Mideast’s AI startups capture record $858M in funding during 2025, doubling share The growth represents a sizable jump from recent years, when local AI companies captured just a sliver of dealmaking, and Magnitt now predicts funding for MENA’s AI startups will easily surpass $1 billion in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Libya, Morocco and Israel: Forces powering the Algeria-UAE rupture Algeria’s recent decision to cancel a 2013 air agreement with the UAE signals an escalation in its rift with the Gulf state and reflects long-standing disputes over Libya and the Western Sahara. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Residents of north Lebanon city lose neighbours, livelihoods in building collapse Agence France-Presse
MBZ hosts Sisi as Saudi Arabia and UAE jockey for regional influence Economic ties between Egypt and the UAE are strengthening thanks to large Emirati investments in the North African country. Egypt
Uber snaps up Getir in Turkey as Mubadala exits battered delivery bet For Uber, the $335 million deal marks a fresh bet on a populous growth market and comes at quite the discount — as recently as 2022, Getir was valued at nearly $12 billion. Turkey
In Syria, Sharaa's brothers take spotlight with Saudi, Russian dealings Hazem al-Sharaa is playing a key role in Syria’s economic development and ties with the Gulf, while Maher al-Sharaa is involved in diplomacy with Russia, though another brother has reportedly fallen out of favor with the president. Syria
