Saudi Arabia escalates Arabic AI race with new state-backed chatbot

The app is available only in Saudi Arabia, but the company plans to expand across the region and eventually globally.

Saudi Arabia

UAE president makes first-ever visit to Angola as part of Africa push

The UAE president’s visit to Angola, his first, marks a major step in the already strong relations between the two nations.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Middle East demand for US debt soars to $400B in turbulent year

The first half of 2025 saw regional investors boost holdings of US Treasuries to record levels, led by the UAE, Israel and Kuwait, as markets digested turbulence from President Trump's trade agenda.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

China, UAE are transforming African economies, but on whose terms?

China and the UAE are racing to get ahead in Africa’s economic future, each using a different playbook.

United Arab Emirates

Qatari royal expands Africa push with $12B in Botswana after $39B in DRC, Zambia

A Qatari delegation began a tour of 10 African countries on Aug. 13 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to explore investment opportunities.

Qatar

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

Knots, circles and tension at Sharjah Art

From Aegean bites to expansive views on identity.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Sudan restricts gold trade as currency falls: What to know

The UAE, historically the largest importer of Sudanese gold, could be affected by the move, and Khartoum is seeking to reduce exports of the commodity to the Gulf state over a dispute related to the civil war.

Sudan

Newsletter: China-Middle East

UAE rivals China in Africa

A UAE-based resource investment firm on Monday broke ground on a major solar plant in the Central African Republic that aims to power over 300,000 households once operational

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint

Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital.

United Arab Emirates

UAE’s Masdar secures $1.1B for 2 GW Saudi solar megaproject: What to know

The Al Sadawi Independent Power Producer (IPP) Project is set to be one of the largest solar plants in the world, according to Masdar.

United Arab Emirates

UAE police arrest three suspects in attempted $25M diamond heist

Three men were arrested after attempting to smuggle a 21.25-carat pink diamond from Dubai, now a major global diamond hub.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

What UAE interest in South Korea’s KF-21 jets signals for Gulf defense strategy

A recent “friendship flight” with the KF-21 Boramae gave the UAE a firsthand look at Seoul’s most advanced fighter, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s efforts to diversify its airpower suppliers and expand regional influence.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance