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
Gaming giant Electronic Arts taken private in $55B Saudi-backed buyout The transaction represents a significant deal involving entities close to the Saudi Arabian and US governments. Saudi Arabia
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
PayPal bets $100M as Middle East’s Gulf fintech giants amplify competition The move from the US payments giant comes amid a flurry of activity that has further cemented the Gulf’s fintech sector on the map for global investors — including Saudi Arabia's Tamara, which recently secured a $2.4 billion financing deal. United Arab Emirates
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
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. Palestine
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. Egypt
Egypt uses augmented reality to promote medical tourism Egypt’s General Authority for Health Care announced the use of metaverse technology to promote its medical tourism project as the country’s tourism sector is trying to compensate for the losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Robots take over Gaza classroom With the help of a team of local engineers, a school in Gaza City managed to create the first human-like robot for educational purposes using local tools and equipment. Palestine
Egypt promotes ties with Africa via new satellite A new Egyptian satellite was recently launched as part of efforts to expand Egypt’s media presence in the African continent. Egypt
Venezuela’s Maduro receives warm welcome in Turkey Turkey and Venezuela have good relations, much to the chagrin of the United States. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Israeli, Moroccan ministers of science and technology sign cooperation agreement Israel’s Science and Technology Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen and Morocco’s Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Minister Abdellatif Miraoui made history today, concluding a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in a vast field. Israel
Israel high-tech sector looks to Ukraine, Arab world to address labor shortage With a manpower shortage that keeps growing, Israeli high-tech companies are going to great lengths to recruit a quality workforce. Israel
Israeli cannabis industry grows with seeds export to US The seeds from the Israeli crop science firm BetterSeeds are the first in the country to be exported internationally. Israel
Egyptian startups reimagine mental health services in Arab-speaking world In an attempt to fill some of the most urgent gaps in mental health issues across the region, online platforms have developed tech-enabled alternatives to offer services that are safe, stigma-free and help raise awareness — although concerns about accessibility persist. Egypt
More fintech startups come to Abu Dhabi The UAE wants to attract more entrepreneurs and startups to the country. United Arab Emirates