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 With UAE tech investor MGX set to take a stake in TikTok's US operations, investors from the Middle East could cement their role in America's social media landscape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
PayPal bets $100M as Middle East’s Gulf fintech giants amplify competition The move from the US payments giant comes amid a flurry of activity that has further cemented the Gulf’s fintech sector on the map for global investors — including Saudi Arabia's Tamara, which recently secured a $2.4 billion financing deal. United Arab Emirates
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
Analysis Syria’s internet reboot takes shape amid outreach to Gulf telecoms By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis US stock plunge poses dilemmas for Gulf investors while exposing PIF, Mubadala risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia buys into e-commerce A crown prince bent on modernization, young and tech-savvy consumers, and a global pandemic are transforming commerce in the desert kingdom. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Israel churns out tech unicorns Another 16 Israeli companies passed the billion-dollar valuation target in 2020. Israel
Defying COVID 19-induced crisis, Israelis launch food takeaway services from home On the backdrop of the coronavirus crisis and growing unemployment rate, some Israelis have decided to start takeaway and cooking services straight from their home kitchens. Israel
Escaping coronavirus stress, Israelis buy chocolate Young Israeli chocolatiers are battling the coronavirus-induced economic crisis to keep the local chocolate industry afloat. Israel
Moroccan activist calls for revolution of ideas While female entrepreneurship is steadily increasing in Morocco, cultural barriers stand in the way of women achieving their full economic potential. Morocco
UAE students stir fashion market demand amid COVID-19 Two UAE students are taking advantage of the lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak in order to grow their sustainable fashion line. United Arab Emirates
Upper Egypt publisher fights for survival Hypatia Publishing House, which takes its name from an executed Platonic thinker, aims to put Upper Egypt on the literary map. Egypt
Can Egypt sweeten deal for small beekeepers? Egypt organizes its first beekeepers festival, but small producers wonder whether their presence will make a buzz. Egypt
Centuries on, Lebanese national liquor still makes eyes water Lebanon's beloved arak is similar to other anise-based drinks like Greek ouzo or Turkish raki, but it still enjoys a distinct and proud local tradition. Lebanon
How Iran’s startup sector can realize its potential Iran’s startup scene is rapidly growing and holds great potential, but shortcomings remain and a failure to address them will undermine the sector. Iran
Female entrepreneurs fight crisis by reviving heritage Female entrepreneurs from Iraq, Palestine and Egypt show that hardship does not always impede creativity, particularly when you build on your country's artistic heritage. Palestine
Frustrated Jordanians work off daily woes in rage rooms A rage room in Amman helps Jordanians cope with their frustration by smashing things in a safe space. Jordan
