Interview

Qualcomm sees growing demand for edge AI in the Middle East

The Middle East's young population is increasingly adopting AI through mobile devices rather than data center-based solutions, Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm's president for the Middle East and Africa, told Al-Monitor.

Wassim Chourbaji

Qualcomm president for the Middle East & Africa

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

Emirati artist Shamsa Al Omaira returns with first solo show in 12 years

Also this week: Nobu One Za’abeel opens, Quoz Arts Fest returns and Abu Dhabi names a new biennial director

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

UAE, India agree on formalizing defense pact, $200B trade deal: What to know

During an official visit to India, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding and letters of intent across multiple sectors, including defense and space.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

A rare Michelangelo study makes a stop in Dubai

Also this week: Also this week: a new Alserkal dining spot, gallery openings and Saadiyat Nights

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Newsletter: Gulf

How Gulf states view possible US strike on Iran

Saudi Arabia has led a quiet push — alongside Oman and Qatar — to persuade Washington against intervening militarily, warning that escalation would rattle oil markets and risk destabilizing the Gulf.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Turkey's Fidan to visit UAE as Iran unrest, Gulf tensions intensify

The top Turkish diplomat’s UAE visit coincides with heightened Gaza diplomacy, growing tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, and escalating unrest in Iran.

Turkey

Analysis

Trump dials up risky Iran tariffs that would hit China, UAE and others: What to know

Any country trading with Iran now faces a 25% tariff, per the White House, but the move is unlikely to ratchet up pressure on Tehran in the short term.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Syria’s Sharaa heads to Davos, ending years of global isolation

The World Economic Forum begins on January 19 and ends on January 23, hosting a cohort of around 400 political leaders.

Syria

Somalia cancels UAE agreements amid Yemen, Somaliland divide: What to know

The Somali government said that the decision was a response to "reports and strong evidence of illegal measures to harm the sovereignty" of Somalia.

United Arab Emirates

MidEast VC funding hits record $3.8B in 2025, driven by strong Gulf showing

Many emerging venture markets contracted in 2025, but the Middle East and North Africa bucked the trend.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

How Trump’s Venezuela oil grab could test OPEC’s power, Mideast energy models

Over the longer term, Washington’s bid to bring the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves firmly into its orbit raises questions for OPEC's strategy and the outlook for big-spending Gulf producers.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Interview

Gaza calm could revive East Med Forum, Israel-Jordan projects: Cohen

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Israeli Energy Minister Cohen estimated that the mega gas deal between Israel and Egypt would reinforce the peace treaty and pave the way for stronger security cooperation in combating Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups and Hamas.

Eli Cohen

Israeli Energy Minister