UAE deals with Anduril, Palantir deepen US tech footprint in Gulf defense A new generation of Silicon Valley-linked US defense players are strengthening Gulf ties, representing a challenge to America’s legacy weapons giants in the region. United Arab Emirates
Microsoft to invest $7.9 billion in UAE to scale AI with new Nvidia chips Microsoft plans to spend over $5.5 billion on cloud and AI infrastructure and another $2.4 billion on operational expenses and local hiring in the United Arab Emirates through 2029. United Arab Emirates
Billion-dollar AI, clean energy deals headline Saudi 'Davos in the Desert' Humain, an AI firm backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the PIF, signed a $3 billion deal with AirTrunk, a company backed by US asset manager Blackstone, to build a data center campus in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Interview Al-Futtaim targets 2026 UAE rollout for game-changer ultrafast EV charging The technology, which has only been deployed in China, will enable up to 400 kilometers of car recharging in five minutes, roughly the same time as filling a petrol tank. Lucas Bellieud Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Managing Director
Analysis Gulf investors emerge as key players in US social media giants TikTok, Snap, X By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Google Pay, China’s Alipay+ launch in Saudi Arabia amid cashless push By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
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
Iran eyes launch of 4 satellites, open Chabahar space port by spring 2026 Iran is set to launch four domestic-made satellites into orbit by next March, in the latest milestone for Iran's space program. Iran
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
From Kuwait to Turkey, why are countries cracking down on Roblox? The fast-growing gaming platform has been banned in countries including China, Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey. Kuwait
Iran plans 20 satellites, test launch by end of 2025: What to know Iran is seeking investment in its space agency and has made progress in developing satellites in the face of sanctions, though reliance on Russia remains a factor. Iran
Starlink targets Saudi skies as Musk’s Middle East push rolls on The satellite internet service operated by SpaceX had been on an expansion spree in the Middle East in 2025, most recently launching in Israel as it also targets a deal with Saudi Arabia's national airline. Saudi Arabia
Dubai Police to host expanded esports event amid UAE gaming push: What to know The UAE wants to grow its esports sector as part of its economic diversification plans, mirroring a similar endeavor in neighboring Saudi Arabia. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Netflix teams up with MBC’s Shahid in Saudi Arabia: An end to streaming wars? A new agreement between MBC Group and the US industry giant appears to signal a shift in the Middle East's streaming market, with top players opting for collaboration over competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
