Uber, China's WeRide to launch self-driving robotaxis in UAE WeRide already operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. United Arab Emirates
In White House visit, UAE leader seeks cooperation on Gaza and AI UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will meet with President Joe Biden in his first official visit to Washington since 2017. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Israel detects Hezbollah limitations, doubles down on tech edge, attacks Recognizing Hezbollah's limitations, Israel has frequently pushed the boundaries of its military engagement, including the targeted killing of senior Hezbollah commanders and the strikes this Friday. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Israel’s Tower Semiconductor, Adani Group invest $10B in Indian microchip project India is trying to position itself as a leading microchip producer, encouraging foreign companies to set up manufacturing facilities in the country. Israel
Analysis Telegram CEO's arrest spotlights UAE’s investment-based citizenship laws By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
UAE asks France for 'urgent' consular services to arrested citizen Telegram’s Durov United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s AMEA Power wins solar contract in South Africa Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are seeking better ties with sub-Saharan African states, including in regards to energy. Gulf
The strength of Iran’s startup ecosystem put to the test amid protests Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
UAE to open facility that converts waste to green hydrogen The Gulf state already has one waste-to-energy plant and is looking to build more. Gulf
Iraqi startup Lezzoo expands with purchase of Saydo The delivery startup is one of several in the autonomous Kurdistan Region, and the autonomous government is hoping to spur more startup growth. Iraq
Israel earmarks residential rooftops for electricity production The new strategy of the Ministry of Energy includes encouraging residential buildings to install solar panels that would then be connected to the national electricity grid. Israel
Egypt launches first city on metaverse Egypt opens the first city on the metaverse inspired by Egyptian civilization. Egypt
Egypt builds on COP27 with electric bus deal The deal follows Egypt hosting the COP27 climate change conference, during which Egypt also announced a plan to develop high-speed rail. Egypt
Middle East climate tech startups to be hot investment in 2023, but market still lags Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Another vertical farm comes to Saudi Arabia Vertical farming has great potential to help alleviate rising desertification in the Middle East, which could threaten the region’s food supply in the future. Gulf
Globes, Statista publish list of fastest growing companies in Israel Israeli tech is experiencing a downturn even as the Israeli government is working to attract new workers to the sector. Israel
Israel launches $17m self-driving public bus project The Transportation Ministry decided on the companies that would be authorized to launch a two-year pilot program of autonomous public transportation. Israel
Dubai’s AMEA Power advances wind, solar projects in Egypt The project is one of many that Emirati entities have announced this year. Egypt could benefit from more renewable energy, but already has some solar and wind plants in the country. Egypt