US strikes Iranian military sites after Apache helicopter downing
The latest confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz threatens regional shipping security and comes despite renewed diplomatic efforts to stabilize multiple Middle East conflicts.
Geostrategy
Saudi, UAE startups join World Economic Forum’s global tech cohort
Saudi Arabia was represented by intella, which develops Arabic-language speech recognition and analytics tools, and Nommas Technologies, which provides AI-powered visual inspection systems for manufacturers.
Geostrategy
Why flexibility is non-negotiable in the Middle East’s AI transformation
The opportunity ahead is significant. Projections suggest AI could contribute $320 billion to the Middle East’s economy by 2030, with Egypt expected to generate nearly 8 percent of its GDP from AI in the same timeframe, according to Red Hat. The challenge now is not just to adopt AI but to operationalize it in a way that respects the unique regulations, cultures, and ambitions of the Middle East.
The region is a mosaic of digital ambitions where distinct national strategies are unfolding simultaneously. While the UAE accelerates its push to become a global hub for AI-driven finance and services, Saudi Arabia is executing a vision of entirely new cognitive cities built from the ground up.
UAE consumers embrace AI shopping but remain wary of autonomous purchases
Visa's latest Stay Secure study also highlighted the rapid rise of social commerce, with 69% of UAE consumers reporting purchases made directly through social media platforms.
Business
Inside the UAE’s integrated approach to food security
Professor Tareq Osaili, Vice Dean, College of Health Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Sharjah, says the UAE’s integrated food system combines imports, manufacturing, innovation, and efficient ingredients to strengthen resilience, affordability, nutrition, and sustainability amid global disruptions.
Opinion
UAE executives face growing accountability over AI strategies
A new Dataiku study shows UAE CEOs increasingly view AI performance, governance and accountability as defining measures of leadership success.
Business
Why the GCC should stop trying to build Silicon Valley and focus on owning it
Fahad AlSharekh says the GCC’s edge isn’t startup mimicry but global investment power — backing AI, infrastructure and category leaders early, not chasing hype.
Middle East conflict: Trade tensions rise as oil jumps and tariffs shake markets
Several ports suspended operations in the Middle East after drone strikes. DP World said operations at Jebel Ali port in Dubai, one of the world's busiest container ports, had been suspended due to a fire after "aerial interception," he adds.
Economy
Achille Staiano
Chief Commercial Officer, Explora Journeys
Industry: Luxury Ocean Travel
Liliana Paraipan
Wellness Director at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea
Industry: Hospitality Industry
Abu Dhabi residential property sales hit record $19.9bn in 2025
Apartments dominated the sales market, accounting for 66% of transactions, reflecting strong developer activity in the segment
Economy
Neil George
Partner & Co-CEO, Aleph Hospitality
Industry: Hospitality
Ancient water network discovered in historic Cairo
Excavations revealed two large wells connected to an advanced water distribution system that supplied water to the citadel through waterwheels and stone channels linked to the historic Aqueduct of Cairo.
Arts & Culture
Supply chain attacks emerge as top cyber threat to businesses: Study
The study found that large enterprises are particularly vulnerable because of their extensive vendor networks.
Business
US strikes Iranian military sites after Apache helicopter downing
The latest confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz threatens regional shipping security and comes despite renewed diplomatic efforts to stabilize...
Geostrategy
Company News
Saudi, UAE startups join World Economic Forum’s global tech cohort
Saudi Arabia was represented by intella, which develops Arabic-language speech recognition and analytics tools, and Nommas Technologies, which provides AI-powered...
Geostrategy
Latest News
PIF assets reach $910 billion by 2025 end, below Vision 2030 target
According to the latest Vision 2030 annual report, the real non-oil GDP reached $892 billion against a target of $904...
Saudi Arabia’s economy expands as oil and non-oil sectors grow
According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), all major economic sectors recorded positive annual growth during the quarter, reflecting...
OpenAI files confidentially for IPO as AI boom accelerates
The company did not disclose the size or timing of the offering, saying only that preparations remained at an early...
Oil steadies while gold and bitcoin extend weekly losses
Oil markets were supported by expectations that ongoing talks between the United States and Iran could help secure energy flows...
UAE property market draws global investors despite regional conflict
The UAE Property Investment Index, conducted by U.S.-based Penta Group, found that 56% of global property investors expressed serious interest...
