Israeli president meets FM Wang Yi as reports link China to Iran’s military buildup Israeli President Isaac Herzog held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed topics ranging from economic and cultural cooperation to regional security. Israel
Who is Abdulrahman Alfozan, Saudi national charged in bugging OpenAI meetings? The Saudi national who was arrested for allegedly planting a covert listening device at OpenAI’s offices has extensive experience working at leading technology companies in the US and serves as a venture partner at a Saudi venture capital firm. Saudi Arabia
What does Amazon war damage mean for Gulf cloud expansion? Amazon’s cloud computing unit said the damage was sustained to its facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, casting doubt over multibillion-dollar investments in the region. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia taps China’s MiniMax for Arabic AI model The development signals that the kingdom continues deepening AI ties with China while simultaneously pursuing major US technology partnerships, keeping the Gulf state at the center of an intensifying technology race between the superpowers. Saudi Arabia
Starlink expands Middle East footprint with UAE launch: What to know By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Interview Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF Jihad Azour Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund
Culture Feminist podcasts in Egypt open new space for ideas Although it is a difficult space to track, its gradual rise is allowing new voices to be heard in the country’s communicative space. Egypt
UAE, Israel align interests at international space event Conference shows that space exploration and commercialization is opening up to more countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran produces pickup truck in compliance with EU emission standards Khodro’s Foton Tunland complies with the European Union’s Euro VI emission standards for heavy vehicles. Iran
Israel launches $17m self-driving public bus project The Transportation Ministry decided on the companies that would be authorized to launch a two-year pilot program of autonomous public transportation. Israel
Saudi electric car company Ceer to build factory near Red Sea Ceer, which will be Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle-maker, is the latest Saudi project to help the oil-rich kingdom diversify. Legacy: Gulf
American VC fund 500 Global comes to Egypt despite tech downturn Some startups in Egypt are struggling, which is part of a wider regional trend. Egypt
Amazon to open online grocery store in UAE The US retail giant has also been in the news regarding Saudi Arabia and Egypt recently. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia continues inroads into Africa with Guinea water project The Saudi Fund for Development’s grant to the West African country will also utilize solar power technology. Legacy: Gulf
Kurdistan government in Iraq hopes digitalization will bring investment The Kurdistan Regional Government has made progress digitizing government services, but investors say more is needed to attract serious capital and spur startup growth. Iraq
‘Stars aligned’ for Palestinian startups, Gulf investors say Entrepreneurs from the West Bank and Gaza recently visited Dubai to attend a conference on funding for new businesses. Palestine
Saudi Aramco continues to reap big profits The Saudi oil giant has been investing in futuristic technology as it benefits from high oil prices. Legacy: Gulf
