Interview

Robots can solve UAE construction labor shortage, says Buildroid AI

The US startup announced that it will launch the UAE’s first block-laying robot to speed up real estate and infrastructure projects in the Gulf country.

Culture

Egypt’s koshary, Gulf’s bisht gain UNESCO recognition

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added more than 10 cultural practices from across the Middle East and North Africa region this year.

Egypt

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

Exploring dualities: Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook in Dubai

Also this week: 71 Steak & Grill opens in Dubai, Rami Farook debuts ‘Self-Care’ and Sole DXB returns

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

UAE, Russia host first joint business forum despite Ukraine war sanctions

Trade between the two countries is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2025.

United Arab Emirates

Mideast funds back Paramount's $108B Warner Bros. takeover bid

Netflix appeared to have won a weeks-long bidding war with Paramount and Comcast, securing a $72 billion equity deal for Warner Bros. Discovery's TV, film studios and streaming assets, but Monday's $108 billion bid changes the calculus.

Saudi Arabia

Qatar, UAE step up LNG plans as global demand surges

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar energy ministers share a vision of vastly expanding liquefied natural gas exports to meet the growing global demand.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Iran’s new military drills near disputed islands ratchet up tensions with UAE

By combining high-tech capabilities, publicized warnings to foreign vessels and historical framing of territorial sovereignty, Tehran is seeking to assertively position itself in a dispute that has resisted resolution for decades.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know

China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

Zayed National Museum opens in Abu Dhabi

Also this week: Apollo lands in Palm Jumeirah, 421 turns 10, and Design Miami heads to Dubai

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Yemen's STC separatists advance in Hadramout as UAE-Saudi rift grows

The fighting between the UAE-backed southern separatists and Saudi-aligned tribal forces, nominal allies against the Houthis, has raised concerns about the division of Yemen.

Yemen

Turkey defense firms break record with $10B in revenues: SIPRI

Turkey set a new record with five companies in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Top 100 for 2024, which included nine Middle Eastern countries for the first time amid conflict-driven arms demand.

Turkey

Analysis

US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are emerging as indispensable partners to the United States in its efforts to “friend-shore” a strategic sector and supply chains dominated by China.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech