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
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
Gaza fashion house combines tradition, style A female-run fashion house in Gaza boasts two boutiques that sell its original designs melding traditional Palestinian aesthetics with modern tastes. Palestine
Israeli tech puts Iranian ride-hailing startups in bind Drivers for Iranian ride-hailing companies have been using an Israeli navigation app, causing conflict between the relatively new businesses and judicial authorities. Israel
New phone app helps Egyptian women fight sexual harassment A group of young Egyptians has developed a mobile phone app to fight sexual harassment by helping women identify and avoid harassment as well as deal with its aftermath. Egypt
Ride-sharing app forced off road in West Bank Only five months after the launch of the Dubai-based ride-sharing app Careem in the West Bank, the company announced that the Palestinian Authority had halted its services. Palestine
Women's 'digital heels' leaving impression in Turkey Turkey's female bloggers — from sleepless mothers to budding entrepreneurs — are taking to social media to share experiences and influence. Turkey
Palestinian graduate's thorny business blossoms Haneen Ghanem's cactus-collecting hobby has flowered into the creation of a cactus nursery on a rooftop in the Jenin refugee camp. Palestine
Gazans have the hots for chili peppers Peppers — pickled, roasted, stuffed or mashed — make up an essential part of cuisine in Gaza, and for prideful Palestinians in the Strip, the hotter the better. Palestine
Bank project offers Palestinian women independence Hayati, a National Bank program, is making it possible for Palestinian women to start their own businesses, join the labor market and gain financial independence. Palestine
Lebanese entrepreneurs discover an appetite for snails Snails, which are part of Lebanon’s culinary tradition, are juicy business for the country’s entrepreneurs. Lebanon
New generation of Iranian hostels attract younger tourists As Iran's tourism industry grows, a new generation of hostels catering to younger travelers is springing up around the country. Iran
