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
Entrepreneur brings blueberries to Lebanon Talal Nassereddine's Tout Berry Farms aims to make berry cultivation a big business in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Lebanon
Tunisian entrepreneurs roll up sleeves after encouraging startup law Less bureaucracy and more subsidies get Tunisia’s young businessmen to reach out to unorthodox fields such as exporting edible flowers or mushrooms for pharmaceutical use. Tunisia
Homemade beauty remedies mean ugly business in Gaza Desperate for income, many Gaza women are selling homemade beauty products without letting obstacles like testing or permits get in their way. Palestine
Can new startup law revitalize Tunisia’s economy? Tunisia’s startup scene has grown in the past several years, but some question whether a new law aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs can have a significant impact amid numerous economic woes. Tunisia
Egyptian women take on men in technology As the Egyptian government tries to increase participation of women in the labor market, Egypt’s tech-savvy women aim to get ahead in a sector traditionally reserved for men. Egypt
Animators with passion bring humor to digital content in Gaza Three young Palestinians are determined to create socially relevant and sometimes-humorous digital content in Gaza despite some obstacles. Palestine
Thousands find informal gigs at Cairo International Book Fair The Cairo International Book Fair is not only an exciting event for publishers and readers, but also a bustling temporary workplace for those who labor behind the scenes, doing all the odd jobs that power the fair and earn them a tidy sum. Egypt
Egypt's taxis continue court fight against ride-sharing apps A lawsuit calling for the suspension of Uber and Careem in Egypt continues to be delayed as efforts to accommodate the two companies alongside regular taxis progress. Egypt
Young designer aims to promote Egyptians' African roots A young Egyptian fashion designer strives to launch the Afropunk Festival in Egypt to promote African identity and fashion. Egypt
Could alternative farming save Gaza’s agriculture sector? A young Palestinian graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture at Al-Azhar University in the Gaza Strip has built a hydroponic farm to grow lettuce without the need for soil, in a bid to overcome soil-related problems and high salinity levels in the water in Gaza. Palestine
Olives, pistachios inspire young Gaza designers Two students from the Gaza Strip won a regional package-design competition using sustainable materials to meet local needs, and their work is now being evaluated for world recognition. Palestine
Gaza e-clinic crosses borders to offer medical advice Two engineers from the Gaza Strip are preparing to launch an app where patients can communicate with doctors from the Palestinian territories and other countries. Palestine
