Technology

Elon Musk (L) and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang (C) are directed to greet the Saudi crown prince at the Royal Court in Riyadh, on May 13, 2025.

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.

Players in action during day one of the Girl Gamer Esports Festival at Meydan Racecourse on Feb. 21, 2020, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 16: U.S. President Donald J. Trump talks to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he departs the Al Bateen Executive Airport on May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Trump is on the fourth and final day of his visit to the Gulf to underscore the strategic partnership between the United States and regional allies including the UAE, focusing on security and economic collaboration. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Analysis

AI pivot: Trump loosens export rules, opening path for Gulf tech surge

Gulf states have been lobbying the Trump administration to loosen export restrictions on AI technology, although concerns have lingered among some within the current administration over security risks regarding China.

Jared Szuba

Samuel Wendel

By Jared Szuba , Samuel Wendel

Latest News

Meet Karim Attiyeh, youngest Arab American billionaire of Lebanese origin

An image of Karim Attiyeh.

Citing security threats, Sudan blocks WhatsApp calls: What to know

Israeli startups raise $1.6B in June as war with Iran fails to rattle investors

People visit the "EcoMotion Week" trade show on May 11, 2022, in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv.

Elon Musk calls Lebanon’s Aoun, signals plans to bring Starlink to Beirut

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday held a phone call with billionaire businessman and former senior figure in the Trump administration Elon Musk, during which the two discussed the potential of Musk entering Lebanon’s telecom and internet sectors. What happened: A statement from the Lebanese presidency said that in their phone call, Musk “expressed his deep interest in Lebanon and its telecommunications and internet sectors.” Musk also expressed his desire for his companies to “have a presence

A picture taken on Nov. 18, 2020, shows an electronic billboard bearing portraits.

Saudi Central Bank approves fintech companies Lean Technologies, Mod5r

Saudi Arabia recently launched a fintech strategy with the goal of becoming a regional hub for financial technology.

A display highlights Mobileye's autonomous driving technology.

Israeli automotive startups dream of becoming next Mobileye

Vying for the same success of Mobileye, which was bought by Intel five years ago for $15 billion, Israeli startups are doubling their efforts to appeal to foreign investors.

A handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency on August 14, 2018.

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project to bring huge investments to Egypt

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country will invest in Sharm el-Sheikh as part of $500 billion NEOM project.

Digital Tourism Hackathon in Palestine.

West Bank hosts first digital tourism hackathon

For the first time, Palestinians hold a digital tourism hackathon to develop innovative solutions to the problems facing the tourism industry.

Members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly visit the Knesset, Jerusalem, July 7, 2022.

Israel redefines ties with NATO as security provider

During a visit of a NATO parliamentary delegation, Israel showcased high tech capabilities.

A protester wearing a mask of the Anonymous computer hacking activists group and holding the Palestinian flag.

'Ethical hacking' courses proliferate in Gaza

Some centers in Gaza are providing courses on ethical hacking under the pretext of helping citizens protect their online data, while in some cases hacking and piracy operations are being taught.

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli tech companies take fertility treatments to next level

With generous state financing for fertility treatments, the in vitro fertilization field is booming in Israel and several Israeli start-ups are working to innovate it.

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Dubai prepares for launch of first 'self-driving' taxis

Dubai has begun a digital mapping project for a fleet driverless taxis.

A man looks on near the stand of US multinational technology conglomerate Meta.

Qatar partners with Meta on digital economy

Gulf states are working to increase the size of their digital economies.

A woman uses her phone to livestream a traditional "hakawati" storyteller performing late after midnight during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the historic Dar Halabia Hotel in the Bab Antakya area of the Old City of Aleppo, Syria, April 12, 2022.

Women in Idlib face online harassment

Many women in Idlib have been subjected to online harassment and blackmail, where their personal data posted on social media have been exploited for financial or moral gain, or for sexual exploitation purposes.

2022 Select USA Investment Summit, June 26-29, Washington, DC.

Global investment summit invites Gaza company for first time

An international investment conference this month will host a Gaza tech company for the first time, coming as a great surprise to the Palestinian team.

The street in Tahrir Square leading to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (in background) is deserted on the first day of a two-week night-time curfew imposed by the authorities to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, Cairo, Egypt, March 25, 2020.

Egyptian students develop luminescent concrete

Four Egyptian students created an innovative glow-in-the-dark concrete that can be used to light up highways and roads, as the world faces a growing energy crisis.