Newsletter: FutureVerse AI and the fog of war From battlefield AI to tech investment risks, the US-Israel-Iran war is reshaping the region’s digital landscape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
What we know about UAE blocking X accounts accused of misinformation A number of X accounts including Al Arabiya Breaking are now not accessible in the Gulf state as Abu Dhabi navigates regional turmoil. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: FutureVerse The Gulf’s new front: data corridors Amid a broader rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the two Gulf powers are backing rival connectivity corridors in the region. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview AI, cybersecurity high on Mideast priorities amid global tech rivalry: Tech Mahindra The Indian tech company's Middle East head, Sahil Dhawan, believes these three forces are reshaping business priorities in the region.
Mideast’s AI startups capture record $858M in funding during 2025, doubling share United Arab Emirates
Israeli innovations in medical tech embraced worldwide In Europe, the US, Africa, and now also in Gulf states, hospitals and healthcare systems are adopting Israeli med-tech companies' new products. Israel
Quantum computing is the next revolution, Israeli cyber expert says Israeli intelligence commander-turned-tech executive Nadav Zafrir discussed cybersecurity’s relation to terrorism, the pros and cons of remote work, machines superseding humans and more on Al-Monitor’s 'On Israel' podcast. Israel
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
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
Bybit, Crypto.com head for Dubai as UAE pushes cryptocurrency The Emirates wants to become a cryptocurrency hub for the region, but faces some competition from Israel. United Arab Emirates
Israeli bank Leumi becomes first in country to allow cryptocurrency trading The cryptocurrency market is expanding in Israel and the Palestinian territories, but authorities want the industry to be more regulated. Israel
Israeli crypto firm Coinmama bought for $3 million Coinmama is one of the relatively few cryptocurrency platforms that allows users to buy coins with a credit card, and is part of Israel’s growing crypto ecosystem. Israel
UAE expands nuclear power plant, doubles electricity production The UAE is still reliant on oil and gas, though nuclear energy is rising in the country and across the region. United Arab Emirates
Iran to offer visas for startups The purpose of the visa is to attract foreign investment and innovation to Iran. The Iranian economy has been struggling recently for several reasons, including government mismanagement and US sanctions. Iran
Saudi’s future city, NEOM, launches renewable energy project Saudi Arabia has grand plans for the city, but the endeavor’s land use and sustainability plans have faced pushback. Saudi Arabia