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 The fund's Middle East director, Jihad Azour, told Al-Monitor that the big Gulf energy producers now have more capacity to absorb the shock. 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 Around 70% of Saudi Arabia's population is 35 years old or younger, according to the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics, providing ample opportunity for an educated and technology-savvy national workforce in the coming decades. Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Syria reports sabotage of undersea internet cable between Tartous and Alexandria: What to know The affected cable connects Syria to Egypt and is one of four cables that link to the coastal city of Tartous. Syria
Fundraising by Israeli startups expected to decline during 2022 A survey of Israeli startup companies shows a significant drop in fundraising. Israel
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange continues to reach historic highs The TA 125 index’s growth is being led by banks and not Israel’s large tech sector. Israel
Robots to help Muslim pilgrims at holy sites in Saudi Arabia The robots will explain prayer rituals in Mecca and Medina in multiple languages, according to Saudi religious authorities. Saudi Arabia
Israel tests innovative, high-powered laser defense system Israel advances with the development of a laser-based missile interceptor system that should significantly change the balance of powers in the region. Israel
OPEC loans $100 million to Morocco to promote financial inclusivity Financial technology (fintech) is expanding across the Middle East and enabling more people to use financial tools. But some cultural barriers remain. Morocco
Egypt ramps up cyber, data security capabilities Egyptian government agencies are coordinating efforts to be prepared for future cyberattacks. Egypt
Saudi Aramco pursues diversification with artificial intelligence center The Saudi energy giant is flush with cash from oil sales abroad. Saudi Arabia
Report: One third of Israelis and Emiratis own cryptocurrency Both Israel and the UAE have emerged as centers of cryptocurrency in the Middle East. Israel
Uber faces new competition in Egypt New ride-sharing competitors are challenging Uber’s longtime monopoly. Egypt
Intel increases footprint in Israel with acquisition of Granulate The Silicon Valley computer chip manufacturer has acquired two major Israeli tech companies this year. Israel
Israeli startup to 3D print salmon The Jerusalem-based investment platform OurCrowd held an event on 3D printing, featuring several Israeli companies as well as popular Arab-Israeli vlogger Nas Daily. Israel
Electric SUV race coming to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has prioritized investing in new types of sports as part of his Vision 2030 initiative. Saudi Arabia
