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

Billionaire entrepreneur and founder of SpaceX Elon Musk speaks below a computer-generated illustration of his new rocket at the 68th International Astronautical Congress 2017, Adelaide, Australia, Sept. 29, 2017.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide internet services in Bahrain, Israel may be next

Musk has already assisted Bahrain with its satellite program and has additional space-related interests in Turkey.

Crypto hacking event returns to Dubai

The UAE is emerging as a regional hub for cryptocurrency activities.

United Arab Emirates

Marco Bello/Getty Images

UAE crypto push continues as Kraken invades Abu Dhabi

Two other cryptocurrency exchanges have also announced moves to Dubai recently.

United Arab Emirates

StoreDot's headquarters in the Israeli coastal city of Herziliya on Feb. 16, 2021.

Fundraising by Israeli startups expected to decline during 2022

A survey of Israeli startup companies shows a significant drop in fundraising.

Picture of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building, Jan. 16, 2011.

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange continues to reach historic highs

The TA 125 index’s growth is being led by banks and not Israel’s large tech sector.

FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

Robots to help Muslim pilgrims at holy sites in Saudi Arabia

The robots will explain prayer rituals in Mecca and Medina in multiple languages, according to Saudi religious authorities.

An Israeli Iron Dome defense system battery, designed to intercept and destroy incoming short-range rockets and artillery shells, is pictured in the Hula Valley, northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon, July 27, 2020.

Israel tests innovative, high-powered laser defense system

Israel advances with the development of a laser-based missile interceptor system that should significantly change the balance of powers in the region.

A Moroccan passes by an advertising billboard for a sheep purchase loan ahead of Aid el-Kebir holiday on Nov. 26, 2009, in Rabat.

OPEC loans $100 million to Morocco to promote financial inclusivity

Financial technology (fintech) is expanding across the Middle East and enabling more people to use financial tools. But some cultural barriers remain.

Cybersecurity image.

Egypt ramps up cyber, data security capabilities

Egyptian government agencies are coordinating efforts to be prepared for future cyberattacks.

Guests attend the Global AI 2020 Summit in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Oct. 21, 2020.

Saudi Aramco pursues diversification with artificial intelligence center

The Saudi energy giant is flush with cash from oil sales abroad.

A picture taken on Feb. 6, 2018, shows a visual representation of the digital cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

Report: One third of Israelis and Emiratis own cryptocurrency

Both Israel and the UAE have emerged as centers of cryptocurrency in the Middle East.

An Uber driver checks his phone application at the company's heardquarters, Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 17, 2018.

Uber faces new competition in Egypt

New ride-sharing competitors are challenging Uber’s longtime monopoly.