France blames Iran for supermarket fridge hack, seeks EU sanctions French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday blamed Iran for the October cyberattack that disabled refrigeration at supermarkets across France. Iran
Turkey probes Google’s AI search tools, orders protections for news websites Turkey’s competition watchdog said it is assessing whether AI-generated answers appearing on Google Search divert traffic from news sites and impose unfair content-use terms. Turkey
OpenAI's Altman signs UAE energy, government deals amid Gulf funding push The deals deepen the company’s ties to the UAE as the ChatGPT creator pursues a massive new funding round with help from Middle East investors. United Arab Emirates
Explainer What Iran’s threats to Hormuz internet cables mean for Gulf Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to cut crucial internet and communications routes in the region if US aggression escalates. Iran
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
Israel tests innovative, high-powered laser defense system Israel advances with the development of a laser-based missile interceptor system that should significantly change the balance of powers in the region. Israel
OPEC loans $100 million to Morocco to promote financial inclusivity Financial technology (fintech) is expanding across the Middle East and enabling more people to use financial tools. But some cultural barriers remain. Morocco
Egypt ramps up cyber, data security capabilities Egyptian government agencies are coordinating efforts to be prepared for future cyberattacks. Egypt
Saudi Aramco pursues diversification with artificial intelligence center The Saudi energy giant is flush with cash from oil sales abroad. Saudi Arabia
Report: One third of Israelis and Emiratis own cryptocurrency Both Israel and the UAE have emerged as centers of cryptocurrency in the Middle East. Israel
Uber faces new competition in Egypt New ride-sharing competitors are challenging Uber’s longtime monopoly. Egypt
Intel increases footprint in Israel with acquisition of Granulate The Silicon Valley computer chip manufacturer has acquired two major Israeli tech companies this year. Israel
Israeli startup to 3D print salmon The Jerusalem-based investment platform OurCrowd held an event on 3D printing, featuring several Israeli companies as well as popular Arab-Israeli vlogger Nas Daily. Israel
Electric SUV race coming to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has prioritized investing in new types of sports as part of his Vision 2030 initiative. Saudi Arabia
World Bank report notes improvement Palestinian digital economy The DC-based institution’s report also said that Israeli restrictions and the Palestinian legal framework are impeding further development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts. News Brief
