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
US denies it had 'blocked' AI chip sales to some Middle Eastern countries The US Commerce Department was quick to distance itself from the reports — but it did not directly address imposing license restrictions on certain types of chips. Gulf
Middle East offers strong market for AI content dubbing The region is ripe for translated content as Arabic is widely spoken and there is a strong appetite for digital media due to a young population. Saudi Arabia
US-China tech rivalry hits Israel as Intel cancels Tower Semiconductor deal The companies canceled the deal after failing to obtain regulatory approval from China. Israel
Iraqi militias continue to use Telegram despite block Iraq’s state media channel switched to the Israeli-founded Viber in response to the ban. Telegram is popular with protesters and militias alike in Iraq. Iraq
Japan’s Nomura subsidiary receives crypto license in UAE The crypto sector is booming in the United Arab Emirates thanks to clear regulations on virtual assets. Gulf
Amid internal crisis, Israel fights to retain hi-tech industry with tax benefits The Israeli government has issued a new law to encourage investment in tech startups as firms consider fleeing the country on the back of the judicial overhaul. Israel
Bahraini cryptocurrency firm Rain to operate in UAE Cryptocurrency is growing in both the UAE and Bahrain amid regulatory challenges and market downturn. Gulf
Kuwait prohibits all cryptocurrency use in new virtual assets ban Users of cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets in Kuwait would be subject to Kuwait’s 2013 money laundering and terrorist financing laws. Kuwait
Israeli tech at risk of not joining global industry recovery Israeli tech shares are sharply underperforming their US peers. David Rosenberg In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech
Dubai crypto authority suspends BitOasis The cryptocurrency platform BitOasis' license was suspended by Dubai's VARA due to noncompliance of licensing requirements. United Arab Emirates
Arab users flock to Meta's Threads as it takes on Twitter Threads has seen a variety of new users from the Middle East since its launch Wednesday including influencers and even heads of state. Gulf
Iran needs drastic reforms to mitigate brain drain's impact on economy, tech sector Deteriorating socioeconomic conditions and the absence of a functioning ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship are compelling many educated Iranians to migrate. Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics