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
UAE AI investor MGX moves closer to strategic stake in TikTok US The state-linked Emirati investment firm is set to acquire a 15% stake in the social media platform's new US business as part of a plan that would avert a nationwide ban starting in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Gulf investors emerge as key players in US social media giants TikTok, Snap, X With UAE tech investor MGX set to take a stake in TikTok's US operations, investors from the Middle East could cement their role in America's social media landscape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Trump’s AI Gaza video elicits mockery from Middle East social media users The US president’s video depicting a future Gaza under American authority was widely shared on Arabic and Hebrew social media, with many Palestinian users criticizing it. Palestine
Israelis outraged over Netflix film showing IDF murdering Palestinians Israeli actress Nataly Dadon canceled her Netflix subscription, protesting against the streaming giant adding the anti-Israeli/anti-IDF film "Farha" to the platform. Israel
Hamas cracks down on journalists, activists in Gaza Hamas police forces continue to raid the homes of activists in the Gaza Strip who expose the corruption of Hamas figures and members. Palestine
Senator calls for investigation into Saudi Twitter ownership Saudi Prince Alwaleed is the second-largest stakeholder in Elon Musk's Twitter, which has earned him criticism from Sen. Murphy. But the prince’s investment in the company is not new. Legacy: Gulf
Residents in Israel warn against wave of server farm construction With Google and Amazon winning the tender for a Cloud region in Israel, more data centers will be coming, but some residents have concerns about the environment and quality of life. Israel
Arab Israelis boycott Zara over ties with Jewish ultranationalist The street-initiated boycott against Zara shops in Israel demonstrates the force of the young Israeli Arab generation, seeking to bring about a change through social media. Israel
NFT art, industry boom in Israel Israel might have gotten a late start on NFT art, but it's catching up quickly with active artists and groups on all social networks. Israel
Turkish lawmakers to vote on bill critics say will strangle media Despite international warnings and the opposition’s efforts to kill the controversial bill, the parliament is set to consider Turkey's latest restrictive press law. Turkey
Iran says average age of arrested protesters is 15 According to Iranian authorities, those protesting Mahsa Amini's death are some of the youngest ever seen in the country. Iran
Culture Another TikTok star arrested in Egypt A famous TikToker’s arrest sparked widespread reactions in Egypt amid renewed calls to ban the app over content that is deemed contrary to Egyptian values. Egypt
Courting Arab voters, Netanyahu creates TikTok, Instagram accounts in Arabic Much like the 2021 election campaign, but with multiple efforts, opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu opens Arabic-language accounts on all social media networks. Israel
TikTok celebrity Hadar Muchtar shakes up Israeli election campaign Unknown to most Israeli voters until just a few weeks ago, social media star Hadar Muchtar becomes a political figure to reckon with. Israel
Palestinians claim social media crackdown following latest Gaza war A fierce attack has been launched on Palestinian social media content, as dozens of accounts of Palestinian activists, journalists and media institutions have been restricted and deleted in the past year and after the latest Israeli war on Gaza. Palestine
