioritize seamless online access.', said Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla. Ookla's report sets forth a series of invaluable insights. According to Speedtest Intelligence® ( data, Morocco's leading cities, Rabat and Casablanca, are at the forefront of fixed broadband performance. These cities recorded median broadband speeds of 36.55 Mbps and 35.57 Mbps, respectively, in Q4 2024. Furthermore, Wi-Fi performance in luxury hotels in Agadir and Marrakesh are setting a high standard. Hotels such as The View, Hotel Riu Palace Tikida, and La Mamounia are leading the way, delivering excellent Wi-Fi performance with median download speeds of 72.27 Mbps, 55.72 Mbps, and 54.64 Mbps, respectively. Despite lower broadband speeds in these cities, the Wi-Fi in these top hotels far outperforms its peers in other cities with higher overall broadband speeds. Casablanca and Rabat offer strong fixed broadband performance, but some of their five-star hotels face challenges in delivering high-quality Wi-Fi service. These properties, which are likely connected to fibre networks, deliver limited Wi-Fi performance. Potential causes include outdated or misconfigured access points. Optimising equipment placements and upgrading systems could enhance guest experience by reducing congestion and improving connectivity. The broadband market in Morocco is poised for significant growth, driven by fibre deployment and plans for a 5G technology rollout. The Moroccan government's 'Maroc Digital 2030' initiative, with a budget of USD 1 billion, aims to connect 4.4 million households with fibre by the end of 2025 and reach 5.6 million households and 6300 government institutions by 2030. This expansion, along with the launch of 5G services this year promises to improve overall internet connectivity and strengthen the telecom sector in Morocco, providing a strong foundation for the tourism and hospitality industries. As Morocco prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, these advancements in fixed broadband and Wi-Fi infrastructure are crucial for ensuring that both visitors and athletes experience the best in network performance. Read the full report here ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ookla®. ABOUT OOKLA®: Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, brings together the trusted expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, Ekahau®, and RootMetrics® to deliver unmatched network and connectivity insights. By combining multi-source data with industry-leading expertise, we transform network performance metrics into strategic, actionable insights. Our solutions empower service providers, enterprises, and governments with the critical data and insights needed to optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and help close the digital divide. At the same time, we amplify the real-world experiences of individuals and businesses that rely on connectivity to work, learn, and communicate. From measuring and analyzing connectivity to driving industry innovation, Ookla helps the world stay connected. Ookla is a division of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity, and martech. Ookla is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices around the globe.
Mid East Info
21-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Qatar and UAE top Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data study with 370 Mbps+ 5G roaming speeds - Middle East Business News and Information
The Gulf region's strategic focus on tourism empowers mobile operators to leverage 5G roaming as a key revenue driver. UAE,, February 2025: A study based on Speedtest Intelligence® data by Ookla®, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, has revealed that Gulf nations offer some of the best 5G roaming speeds globally, facilitating an enhanced digital experience for visitors. The study assessed the mobile user experience of inbound roamers visiting Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in 2024 and compared it with their home network experiences. Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, said: 'Mobile connectivity is a critical factor shaping one's travel experience by enabling visitors to stay connected with their family and friends, use essential navigation features, locate tourist attractions, access restaurant reviews, and share their experiences on social media. By leveraging 5G technology's capabilities when roaming, users can access high-speed internet, stream HD videos, and perform lag-free video calls.' Yaici further stated: 'At Ookla, we are committed to analysing, understanding, and improving connected experiences, in line with our vision to create a world with better connectivity. We also uphold the principles of neutrality and independence in all our analyses.' The research revealed that many travellers visiting Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait enjoyed top speeds on 5G networks, with median download speeds over 5G reaching 381.05 Mbps in Qatar, 374.60 Mbps in the UAE, and 240.37 Mbps in Kuwait. It also revealed that visitors to the Middle East from Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong were most likely to use 5G while roaming. On the other hand, travellers from Pakistan, India, and Egypt were identified as being least likely to use 5G while roaming. In the UAE, over 37 percent of roaming users anonymously identified by Speedtest were visitors from India, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Russia, and Hong Kong. However, their network experiences varied significantly, with Saudi Arabian and Russian travellers experiencing the fastest download speeds across all technologies and over 5G. Russian tourists experienced more than a threefold increase in median download speeds compared to their home networks. On the other hand, travellers from Austria, India, and Hong Kong experienced comparatively lower performances in the UAE. Saudi visitors to Kuwait experienced a high 5G roaming speed of 240.37 Mbps, but their 'all technologies' speeds were around 40 percent lower than 5G. As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rapidly evolves into a global tourism and business hub, the demand for seamless high-speed connectivity is also increasing. This is further bolstered by the fact that the Travel & Tourism market in GCC is poised to sustain its ongoing expansion in coming years, generating USD 9.57 billion in revenue in 2029, growing from an estimated USD 8.32 billion in 2025 at an annual growth rate of 3.56 percent. This growth will be driven by the region's ongoing infrastructure investment, world-class amenities, and the availability of simplified visa policies streamlining the tourist entry process. Such a strategic focus on tourism empowers regional mobile operators to leverage 5G roaming as a key revenue driver. In this context, Ookla's analysis empowers mobile service providers and other businesses to optimise their networks and enhance the lives of individuals who rely on these networks daily. ABOUT OOKLA® Ookla® is a global leader in connectivity intelligence that provides consumers, businesses, and other organizations with data-driven insights to improve networks and connected experiences. We help our clients efficiently solve their biggest connectivity challenges and drive forward innovation. Ookla is a division of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity, and martech. Ookla's world-renowned brands include Speedtest®, Downdetector®, Ekahau®, RootMetrics®, and more.
