UAE’s new AI K2 Think chases DeepSeek moment in Gulf tech race

The Gulf state has launched K2 Think, an open-source reasoning model designed to speedily and efficiently tackle math and logic problems.

United Arab Emirates

Middle East internet slows after Red Sea cables cut: What to know

Yemen's internationally recognized government accused the Houthi rebels of planning to attack underwater cables in the Red Sea in February 2024.

Kuwait

After sanctions, GitHub reopens to Syrian coders in boost for digital revival

Syrian developers regain GitHub access despite blocked platforms and shaky internet.

Syria

World's largest illegal sports streaming site shut down after Egypt arrests

Streameast, believed to be the world’s largest illegal sports streaming network, was taken down in August during a sting operation conducted by Egyptian authorities in collaboration with a US anti-piracy group.

Egypt

Syria partners with Nokia to rebuild digital infrastructure after years of war

The new Syrian government wants to expand internet access in the country after damage during the civil war and years of underinvestment due to sanctions.

Syria

Saudi Arabia escalates Arabic AI race with new state-backed chatbot

The app is available only in Saudi Arabia, but the company plans to expand across the region and eventually globally.

Saudi Arabia

Lenovo’s $2B Saudi expansion suggests China to hold ground despite US push

Lenovo and Huawei both continue to expand in Saudi Arabia months after US President Donald Trump's landmark Gulf tour delivered tech deals for US giants.

Saudi Arabia

Iran plans 20 satellites, test launch by end of 2025: What to know

Iran is seeking investment in its space agency and has made progress in developing satellites in the face of sanctions, though reliance on Russia remains a factor.

Iran

Starlink targets Saudi skies as Musk’s Middle East push rolls on

The satellite internet service operated by SpaceX had been on an expansion spree in the Middle East in 2025, most recently launching in Israel as it also targets a deal with Saudi Arabia's national airline.

Saudi Arabia

Dubai Police to host expanded esports event amid UAE gaming push: What to know

The UAE wants to grow its esports sector as part of its economic diversification plans, mirroring a similar endeavor in neighboring Saudi Arabia.

United Arab Emirates

How an Arabic translation firm from Jordan became a Gulf AI player

Tarjama, now based in Dubai, recently raised $15 million to accelerate the rollout of an Arabic-language AI platform for businesses in the Middle East.

Jordan

Analysis

Netflix teams up with MBC’s Shahid in Saudi Arabia: An end to streaming wars?

A new agreement between MBC Group and the US industry giant appears to signal a shift in the Middle East's streaming market, with top players opting for collaboration over competition.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech