Russia launches two Iranian satellites into orbit as ties grow The launch from Russia is the latest sign of the growing ties between Tehran and Moscow in a range of sectors. Iran
Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How new US AI framework could impact UAE, Saudi ambitions The framework comes as the UAE has deepened its AI ties with the United States in recent months over a series of visits to Washington by senior Emirati officials. By Jack Dutton , Samuel Wendel
UAE’s Masdar to work on solar and wind power projects in Tanzania The UAE is diversifying its economy and seeking closer relations with several sub-Saharan African states. Gulf
Iranian satellite to help agricultural production, disaster management Iran experiences water issues due to inefficiency, drought and other factors, and this relates to the agricultural sector as well as sandstorms. Iran
Israel's ultra-Orthodox entrepreneurs ignore internet taboos The leadership of the ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel are against the internet, but more and more ultra-Orthodox businesses find ways to be part of the digital arena. Israel
Cryptocurrency exchange receives approval to operate in Dubai FTX is among several cryptocurrency firms that have announced moves to the UAE, which instituted a regulatory mechanism for virtual assets earlier this year. Gulf
Russian company begins construction at Egypt’s first nuclear power plant Russia's state-owned atomic energy company, Rosatom, and the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy have begun work at the Dabaa nuclear power plant, Egypt’s first. Egypt
Bahrain’s CoinMENA to offer crypto services in Egypt Crypto is particularly growing in Bahrain and the UAE, in part due to evasion of sanctions on Russia in the latter. Egypt
UAE bank to allow cryptocurrency trading in dirhams A bank in the United Arab Emirates will soon allow its customers to trade cryptocurrencies using Emirati currency. Gulf
West Bank hosts first digital tourism hackathon For the first time, Palestinians hold a digital tourism hackathon to develop innovative solutions to the problems facing the tourism industry. Palestine
UAE requests bids to build another waste-to-energy power plant The Emirates recently unveiled a power plant in Sharjah that converts garbage into electricity. Some environmental groups believe such facilities are harmful due to their carbon footprint, but burning garbage also reduces landfill waste. Gulf
Jordan increases renewable energy use Jordan does not have large oil and gas reserves, unlike other countries in the region. Jordan
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to work with France’s TotalEnergies on carbon capture The deal came during UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to France, where he strengthened energy relations with the European country. The two countries have grown closer over Libya and energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean. Gulf