EA deal marks Riyadh’s boldest step in gaming and global entertaintment
Electronic Arts, the studio behind FIFA, Madden NFL, The Sims and Battlefield, has agreed to a $55 billion buyout led by Saudi Arabia’s Public...
Dubai’s DIFC backs Ignyte and Binance to Accelerate Blockchain Innovation
Ignyte and Binance have entered a strategic alliance, backed by DIFC, to accelerate blockchain and Web3 innovation across MENA. With commentary from Arif Amiri and Richard Teng, the partnership launches with a hackathon and infrastructure support to turn regional hubs like Dubai and Riyadh into blockchain powerhouses.
China’s Robotaxi giants target Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh in driverless push
Pony.ai and Baidu are racing to deploy 1,000 robotaxis across Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia by 2027–2028. With Uber partnerships, RTA permits, and mega-projects like NEOM, the Gulf is becoming the proving ground for global driverless mobility.
Open AI launches Sora 2 in the US but MENA might be its biggest test
OpenAI launches Sora, its TikTok-style AI video app powered by Sora 2. What it means for global users and MENA’s fast-growing social media scene.
Saudi Arabia eases banking rules, permits Visitor ID for account opening
Saudi Arabia’s central bank (SAMA) has approved the use of “Visitor ID” to open bank accounts, enabling tourists and business travelers access to digital payments under Vision 2030 reforms.
Why MENA needs more “Boring Startups”
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) startup ecosystem is vibrant, attracting significant venture capital and government support. While entrepreneurial energy often gravitates towards...
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi defining the gaming map of MENA
Riyadh: Saudi gaming revenue $1.19B in 2024, rising to $1.64B by 2028; Savvy Games’ $38B plan and the Esports World Cup 2025 ($70.45M prize...
How Hydroponics, AI and Sunbolah Are Reshaping Agriculture in the Saudi Desert
AgriTech is booming in the desert. How startups are using hydroponics and AI to secure food futures.
Money20/20 Middle East signals Riyadh as Fintech Capital
The Middle East’s largest fintech gathering closed with a show of scale and ambition that underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global financial...
Saudi Arabia Switches on Google Pay, Sets Alipay+ Launch for 2026
Riyadh, September 15, 2025: Saudi Arabia has just made a big leap toward a cashless future. During the Money20/20 Middle East event in Riyadh,...