Technology

Bellieud

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

EA office building in Austin, Texas, USA.

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.

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.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

PayPal headquarters pictured in San Jose, California, on Oct. 15, 2015.

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

Latest News

Google Pay, China’s Alipay+ launch in Saudi Arabia amid cashless push

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

China-made flying car makes first test flight in UAE: What to know

An Xpeng AeroHT X2 Flying Car is seen on display in Hong Kong on May 17, 2024

United Arab Emirates

Lebanon grants license to Musk's Starlink in bid to address sluggish telecomms

Ray of sun over the box and antenna during Unbox reliable data transmission and connection with SpaceXs Starlink.

Iran eyes launch of 4 satellites, open Chabahar space port by spring 2026

A picture obtained on Dec. 14, 2013 from Iran's ISNA news agency allegedly shows the launch of the Pajohesh (research) rocket containing a live space monkey named Fargam (Auspicious) at an undisclosed location in Iran.

Turkey mulls 'national' bitcoin

A government-promoted push for the "native and national" in almost every realm has reached the sphere of cryptocurrency despite Turkey's lingering mistrust of bitcoin.

Palestinian wiretap scandal raises ire, but no action so far

The Palestinian Preventive Security Service is under fire for allegedly wiretapping citizens.

The case for net neutrality in Iran

The further undermining of net neutrality in Iran draws mixed responses among Iranians.

Palestinians search for recyclable waste and other items amid a pile of rubbish at a garbage dump in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on April 16, 2015. AFP PHOTO / SAID KHATIB (Photo credit should read SAID KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images)

How innovators aim to solve Gaza’s environmental problems

The Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority held an exhibition in the Gaza Strip showcasing innovative ideas to cope with the environmental problems in the besieged enclave.

Young Palestinian engineers hope to race to victory in recycled car

Twelve young Palestinian engineers built a racing car from scratch and will compete in the Formula Student Competition in the United Kingdom this summer.

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.

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.

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.

Passengers walk out of a train as new security measures are put in place on Cairo's underground Metro rail network July 18, 2007. Egypt has stepped up security on Cairo's underground Metro rail network over fears of a possible attack on its stations, a security source and a state-run newspaper said on Thursday. REUTERS/Nasser Nuri (EGYPT) - GM1DVSVJDKAA

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.

Customers are seen at the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), also known as the Al Ahli Bank in Cairo, Egypt March 10, 2016. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh - GF10000340456

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.

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.

A man uses his smartphone to follow the presidential election results, at the Grand Bazaar in central Tehran, Iran, May 20, 2017. TIMA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. - RC1FE18841B0

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.