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
Egypt uses augmented reality to promote medical tourism Egypt’s General Authority for Health Care announced the use of metaverse technology to promote its medical tourism project as the country’s tourism sector is trying to compensate for the losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Robots take over Gaza classroom With the help of a team of local engineers, a school in Gaza City managed to create the first human-like robot for educational purposes using local tools and equipment. Palestine
Egypt promotes ties with Africa via new satellite A new Egyptian satellite was recently launched as part of efforts to expand Egypt’s media presence in the African continent. Egypt
Venezuela’s Maduro receives warm welcome in Turkey Turkey and Venezuela have good relations, much to the chagrin of the United States. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Israeli, Moroccan ministers of science and technology sign cooperation agreement Israel’s Science and Technology Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen and Morocco’s Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Minister Abdellatif Miraoui made history today, concluding a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in a vast field. Israel
Israel high-tech sector looks to Ukraine, Arab world to address labor shortage With a manpower shortage that keeps growing, Israeli high-tech companies are going to great lengths to recruit a quality workforce. Israel
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
