062: TELCO'S FUTURE? Look to the Middle East, Not the West

Middle East’s Tech Revolution: From Regional Ambitions to Global Leadership

In this episode of TechBurst Talks, Charles sits down with Danial Mausoof, Vice President of Mobile Networks for the Middle East & Africa at Nokia, to explore how the region is transforming into a global tech powerhouse.

From government-driven infrastructure investments to next-gen telecom innovation, the Middle East is no longer playing catch-up — it’s leapfrogging the rest of the world.

We dive into:

• Why the Middle East is attracting global talent and tech capital

• The rise of private 5G networks in Saudi and the UAE

• How AI, network APIs, and 6G are redefining telecoms

• Why telcos must crack the monetisation code — or risk being left behind

• The role of satellite connectivity in Africa and beyond

• And how this region is becoming the proving ground for global telecom innovation

Danial also breaks down the regional nuances, the critical importance of trust-based business culture, and what telcos must do to turn hype into actual business outcomes.

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🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: YouTube.com/@charlesreedanderson

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⏱️ Show Notes:

 

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

00:22 – Danial’s Role and Background at Nokia

01:56 – Middle East Innovation and Visionary Leadership

03:21 – Geopolitical Risks and Stability in the Region

06:34 – Talent Influx, Trust-Based Business Culture

22:19 – Private 5G Networks in Action (ADNOC, Aramco)

26:39 – 6G, AI, and the Next Telecom Leap

29:24 – Satellite as a Complement to Traditional Networks

31:57 – Why the Middle East Is a Testbed for Global Innovation

35:37 – Final Thoughts and What’s Next