Newsletter: FutureVerse

From oil to algorithms: The Gulf’s AI moment

Gulf states launch AI champions, competing for regional dominance with US backing.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Interview

Youth, strong AI adoption make MENA leading region for smartphones: OPPO

The Chinese mobile phone manufacturer's Lay Ren, who heads up the company's business in the Middle East and North Africa regions, said the Gulf is the epicenter of regional growth but stressed that North Africa is poised to follow.

Lay Ren

President of OPPO MENA

Analysis

Middle East adapts to Trump’s tech agenda as Gulf AI gamble grows in 2025

This year saw a wave of dealmaking across data centers, chips, critical minerals and AI collaboration as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE eagerly aligned with President Trump’s tech agenda amid sharp swings in US foreign policy.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Newsletter: FutureVerse

UAE’s MGX joins TikTok’s US overhaul

UAE’s MGX eyes a 15% stake in TikTok US as Gulf investors, Trump’s Gaza tech plan, Syria sanctions, and major Middle East tech deals shape the year-end landscape.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

UAE AI investor MGX moves closer to strategic stake in TikTok US

The state-linked Emirati investment firm is set to acquire a 15% stake in the social media platform's new US business as part of a plan that would avert a nationwide ban starting in 2026.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: FutureVerse

AI robots take on UAE construction

The Middle East is rapidly adopting AI, from construction robots in the UAE to major tech investments and startup growth, while navigating shifting economic and geopolitical dynamics.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Interview

Robots can solve UAE construction labor shortage, says Buildroid AI

The US startup announced that it will launch the UAE’s first block-laying robot to speed up real estate and infrastructure projects in the Gulf country.

Anton Glance

Co-founder of Buildroid AI

Saudi Arabia deploys region’s first industrial quantum computer: What to know

The announcement significantly boosts Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy away from oil by the end of the decade.

Saudi Arabia

Feature

Saudi Arabia leans on AI for real estate growth as gigaprojects slow

The kingdom is increasingly announcing projects merging AI and real estate to cut costs while building smarter, data-driven, and more sustainable infrastructure.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Newsletter: FutureVerse

AI reshapes Saudi ties with Washington

The Saudi crown prince's White House visit could prove pivotal to the kingdom’s AI ambitions.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Trump Org, Saudi partner Dar Global launch crypto scheme for Maldives resort

The deal marks a notable fusion of the Trump family’s traditional real estate business and its expanding foothold in the crypto world, and arrives a day before Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince arrives in Washington.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Deals and data: Saudi Crown Prince brings growing AI ambitions on US visit

At the White House, the kingdom's de facto ruler is set to discuss strategic priorities ranging from defense ties to Syria’s reconstruction and beyond — but the visit will also underscore how the US-Saudi partnership is being rewritten for the age of artificial intelligence.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech