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

Intel increases footprint in Israel with acquisition of Granulate

The Silicon Valley computer chip manufacturer has acquired two major Israeli tech companies this year.

Plantish 3D-printed salmon

Israeli startup to 3D print salmon

The Jerusalem-based investment platform OurCrowd held an event on 3D printing, featuring several Israeli companies as well as popular Arab-Israeli vlogger Nas Daily.

electric car

Electric SUV race coming to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has prioritized investing in new types of sports as part of his Vision 2030 initiative.

Palestinian school teacher Jihad Abu Sharar gives lessons online from her home, after a decision by the minister of education to close schools and kindergartens following a surge in coronavirus cases, Dura village, the West Bank, Feb. 3, 2022.

World Bank report notes improvement Palestinian digital economy

The DC-based institution’s report also said that Israeli restrictions and the Palestinian legal framework are impeding further development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Saudi tech

Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology

The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts.

A Turkish boy uses a Turkish unmanned aircraft (ANKA) simulation unit on Sept. 20, 2018 at the Istanbul's new international airport, during the Teknofest aviation, space and technology fair.

Turkish technology fair comes to Azerbaijan

Teknofest will take place in Baku in May, following a technological agreement between Turkey and Azerbaijan last year.

This picture taken on Feb. 22, 2021, shows a close-up view of the Huawei Building in Dubai.

Saudi Arabia partners with China’s Huawei on talent development

The US government has warned Middle Eastern states against doing business with the Chinese tech firm, which has been accused of intellectual theft and enabling the internment of Uyghur Muslims.

STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

FBI admits to obtaining Israeli-made Pegasus spyware

The FBI said it bought the controversial spyware tool for “product testing and evaluation only” and never deployed it.

An Israeli air force mechanic inspects an F-16 fighter at Ovda air force base north of the Israeli city of Eilat, on Oct. 24, 2021.

Israel to use laser air defense system within year, PM says

Naftali Bennett also said he hopes ongoing talks over Iran's nuclear program "end without agreement."

Saudi Arabia tech

Saudi Arabia to invest billions in metaverse, blockchain technology

The kingdom, which is seeking to reduce its dependence on oil, made the announcement at the futuristic LEAP technology forum in Riyadh.

Syrian students study via WhatsApp

Low-cost internet services reach Syria's al-Bab

Internet access in the countryside of Aleppo are rapidly expanding thanks to private companies and intense competition.

Saudi men play with the Pokemon Go application on their mobiles in the capital, Riyadh, on July 17, 2016.

Saudi investment fund starts gaming group

The fund, which is headed by the crown prince, will work on developing video game competitions with two European companies.