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
Israeli cannabis industry grows with seeds export to US The seeds from the Israeli crop science firm BetterSeeds are the first in the country to be exported internationally. Israel
Egyptian startups reimagine mental health services in Arab-speaking world In an attempt to fill some of the most urgent gaps in mental health issues across the region, online platforms have developed tech-enabled alternatives to offer services that are safe, stigma-free and help raise awareness — although concerns about accessibility persist. Egypt
More fintech startups come to Abu Dhabi The UAE wants to attract more entrepreneurs and startups to the country. United Arab Emirates
Syrian rapper embraces NFTs to shake up Middle East music industry Nonfungible tokens are charting a new course for artists, and one Syrian musician hopes they will help more Arab artists gain independence. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis US praises Saudi progress on intellectual property, notes issues in Egypt, Turkey The Office of the US Trade Representative said that pharmaceutical product inspection in Turkey and illegal streaming in Egypt are key issues. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide internet services in Bahrain, Israel may be next Musk has already assisted Bahrain with its satellite program and has additional space-related interests in Turkey. Bahrain
Crypto hacking event returns to Dubai The UAE is emerging as a regional hub for cryptocurrency activities. United Arab Emirates
UAE crypto push continues as Kraken invades Abu Dhabi Two other cryptocurrency exchanges have also announced moves to Dubai recently. United Arab Emirates
Fundraising by Israeli startups expected to decline during 2022 A survey of Israeli startup companies shows a significant drop in fundraising. Israel
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange continues to reach historic highs The TA 125 index’s growth is being led by banks and not Israel’s large tech sector. Israel
Robots to help Muslim pilgrims at holy sites in Saudi Arabia The robots will explain prayer rituals in Mecca and Medina in multiple languages, according to Saudi religious authorities. Saudi Arabia