Why flexibility is non-negotiable in the Middle East’s AI transformation
The region is a mosaic of digital ambitions where distinct national strategies are unfolding simultaneously. While the UAE accelerates its push to become a global hub for...
UAE consumers embrace AI shopping but remain wary of autonomous purchases
Visa's latest Stay Secure study also highlighted the rapid rise of social commerce, with 69% of UAE consumers reporting purchases...
Business
EDITOR'S PICK
3 ways travel drives economic growth while enhancing global connections and sustainability
WTTC research shows that, having endured estimated losses of $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs...
EVs just the start, urban mobility needs a holistic approach
Cities must adopt EVs alongside shared transport, robust infrastructure, clean energy, and inclusivity, says Jamie...
Exclusive: Private military companies look at $366.8bn market as their demand, role in global conflicts rise
Rising security concerns, confrontational geopolitics, and chaotic global changes have fueled the demand for private...
TikTok under fire: Espionage claims, election influence campaigns and controversies
The platform faces accusations of espionage in the United States, while the European Union has...
Why the GCC should stop trying to build Silicon Valley and focus on owning it
Fahad AlSharekh says the GCC’s edge isn’t startup mimicry but global investment power — backing AI, infrastructure and category leaders...
Latest News
UAE property market draws global investors despite regional conflict
The UAE Property Investment Index, conducted by U.S.-based Penta Group, found that 56% of global property investors expressed serious interest...
Trump signs order allowing US Govt access to AI models before public release
The measure establishes a new cybersecurity clearinghouse involving federal agencies and industry partners, reflecting growing concerns about advanced AI systems'...
Middle East conflict drags global air travel demand lower
Revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), the industry's measure of demand, declined 3.4% year-on-year, while available seat kilometers (ASK), a measure of...
UAE organizations strengthen governance to scale AI cybersecurity: Report
Governance, accountability and validation processes emerge as critical requirements for translating growing AI investment into measurable operational and security outcomes,...
Emirates breaks ground on Dubai South engineering hub
The $5.1 billion engineering complex targets advanced aircraft maintenance capabilities, sustainability benchmarks, and expanded aviation infrastructure. The facility is being...
Khalifa Education Award begins judging stage
Geostrategy
Company News
Inside the UAE’s integrated approach to food security
Professor Tareq Osaili, Vice Dean, College of Health Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Sharjah, says the...
Opinion
Ancient water network discovered in historic Cairo
Excavations revealed two large wells connected to an advanced water distribution system that supplied water to the citadel through waterwheels...
Arts & Culture
UAE executives face growing accountability over AI strategies
A new Dataiku study shows UAE CEOs increasingly view AI performance, governance and accountability as defining measures of leadership success.
Business
Middle East conflict: Trade tensions rise as oil jumps and tariffs shake markets
Several ports suspended operations in the Middle East after drone strikes. DP World said operations at Jebel Ali port in...
Economy
Abu Dhabi residential property sales hit record $19.9bn in 2025
Apartments dominated the sales market, accounting for 66% of transactions, reflecting strong developer activity in the segment
Economy
Supply chain attacks emerge as top cyber threat to businesses: Study
The study found that large enterprises are particularly vulnerable because of their extensive vendor networks.
Business
Business
Riyadh Air adds five routes as first Dreamliners arrive
The expansion marks an early test of Saudi Arabia's ambition to build Riyadh into a major international aviation hub.
- London flights have been brought forward by three weeks after aircraft arrived earlier than expected.
- The carrier aims to serve more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
Geostrategy
Israel and Iran signal restraint after renewed military clashes
Both countries, however, warned that they were ready to launch retaliatory attacks if provoked. The renewed hostilities raised concerns that...
- Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar reportedly urged Washington to press both sides toward restraint.
- The exchange followed Israeli strikes in Iran and Iranian missile attacks on Israel, with both sides citing earlier actions by the other as justification.
Business
OpenAI files confidentially for IPO as AI boom accelerates
The company did not disclose the size or timing of the offering, saying only that preparations remained at an early...
- Reuters previously reported OpenAI could seek a valuation of up to $1 trillion, potentially making it one of history's largest technology listings.
- The filing follows a restructuring effort and a court victory over Elon Musk, removing a major legal hurdle ahead of any share sale.
Achille Staiano
Chief Commercial Officer, Explora Journeys
Industry: Luxury Ocean Travel
Liliana Paraipan
Wellness Director at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea
Industry: Hospitality Industry
Neil George
Partner & Co-CEO, Aleph Hospitality
Industry: Hospitality