Saudi Arabia deploys region’s first industrial quantum computer: What to know The announcement significantly boosts Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy away from oil by the end of the decade. Saudi Arabia
UAE showcases global AI ambitions with $1B Africa pledge at G20 The Gulf country is the world's top investor in Africa, with Emirati companies committing $100 billion to projects on the continent between 2019 and 2023, according to data from the Financial Times. United Arab Emirates
Feature Saudi Arabia leans on AI for real estate growth as gigaprojects slow The kingdom is increasingly announcing projects merging AI and real estate to cut costs while building smarter, data-driven, and more sustainable infrastructure. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Gulf AI ambitions get boost with US approval of advanced chip exports Washington has been cautious about sending sensitive advanced microchips to Middle East countries with close ties to China, fearing that the technology could end up in Beijing’s hands. Saudi Arabia
Interview Al-Futtaim targets 2026 UAE rollout for game-changer ultrafast EV charging Lucas Bellieud Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Managing Director
US pressures Israel on trade with China Washington is calling on Israel to change the way it monitors foreign investments in Israel, and Israel is likely to take appeasing measures. Israel
Iran’s president calls for tighter internet control Iran’s president called for tighter control of the internet while “digitizing” the economy. Iran
The Takeaway: Khamenei warns neighboring Azerbaijan over Israel ties Egypt’s Nile encroachers; Morocco and Ethiopia; Turkey and Syria; Israel’s looming budget showdown; Lebanon’s zoo animals; Egyptian mummy faces revealed; Gilles Kepel talks with Alaa Alaswany — all in about 1,400 words! Iran
UAE announces mission to explore asteroids The Emirates is the first Arab state to have a Mars mission and already has a probe circling the planet. News Brief
'Futuristic' Dubai Expo to open one year late Delayed by the pandemic, Dubai is ready to take its turn on the world stage with its $6.8 billion showcase expo. Legacy: Gulf
Ex-US intelligence operatives admit to hacking for UAE The Justice Department said Tuesday three former intelligence and military operatives had admitted to helping the UAE government surveil targets worldwide, including US citizens. United Arab Emirates
International observers prepare for Iraq's elections Hundreds of international observers are gearing up for the legislative elections in Iraq on Oct. 10 in an attempt to help Iraqis conduct transparent and fair elections. Iraq
UN panel calls for cybersurveillance sale freeze amid Pegasus scandal The independent panel said it was concerned by reports that highly sophisticated surveillance tools are being used to monitor journalists, activists and political opponents. Israel
Bedouins excluded from Israel’s high-tech industry Israelis who are employed by high-tech companies live a comfortable life, which Bedouin youths can only dream of. Israel
Pegasus intel project brings Israel more trouble With the NSO affair continuing to develop, Israel — the world champion of cyber technologies — might get into significant diplomatic trouble precisely because of that. Israel
Israel 'looks into' NSO cyber-espionage affair Reports in Israel say the government has set up an interministerial team to 'look into' the export of Israeli-made Pegasus software and allegation over its abuse against politicians and journalists worldwide. Israel
UAE likely partner in Israel's moon mission The funding sources for Israel's ambitious Beresheet 2 have not been divulged, but there are hints that the United Arab Emirates may well be teaming up with Israel on a moon landing. Israel
