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
Saudi Arabia increases stake in EA gaming by 55% The PIF held 16.01 million shares in Electronic Arts (EA) before Q4 2022, but after Q1 2023, it held 24.81 million shares. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s opposition warns against deepfakes ahead of fateful elections As the presidential race heats up in the lead-up to Turkey's consequential elections, the country’s main opposition party accuses the government of plotting a cyberwar against Erdogan’s top rival. Turkey
UAE reprimands cryptocurrency firm OPNX The company, which is planning a transparent crypto platform, allegedly did not receive the necessary regulatory authority from the UAE. Gulf
In water-starved Middle East, large ChatGPT data centers are a threat The UAE announced its record-breaking green data center in February of this year. The Moro Hub, created by the digital arm of DEWA, became the largest solar-powered data center, according to Guinness World Records. Gulf
Saudi Arabia opens four special economic zones with eye on foreign investment The special economic zones offer incentives such as competitive corporate tax rates, 100% ownership of companies and flexibility in employing foreign labor. Gulf
Analysis Middle East unlikely to slow down on AI, ChatGPT rollout Astra Tech, backed by Abu Dhabi AI company G42, said it created the first Arabic language ChatGPT last Wednesday. Also this week, the number of signatories of the open letter increased more than sixfold since last Monday’s 3,000, highlighting the growing concern about unregulated AI. By Salim A. Essaid
Bahrain launches 'Golden License' to attract major investment, jobs Only companies with major investment and project portfolios will be eligible for the license, with either a $50 million value or a plan to create 500 jobs in the country, according to the Bahrain Economic Development Board. Gulf
Saudi firms face 6.7% higher Twitter verification fees than US Syria, Sudan, Iran, the West Bank and Gaza Strip are not on the price list and appear to be unable to purchase this subscription. Gulf
Report: Israel tech sector still among world’s strongest Judicial fallout and layoffs have not hurt the industry's world standing, according to a report from Dealroom.co and Tel Aviv Tech. Israel
UAE, India to boost cooperation via digital currency The Emirati Central Bank has begun implementing its digital dirham strategy following a financial cooperation agreement with India and the UAE's cryptocurrency push. Gulf
Elon Musk denies report that Saudi Arabia, UAE intend to invest in SpaceX An arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and an Abu Dhabi-based company were reported to be looking to invest in Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to The Information, which cited people familiar with investor discussions. Gulf
UAE, Oman call for bids on $3 billion transnational railway project The move aims to expand the role of the private sector in the state-owned project and promote regional integration, with the project connecting Oman’s Sohar Port with the UAE's National Rail Network. Gulf
