Meet the Silicon Valley-linked AI startup targeting Gulf’s costly inefficiencies 

Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, formerly a director at Silicon Valley’s Scale AI, shares how he spotted an opportunity to automate complex workflows that could reduce inefficiencies potentially worth over $10 billion across the Gulf's airports, ports, construction and the energy sector.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Jordan’s water security caught between $5B megaproject, frayed Israel ties

Amman's efforts to tackle acute water challenges have delivered breakthroughs in 2025, while progress toward the end of the Gaza war could see revived interest in Israel-Jordan water ties.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance?

Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Syria, Jordan, US unveil road map to stabilize Suwayda after clashes: What to know

The news comes along with reports that Syria has withdrawn heavy weaponry from the south, seemingly complying with Israel's demands for a demilitarized zone in southern Syria.

Syria

As youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes?

Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats.

Jordan

Lebanon PM in Jordan as Beirut pushes Hezbollah disarmament, Iran’s influence wanes

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam headed to Jordan following a similar visit by President Joseph Aoun two months ago, as the two countries seek deeper ties.

Lebanon

Jordan to resume conscription in 2026, call up 6,000 men: What to know

In 2026, 6,000 men born in 2007 will be drafted for a three-month training program.

Jordan

Jordan, UAE military chiefs vow stronger defense ties in Amman meeting

Jordan has moved to increase military cooperation with the UAE in recent years, including via joint exercises as the Hashemite Kingdom works to bolster its defenses.

Jordan

Kurds, Damascus resume talks as Syria, Jordan FMs meet US envoy in Amman

The meeting aims to address growing unrest and political demands amid Syria’s fragile efforts to rebuild.

Syria

How an Arabic translation firm from Jordan became a Gulf AI player

Tarjama, now based in Dubai, recently raised $15 million to accelerate the rollout of an Arabic-language AI platform for businesses in the Middle East.

Jordan

Jordan summons suspects accused of holding Muslim Brotherhood assets: What to know

The Hashemite Kingdom has taken a number of legal actions against the Islamist organization since banning them in April.

Jordan

Analysis

Trump tariffs, BRICS threats unlikely to erode Middle East’s trade war edge

The US decision to delay tariff penalties until Aug. 1 doesn't dramatically impact the Middle East, but the coming weeks could still have important ripple effects in the region.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech