Saudi Arabia taps China’s MiniMax for Arabic AI model The development signals that the kingdom continues deepening AI ties with China while simultaneously pursuing major US technology partnerships, keeping the Gulf state at the center of an intensifying technology race between the superpowers. Saudi Arabia
Starlink expands Middle East footprint with UAE launch: What to know Starlink’s Emirati debut expands the range of connectivity options available and is a significant step in the country’s efforts to bolster its digital infrastructure. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
China's Xi to visit Egypt for first time in decade as military, Huawei ties grow The visit comes as Chinese telecoms giant Huawei seeks to supply more than 2,000 advanced AI chips for Egyptian government data centers. Egypt
Culture Iran war hits Saudi gaming drive as Esports Nations Cup pushed to 2027 The postponement is a blow for the kingdom, which has made growing its esports sector one of the main priorities under its Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia
Interview Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF Jihad Azour Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund
Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
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
Kurdistan government in Iraq hopes digitalization will bring investment The Kurdistan Regional Government has made progress digitizing government services, but investors say more is needed to attract serious capital and spur startup growth. Iraq
‘Stars aligned’ for Palestinian startups, Gulf investors say Entrepreneurs from the West Bank and Gaza recently visited Dubai to attend a conference on funding for new businesses. Palestine
Saudi Aramco continues to reap big profits The Saudi oil giant has been investing in futuristic technology as it benefits from high oil prices. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli cryptocurrency market attempts to catch up with global pace An Israeli crypto firm becomes the first in the country to get a capital markets license. Israel
Israeli autonomous driving firm goes public Mobileye’s stock rose on its first day trading on Nasdaq. Israel
How startups are contributing to Libya’s economic recovery Digital business in the war-torn country is slowly starting to take seed. North Africa
