China in the Mideast

UAE launches sovereign open-source AI model K2 Think: What to know

The Gulf state is one of the few countries in the world developing its own sovereign open-source AI model to counter the dominance of the United States and China in the sector.

United Arab Emirates

Interview

Qualcomm sees growing demand for edge AI in the Middle East

The Middle East's young population is increasingly adopting AI through mobile devices rather than data center-based solutions, Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm's president for the Middle East and Africa, told Al-Monitor.

Wassim Chourbaji

Qualcomm president for the Middle East & Africa

Analysis

Trump dials up risky Iran tariffs that would hit China, UAE and others: What to know

Any country trading with Iran now faces a 25% tariff, per the White House, but the move is unlikely to ratchet up pressure on Tehran in the short term.

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

From Sputnik to satellites: How China is pulling Egypt and Gulf into its space orbit

Beijing is emerging as a key partner for Middle Eastern and North African states seeking to develop satellites, navigation services and space industries of their own.

By Dale Aluf

In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East

Analysis

Wang Yi’s tour signals China’s quiet push for influence beyond trade

The Chinese foreign minister's visits underscored a strategy of leveraging trade and energy ties with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to expand its political and diplomatic influence.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Analysis

Iran’s China pivot deepens as Tehran's thaw with Saudi Arabia gets reality check

At a Tehran trilateral meeting between China and Saudi Arabia, Iranian officials performed careful diplomatic choreography, seeking Beijing’s backing to revive the sluggish rapprochement with Riyadh and to reposition the Islamic Republic within shifting postwar dynamics.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know

China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Iran uses first joint SCO field drill to tout drone power, assert post-war resilience

The five-day drill includes participation from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observer states Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Iraq will also be present.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Saudi PIF eyes $27B Japan portfolio as kingdom courts Asian investment

Saudi Arabia is strengthening economic ties with Asian countries as it pursues its economic transformation goals.

By Jack Dutton

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

Analysis

Beyond Boeing and Airbus: China’s C919 courts Gulf as aviation power dynamics shift

Despite strong interest in Chinese jets, skepticism remains about China’s ability to match Western standards of technology and reliability.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Analysis

Iran's rebuke of Russia, China exposes cracks in its 'look to East' strategy 

Pezeshkian comments revived a long-running debate over the fragility of Iran's geopolitical alignments and the asymmetry built into its relations with Moscow and Beijing.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics