Newsletter: FutureVerse China holds its ground in Middle East AI race Last Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt for the first time in a decade, with the trip coinciding with efforts by Beijing to expand its AI footprint in the country. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Saudi Arabia taps China’s MiniMax for Arabic AI model The development signals that the kingdom continues deepening AI ties with China while simultaneously pursuing major US technology partnerships, keeping the Gulf state at the center of an intensifying technology race between the superpowers. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: FutureVerse LEAP’s comeback The fifth edition of the gathering offers a temperature check for the Gulf’s AI ambitions amid fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse Economic D-day’s tech risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse Coinbase joins UAE crypto rush By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse Middle East's EV bet faces reality check By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse Red Sea tech risks resurface By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Lebanese artists explore NFTs The adoption of NFT art in Lebanon seems to be a milestone for artists. Lebanon
Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide internet services in Bahrain, Israel may be next Musk has already assisted Bahrain with its satellite program and has additional space-related interests in Turkey. Bahrain
Crypto hacking event returns to Dubai The UAE is emerging as a regional hub for cryptocurrency activities. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia, Turkey react to Elon Musk's Twitter takeover Musk’s purchase of the social media giant is being heavily discussed in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, where the billionaire has a complicated history with both governments. Saudi Arabia
Dubai-based transportation startup Swvl acquires Turkey’s Volt Lines Swvl has recently bought other firms in Europe and Latin America and has received funds to help advance the transportation safety of women in Egypt. United Arab Emirates
UAE crypto push continues as Kraken invades Abu Dhabi Two other cryptocurrency exchanges have also announced moves to Dubai recently. United Arab Emirates
German bank to fund Aswan Dam, construction of solar plant in Egypt The Aswan Dam provides half of Egypt’s power supply. Egypt is also working to increase its use of solar power. Egypt
Emirati firm to build solar power plants in Morocco Morocco is heavily dependent on imports for its energy needs, and is working to increase its use of renewable sources. Morocco
Volvo invests in Israeli electric car battery maker StoreDot There is growing demand for electric vehicles in Israel. Like cars that run on gasoline, electric cars come with environmental concerns. Israel
Online shopping in Turkey took off in 2021 The jump coincides with growth in Turkey’s fintech sector, but e-commerce faces some challenges. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
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
Shareholder Saudi prince rejects Elon Musk’s bid to buy Twitter Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the largest shareholders of the social media giant, believes Twitter is worth more than Musk is offering. Saudi Arabia