Exclusive 'Cloud First' policies give Saudi Arabia, UAE edge in AI race: Amazon exec In March 2024, AWS announced plans to invest $5.3 billion in Saudi Arabia to launch a cloud infrastructure region in the kingdom by 2026. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
How UAE AI firm's past China links stalled this US chipmaker's IPO Cerebras Systems executives had been hoping that the Trump administration would fast-track the national security review that has left the chipmaker’s initial public offering in limbo for five months, Reuters reported Tuesday. United Arab Emirates
UAE seals cloud deal with Microsoft, Core42 as Sheikh Tahnoon visits US The deal follows Microsoft's $1.5 billion investment last year in G42 to accelerate AI development. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s Sheikh Tahnoon makes first US visit since Trump reelection: What to know The UAE's influential national security advisor, who chairs some of the country's most important funds and firms, will reportedly meet with White House officials and business leaders including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. United Arab Emirates
Analysis US stock plunge poses dilemmas for Gulf investors while exposing PIF, Mubadala risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview As AI superpowers clash, Saudi tech diplomat pushes collaboration over competition Deemah AlYahya Secretary General, Digital Cooperation Organization
Egypt grounds unlicensed drones Security concerns have led Egypt to regulate the use of drones, even as the country strives to become a leading manufacturer of the unmanned aerial vehicles. Egypt
Internet censorship a double-edged sword for Tehran As Iran is home to an increasing number of online businesses, the new internet restrictions imposed by the government in response to the recent unrest are hitting many entrepreneurs. Iran
Wataniya Mobile’s shares in Palestine on a losing streak Wataniya Mobile’s share price on the Palestine Stock Exchange has dropped below $1 following the company’s entry into the Gaza Strip market. Palestine
Will Egypt issue a unified public transportation card? A study is underway, headed by South Korean firms, to assess the Alexandria and Cairo transportation networks in anticipation of the release of a unified public transportation card. Egypt
Egypt takes big step toward financial transparency and inclusion The Egyptian government ceased financial transactions by paper checks this month and implemented a new electronic payment and collection system, although only 10% of citizens have relationships with banks. Egypt
Lebanon’s tech-savvy youths poised for bright future Initiatives in Lebanon assist youths in exploring technology and science, which could give them a boost in the job market in the future. Lebanon
Israeli tech puts Iranian ride-hailing startups in bind Drivers for Iranian ride-hailing companies have been using an Israeli navigation app, causing conflict between the relatively new businesses and judicial authorities. Israel
Inside Egypt’s first nuclear school Dozens of students are set to start their training at Egypt’s new technical school for peaceful nuclear technology in El Dabaa, which some see as useless given the high number of technical schools spread across the country. Egypt
Turkey does real business with virtual money Bitcoin usage is on the rise in Turkey, where businesses in various sectors, from informatics and engineering companies to pharmacies and taxi stands, have come to accept the virtual currency. Turkey
Past meets future at Jerusalem's Tower of David The Digital Innovation Lab at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem aims to use augmented reality to create an enhanced visitor’s experience. Israel
Israeli tech companies start contracting in Gaza Israeli IT companies have started contracting Gazan engineers to work on projects in a move that will not please Hamas but could improve Gaza's economy. Palestine
