Iran internet blackout estimated to cost $37M+ daily, crippling businesses and society The ongoing digital disconnection is severely stalling commerce, draining millions of dollars daily and pushing many businesses toward collapse. Iran
Interview Qualcomm sees growing demand for edge AI in the Middle East The Middle East's young population is increasingly adopting AI through mobile devices rather than data center-based solutions, Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm's president for the Middle East and Africa, told Al-Monitor. Wassim Chourbaji Qualcomm president for the Middle East & Africa
Iran plans to create closed internet network offering tiered access: Report The shift heralds a new era in which internet access is no longer a right but a government-granted privilege, according to FilterWatch, a US-based group that monitors internet freedom in the Middle East. Iran
Tehran jams Starlink as Iranians take risks to skirt internet blackout Iranians have turned to the US internet provider to get online amid a government-imposed network blackout that began Jan. 8. Iran
Interview Youth, strong AI adoption make MENA leading region for smartphones: OPPO Lay Ren President of OPPO MENA
Israel approves $33 million for quantum computing consortium Building on its technological knowhow and entrepreneurship, Israel hopes to become a major player in quantum computing. Israel
Analysis Can Islamic cryptocurrencies save the industry? Cryptocurrencies lost over a trillion dollars in value in 2022, yet Islamic coins are emerging with ethical practices claiming to potentially resist such losses. By Salim A. Essaid
Egypt launches first city on metaverse Egypt opens the first city on the metaverse inspired by Egyptian civilization. Egypt
Culture Feminist podcasts in Egypt open new space for ideas Although it is a difficult space to track, its gradual rise is allowing new voices to be heard in the country’s communicative space. Egypt
UAE, Israel align interests at international space event Conference shows that space exploration and commercialization is opening up to more countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran produces pickup truck in compliance with EU emission standards Khodro’s Foton Tunland complies with the European Union’s Euro VI emission standards for heavy vehicles. Iran
Israel launches $17m self-driving public bus project The Transportation Ministry decided on the companies that would be authorized to launch a two-year pilot program of autonomous public transportation. Israel
Saudi electric car company Ceer to build factory near Red Sea Ceer, which will be Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle-maker, is the latest Saudi project to help the oil-rich kingdom diversify. Legacy: Gulf
American VC fund 500 Global comes to Egypt despite tech downturn Some startups in Egypt are struggling, which is part of a wider regional trend. Egypt
Amazon to open online grocery store in UAE The US retail giant has also been in the news regarding Saudi Arabia and Egypt recently. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia continues inroads into Africa with Guinea water project The Saudi Fund for Development’s grant to the West African country will also utilize solar power technology. Legacy: Gulf
