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
Iraqis leading efforts to enrich Arabic Wikipedia Young Iraqis, along with regional partners, lead the efforts to promote knowledge and enlightenment in the Arab World. Iraq
How this blockchain startup could help people transform traffic in Iran A private sector Iranian blockchain startup is offering a unique mix of decentralized facilities that could enable the general public to meaningfully tackle traffic congestion in Iran and beyond. Iran
Intel: How Trump administration is using loophole to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
Iran turns to crypto to enable easier spending by tourists Iran’s government and private sector are eyeing cryptocurrencies to resolve a decadeslong lack of international payment channels in the Islamic Republic. Iran
Turkey’s incredible algorithm designed to root out Gulenists Turkey is expanding its use of software that analyzes an exhaustive array of aspects of people's lives to determine whether they might be members of the Gulenist movement. Turkey
Digital safety training keeps Syrians from being arrested A group of Syrians in al-Bab are working as part of the SalamaTech project to train people on the risks of using cellphones and the internet, in light of the regime’s arrests. Syria
How this online app gives gamers keys to Al-Aqsa The new Protector of Al-Aqsa phone app seeks to familiarize younger generations with the role of this holy site in the Islamic heritage. Palestine
Gaza students develop app to reduce travelers' health risks A new app, which won first place at the 2019 Arab Innovation Academy, helps travelers to identify diseases and health concerns around the world, and vaccines available. Palestine
Iranian fintech firms carve their place in fast-changing landscape Fintech firms in Iran have overcome significant hurdles during the past year to participate in devising regulations and setting the stage to change the country’s financial landscape. Iran
Will Egypt kill this popular online game? After the "Blue Whale," some Egyptian parliamentarians want to ban "PUBG," a game that allegedly incited a 16-year-old to kill his teacher. Egypt
Lebanon's short-lived venture into outer space In the early 1960s, the Lebanese Rocket Society developed rockets to explore space and for other peaceful purposes, but its projects quickly attracted the attention of governments seeking military advantage. Lebanon
Netanyahu against anti-porn bill, rejects online regulation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fearing the very concept of regulating internet use, objects to proposed legislation that would limit and block visits to pornography sites on the internet. Israel
