Technology

UAE’s Damac founder praises Trump after $20B US data center pledge

Joining Trump for a rally in Florida on Tuesday, Sajwani, the president-elect’s self-styled right-hand man in the Middle East, announced that his company would invest at least $20 billion in new US data centers from Arizona to Ohio.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Was 2024 a breakthrough year for the Middle East’s AI ambitions?

Gulf states doubled down on AI in 2024, pouring billions into tech infrastructure and US partnerships.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

What to make of US group acquisition of Israeli spyware firm Paragon as Trump returns

United States

Iran conducts record space launch with largest-ever payload

Iran's space program has previously concerned the United States and its allies, who claim that its developments go hand-in-hand with those of its ballistic missile program.

Iran

Saudi PIF trims Nintendo stake from 7.5% to 6.3% in second cut of month

A filing with Japan’s Finance Ministry said the move follows the sale of more than 17 million Nintendo shares, which concluded in October.

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

Analysis

What UAE's Edge expansion into space means for country's military industry

Abu Dhabi has recently seen a significant boost in its domestic defense and aerospace capabilities, thanks to its nation-based conglomerate, EDGE. This month, the group launched its new space company, FADA, marking a milestone in enhancing the Emirati’s status in the strategic space sector.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Middle East startups see 34% uptick in global investors

Data firm MAGNiTT reported Tuesday that the Middle East far outperformed other markets and regions, including Africa and Southeast Asia, which saw steeper drops.

Saudi Arabia

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

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

Hezbollah’s exploding pagers to fuel widespread MidEast consumer electronic fears

Brazen Israel-linked attacks could presage a new age of warfare, where the Internet of Things and everyday tech can be weaponized at scale.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Pager attacks shake Hezbollah; are they prelude to Israel-Lebanon deal?

Despite US warnings about the unintended consequences of war with Hezbollah, Israel's leaders claim the extent and intensity of the fire can be controlled.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense