Who is Handala, the hacktivist group US ties to Iranian intelligence? Handala Hack Team portrays itself as a pro-Palestinian group but is widely believed to be linked to Iranian intelligence. Iran
Iran names US tech, finance firms in new Middle East threat list Firms listed as potential targets included Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Palantir and Nvidia, while banking giant JPMorgan and UAE-based AI firm G42 were also listed. Iran
Gulf AI deals continues to lure investors despite US-Iran war Blackstone committed $250 million to a payment infrastructure platform in Abu Dhabi as the US investment firm's president lauded the UAE's strong investment credentials despite the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Iran’s longest-ever internet blackout leaves 99% offline: What to know Facing a historic internet blackout, Iranians are locked in a struggle with authorities to find loopholes to get around this communications crackdown, leading to "shutdowns within a shutdown." By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Syrian rapper embraces NFTs to shake up Middle East music industry Nonfungible tokens are charting a new course for artists, and one Syrian musician hopes they will help more Arab artists gain independence. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis US praises Saudi progress on intellectual property, notes issues in Egypt, Turkey The Office of the US Trade Representative said that pharmaceutical product inspection in Turkey and illegal streaming in Egypt are key issues. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
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. Bahrain
Crypto hacking event returns to Dubai The UAE is emerging as a regional hub for cryptocurrency activities. United Arab Emirates
UAE crypto push continues as Kraken invades Abu Dhabi Two other cryptocurrency exchanges have also announced moves to Dubai recently. United Arab Emirates
Fundraising by Israeli startups expected to decline during 2022 A survey of Israeli startup companies shows a significant drop in fundraising. Israel
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. Israel
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. Saudi Arabia
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. Israel
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. Morocco
Egypt ramps up cyber, data security capabilities Egyptian government agencies are coordinating efforts to be prepared for future cyberattacks. Egypt
Saudi Aramco pursues diversification with artificial intelligence center The Saudi energy giant is flush with cash from oil sales abroad. Saudi Arabia
