Technology - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Technology Cover Image

Technology

In this picture taken on May 10, 2023, people attend the UAE Climate Tech Forum in Abu Dhabi. Faced with mounting pressure over planet-heating pollution, the Arab Gulf's energy giants are turning to humble tech start-ups as they search for ways to remove emissions while keeping oil flowing. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)

Tech investment slump reaching critical stage for cash strapped Middle East startups

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images

Intel delays work on $25B Israel plant as tech sector feels impact of Gaza war

Israel’s tech sector has been impacted by the Gaza war as well as the government’s judicial reform plans and the global tech downturn.

In this picture taken on October 26, 2011 workers assemble one of the many car models at Chinese carmaker's Chery Automobile plant in Wuhu, east China's Anhui province. The growth of China's car market will be driven primarily by exports this year because domestic sales have slowed dramatically, as the world's largest car market -- sold 614,000 cars abroad in the first nine months of 2011, a 60 percent rise on the same period in 2010. CHINA OUT AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)

China’s EV giants target Turkey as trade wars intensify

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Digital generated image of futuristic cubes connecting computer microchip. Cloud technology, big data or fintech technology. Concept of the new digital currency CBDC.

Saudi Arabia joins China and UAE in digital currency project

The kingdom is joining the Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements' central bank digital currency platform.

Latest News

Turkey-China in 'advanced' talks on EV manufacturing as Beijing footprint grows

People look at a BYD Seal car by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD Auto at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Nonthaburi, March 27, 2024.

What Binance's new Dubai license means for UAE cryptocurrency sector

United Arab Emirates

PKK claims to down 15 Turkish drones in Nowruz announcement

A Kurdish man wearing a mask flashes the "V" sign.

Israeli cryptocurrency exchange to launch shekel-backed stablecoin

BILS Facebook announcement.

What to know about MGX, UAE’s latest AI investment firm

Women walks through the Museum of the Future in Dubai during the Artificial Intelligence Forum held on October 11, 2023. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)

United Arab Emirates

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Afif Abu Much

In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech

David Rosenberg

In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech

KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

Singapore exchange Crypto.com receives Dubai license in boost to UAE's scene

Cryptocurrency firms are continuing to move to the United Arab Emirates despite regulatory challenges and the market crash.

TikTok

Saudi campaign to boycott TikTok spreads to private sector

Many Saudis are calling for a boycott of the popular social media platform over it allegedly removing pro-Saudi content.

Drones of Abu Dhabi mangroves

Drones can help fight climate change, says Abu Dhabi environment agency

The government department is looking to plant 10 mangroves in Abu Dhabi for every visitor to the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in November.

United Arab Emirates

People attend the International E-Sport Gamers forum "Next World," Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 7, 2022.

Saudi crown prince announces esports ‘world cup’

The move follows significant Saudi investment in both video games and traditional sports.

X Linda Yaccarino

Twitter/X erases thousands of Israel-Hamas posts after EU disinfo warning

The 27-nation bloc has also issued similar ultimatums to Meta and TikTok, imploring the companies to take fake posts about the conflict off their social media platforms.

Israeli food-tech advances as Aleph Farms seeks regulatory nod for cell-based steaks

David Rosenberg

David Rosenberg

In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech

Huawei

China's Huawei to invest $430M in North African cloud center, developer training

The Chinese tech firm has been increasing its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa.

A man monitors the board at the Stock Exchange Market (Tadawul) bourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 12, 2019.

Analysis

Saudi Arabia fastest growing crypto economy globally amid regional drive

The kingdom led globally with a 12% increase in crypto transaction volume reaching nearly $31 billion from July 2022 through June 2023, according to an industry report released Tuesday.

By Salim A. Essaid

Solar panels used to generate renewable energy at the Sustainability Pavilion during a media tour at the Dubai Expo 2020, a week ahead of its public opening, in the United Arab Emirates.

UAE places technology at top of COP28 agenda in Dubai

The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Space Agency and COP28 signed an agreement in July to coordinate on technology-focused sustainable solutions ahead of the major climate change conference in Dubai later this year.

United Arab Emirates

Huawei

China’s Huawei opens cloud data center in Riyadh to grow MENA footprint

The Chinese telecoms giant said in February it would invest $400 million in Saudi Arabia's cloud region over the next five years.

Nvidia 1

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.

Got Talent Papercup

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.