Newsletter: FutureVerse Gulf tech ambitions face Trump-Xi test Gulf tech powers have plenty at stake as Xi and Trump discuss US-China AI competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse Middle East confronts AI risks In the Middle East, governments are pouring billions into AI ambitions as Anthropic’s own Claude chatbot comes under scrutiny for creating national security risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse China holds its ground in Middle East AI race Last Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt for the first time in a decade, with the trip coinciding with efforts by Beijing to expand its AI footprint in the country. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Newsletter: FutureVerse LEAP’s comeback By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse Economic D-day’s tech risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse Coinbase joins UAE crypto rush By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UAE’s Edge Group acquires 30% stake in Israeli drone tech firm The acquisition of a 30% stake in ThirdEye is the latest example of cooperation between Israel and the UAE. United Arab Emirates
Analysis China’s DeepSeek triumph sparks billion-dollar AI dilemmas for Gulf investors Middle Eastern countries could benefit from new cost-effective AI systems such as those created by DeepSeek in lieu of US AI companies. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Russia launches two Iranian satellites into orbit as ties grow The launch from Russia is the latest sign of the growing ties between Tehran and Moscow in a range of sectors. Iran
Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How new US AI framework could impact UAE, Saudi ambitions The framework comes as the UAE has deepened its AI ties with the United States in recent months over a series of visits to Washington by senior Emirati officials. By Jack Dutton , Samuel Wendel
Masdar acquisition of Terra-Gen stake builds on UAE-US renewable energy ties The UAE and the US launched a renewable energy partnership in 2022 with the view of deploying 100 GW of clean energy globally by 2035. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s Sheikh Tahnoon discusses AI, tech with Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk in US His meetings came after UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed met earlier this week with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. United Arab Emirates
Uber, China's WeRide to launch self-driving robotaxis in UAE WeRide already operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. United Arab Emirates
In White House visit, UAE leader seeks cooperation on Gaza and AI UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will meet with President Joe Biden in his first official visit to Washington since 2017. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Israel detects Hezbollah limitations, doubles down on tech edge, attacks Recognizing Hezbollah's limitations, Israel has frequently pushed the boundaries of its military engagement, including the targeted killing of senior Hezbollah commanders and the strikes this Friday. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Israel’s Tower Semiconductor, Adani Group invest $10B in Indian microchip project India is trying to position itself as a leading microchip producer, encouraging foreign companies to set up manufacturing facilities in the country. Israel