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
Incoming CEO of Israeli NSO Group resigns amid Pegasus scandals Isaac Benbenisti announced he was stepping aside "in light of the special circumstances" involving the Israeli spyware firm. Israel
Palestinian rights defenders hacked with NSO's Pegasus, report finds The investigation found one of the hacked devices belonged to an American citizen. Israel
US blacklists Israel's NSO Group for 'malicious' cyberactivities The Biden administration placed to two Israeli cyberfirms, NSO Group and Candiru, on the US Commerce Department’s blacklist. Israel
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
