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
UAE firm’s $1.7B legal threat spotlights Gulf split on Lebanon as Qatar invests Lebanon’s bid to lure Gulf investment into its crisis-stricken economy is facing turbulence as Dubai's Al Habtoor Group threatens legal action over more than $1.7 billion in losses, while Qatar is making an investment push. Lebanon
Gulf AI ambitions get boost with US approval of advanced chip exports Washington has been cautious about sending sensitive advanced microchips to Middle East countries with close ties to China, fearing that the technology could end up in Beijing’s hands. Saudi Arabia
Trump Org, Saudi partner Dar Global launch crypto scheme for Maldives resort The deal marks a notable fusion of the Trump family’s traditional real estate business and its expanding foothold in the crypto world, and arrives a day before Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince arrives in Washington. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf investors emerge as key players in US social media giants TikTok, Snap, X By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis KFC’s Turkey relaunch tests Western brands’ resilience in Gaza boycott era By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Beersheba evolves into Israeli tech powerhouse With financial benefits, investment in infrastructure and a vibrant university, Israel's southern city of Beersheba is swiftly becoming a hub for both international and local high tech companies. Israel
Israel advances digital literacy project for ultra-Orthodox Israel’s ministry of trade and industry estimates that many ultra-Orthodox are digitally illiterate, but much of the community avoids the internet by choice. Israel
Dubai-based transportation startup Swvl acquires Turkey’s Volt Lines Swvl has recently bought other firms in Europe and Latin America and has received funds to help advance the transportation safety of women in Egypt. United Arab Emirates
Israeli innovations in medical tech embraced worldwide In Europe, the US, Africa, and now also in Gulf states, hospitals and healthcare systems are adopting Israeli med-tech companies' new products. Israel
Free trade agreement opens new horizons for Israel, UAE The economy and trade ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates concluded last week negotiations on a ground-breaking agreement for a free trade zone, the first of its kind Israel has ever reached with an Arab country. Israel
Israel's tech future lies with Arab entrepreneurs An increasing number of Israeli Arabs are taking the bold step of launching their own startup companies. Israel
Israel takes global lead in fintech Effects of the war in Ukraine set aside, the Israeli fintech sector is expected to continue growing this year and attract more global investments. Israel
Israel’s first digital bank opens for business Newly authorized by the Bank of Israel, the country’s new digital bank One Zero is taking on several hundred customers each week and 75,000 more people interested in the new platform. Israel
Gazan engineer creates solar food dehydrator Engineer Hanadi Abu Harbid from the Gaza Strip has developed a food dehydrator that relies on solar power and locally available resources. Palestine
Analysis Israel’s trade with Ukraine, Russia to be affected by conflict Israel fears that the ongoing conflict could negatively affect trade with both Russia and Ukraine, in high tech, but perhaps also on wheat, coal and diamonds. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Arab-Israelis, ultra-Orthodox, Palestinians shape future of Israeli tech Starving for experienced workers, Israeli authorities and high-tech companies are investing in training young Palestinians and young people from the Israeli-Arab sector and the ultra-Orthodox community. Israel
Israeli legislator promotes new 'Peace Authority' Emilie Moatti, head of the Knesset's subcommittee on foreign affairs, is busily planning meetings on advancing cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel
