PayPal bets $100M as Middle East’s Gulf fintech giants amplify competition

The move from the US payments giant comes amid a flurry of activity that has further cemented the Gulf’s fintech sector on the map for global investors — including Saudi Arabia's Tamara, which recently secured a $2.4 billion financing deal.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: FutureVerse

UAE partners with Nvidia on AI push

Nvidia is expanding in the Middle East with a new AI and robotics lab in Abu Dhabi, as Gulf states look to the US chipmaker to drive their tech ambitions amid US-China tensions.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Nvidia, UAE's TII launch Mideast's first joint AI, robotics lab in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute said the new lab would be a “first-of-its-kind hub in the region for developing next-generation AI models, robotics platforms and humanoid technologies that will accelerate innovation across industries.”

United Arab Emirates

China-made flying car makes first test flight in UAE: What to know

The Chinese company is facing competition from a US firm that is currently developing an air taxi service in Dubai.

United Arab Emirates

Lebanon grants license to Musk's Starlink in bid to address sluggish telecomms

Starlink’s arrival in Lebanon could give businesses a vital lifeline, but the impact could be limited as long as access is restricted to corporate customers only.

Lebanon

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