Zawya
21-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar offers one of the best 5G roaming speeds globally: Ookla
Qatar - An Ookla study has revealed that Qatar offers one of the best 5G roaming speeds globally, facilitating an enhanced digital experience for visitors. A study based on 'Speedtest Intelligence' data by Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, has revealed that GCC nations offer some of the best 5G roaming speeds globally, facilitating an enhanced digital experience for visitors. The study assessed the mobile user experience of inbound roamers visiting Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in 2024 and compared it with their home network experiences. Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, said: 'Mobile connectivity is a critical factor shaping one's travel experience by enabling visitors to stay connected with their family and friends, use essential navigation features, locate tourist attractions, access restaurant reviews, and share their experiences on social media. By leveraging 5G technology's capabilities when roaming, users can access high-speed internet, stream HD videos, and perform lag-free video calls.' Yaici stated: 'At Ookla, we are committed to analysing, understanding, and improving connected experiences, in line with our vision to create a world with better connectivity. We also uphold the principles of neutrality and independence in all our analyses.' The research revealed that many travellers visiting Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait enjoyed top speeds on 5G networks, with median download speeds over 5G reaching 381.05 Mbps in Qatar, 374.60 Mbps in the UAE, and 240.37 Mbps in Kuwait. It also revealed that visitors to the Middle East from Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong were most likely to use 5G while roaming. On the other hand, travellers from Pakistan, India, and Egypt were identified as being least likely to use 5G while roaming. In the UAE, over 37% of roaming users anonymously identified by Speedtest were visitors from India, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Russia, and Hong Kong. However, their network experiences varied significantly, with Saudi Arabian and Russian travellers experiencing the fastest download speeds across all technologies and over 5G. Russian tourists experienced more than a threefold increase in median download speeds compared to their home networks. On the other hand, travellers from Austria, India, and Hong Kong experienced comparatively lower performances in the UAE. Saudi visitors to Kuwait experienced a high 5G roaming speed of 240.37 Mbps, but their 'all technologies' speeds were around 40 percent lower than 5G. As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rapidly evolves into a global tourism and business hub, the demand for seamless high-speed connectivity is also increasing. This is further bolstered by the fact that the travel and tourism market in GCC is poised to sustain its ongoing expansion in coming years, generating $9.57bn in revenue in 2029, growing from an estimated $8.32bn in 2025 at an annual growth rate of 3.56%. This growth will be driven by the region's ongoing infrastructure investment, world-class amenities, and the availability of simplified visa policies streamlining the tourist entry process. Such a strategic focus on tourism empowers regional mobile operators to leverage 5G roaming as a key revenue driver. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Hi Dubai
21-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Qatar & UAE Lead Ookla Study with 370+ Mbps 5G Roaming Speeds
A study based on Speedtest Intelligence® data by Ookla®, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, has revealed that Gulf nations offer some of the best 5G roaming speeds globally, facilitating an enhanced digital experience for visitors. The study assessed the mobile user experience of inbound roamers visiting Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in 2024 and compared it with their home network experiences. Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, said: Mobile connectivity is a critical factor shaping one's travel experience by enabling visitors to stay connected with their family and friends, use essential navigation features, locate tourist attractions, access restaurant reviews, and share their experiences on social media. By leveraging 5G technology's capabilities when roaming, users can access high-speed internet, stream HD videos, and perform lag-free video calls. Yaici further stated: At Ookla, we are committed to analysing, understanding, and improving connected experiences, in line with our vision to create a world with better connectivity. We also uphold the principles of neutrality and independence in all our analyses. The research revealed that many travellers visiting Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait enjoyed top speeds on 5G networks, with median download speeds over 5G reaching 381.05 Mbps in Qatar, 374.60 Mbps in the UAE, and 240.37 Mbps in Kuwait. It also revealed that visitors to the Middle East from Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong were most likely to use 5G while roaming. On the other hand, travellers from Pakistan, India, and Egypt were identified as being least likely to use 5G while roaming. In the UAE, over 37 percent of roaming users anonymously identified by Speedtest were visitors from India, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Russia, and Hong Kong. However, their network experiences varied significantly, with Saudi Arabian and Russian travellers experiencing the fastest download speeds across all technologies and over 5G. Russian tourists experienced more than a threefold increase in median download speeds compared to their home networks. On the other hand, travellers from Austria, India, and Hong Kong experienced comparatively lower performances in the UAE. Saudi visitors to Kuwait experienced a high 5G roaming speed of 240.37 Mbps, but their 'all technologies' speeds were around 40 percent lower than 5G. As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rapidly evolves into a global tourism and business hub, the demand for seamless high-speed connectivity is also increasing. This is further bolstered by the fact that the Travel & Tourism market in GCC is poised to sustain its ongoing expansion in coming years, generating USD 9.57 billion in revenue in 2029, growing from an estimated USD 8.32 billion in 2025 at an annual growth rate of 3.56 percent. This growth will be driven by the region's ongoing infrastructure investment, world-class amenities, and the availability of simplified visa policies streamlining the tourist entry process. Such a strategic focus on tourism empowers regional mobile operators to leverage 5G roaming as a key revenue driver. In this context, Ookla's analysis empowers mobile service providers and other businesses to optimise their networks and enhance the lives of individuals who rely on these networks daily. News Source: Orient Planet Group (OPG)
