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
Saudi Central Bank approves fintech companies Lean Technologies, Mod5r Saudi Arabia recently launched a fintech strategy with the goal of becoming a regional hub for financial technology. Saudi Arabia
Israeli automotive startups dream of becoming next Mobileye Vying for the same success of Mobileye, which was bought by Intel five years ago for $15 billion, Israeli startups are doubling their efforts to appeal to foreign investors. Israel
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project to bring huge investments to Egypt Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country will invest in Sharm el-Sheikh as part of $500 billion NEOM project. Egypt
West Bank hosts first digital tourism hackathon For the first time, Palestinians hold a digital tourism hackathon to develop innovative solutions to the problems facing the tourism industry. Palestine
Israel redefines ties with NATO as security provider During a visit of a NATO parliamentary delegation, Israel showcased high tech capabilities. Israel
'Ethical hacking' courses proliferate in Gaza Some centers in Gaza are providing courses on ethical hacking under the pretext of helping citizens protect their online data, while in some cases hacking and piracy operations are being taught. Palestine
Israeli tech companies take fertility treatments to next level With generous state financing for fertility treatments, the in vitro fertilization field is booming in Israel and several Israeli start-ups are working to innovate it. Israel
Dubai prepares for launch of first 'self-driving' taxis Dubai has begun a digital mapping project for a fleet driverless taxis. Legacy: Gulf
Qatar partners with Meta on digital economy Gulf states are working to increase the size of their digital economies. Legacy: Gulf
Women in Idlib face online harassment Many women in Idlib have been subjected to online harassment and blackmail, where their personal data posted on social media have been exploited for financial or moral gain, or for sexual exploitation purposes. Syria
Global investment summit invites Gaza company for first time An international investment conference this month will host a Gaza tech company for the first time, coming as a great surprise to the Palestinian team. Palestine
Egyptian students develop luminescent concrete Four Egyptian students created an innovative glow-in-the-dark concrete that can be used to light up highways and roads, as the world faces a growing energy crisis. Egypt
