UAE paves way for Starlink entry, KSA-made Arabia AI model launched, GCC asset management up 9% YoY, India and China explore reopening border trade
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- TDRA begins consultation for satellite reseller regulations, paving way for Starlink entry
- Dubai’s Parkin introduces on-demand fuel and car wash service
- Electric two-wheeler maker Omega Seiki Mobility plans Dubai assembly plant
- Core42 makes OpenAI's latest GPT-OSS models available on its platform globally
- e& launches monitoring-as-a-service for infrastructure
- Humain launches first locally-made Arabic AI model Allam
- Video game consoles imports hit 2.4M in 2 years
- Saudi Arabia added 616 MNC regional HQs since Project HQ launch
- PIF writes down $8B from value of gigaprojects
- Schneider Electric launches locally-tailored EV chargers
- 175km Qena-Safaga high-speed rail line to launch by H1 2026
- Egyptian Credit Bureau partners Synapse Analytics for AI-powered credit decision platform
- Egypt threatens action against Ethiopia over GERD
- CBE relaxes rules for overseas credit card use
- Ministry of Industry launches national database to localize automotive industry
- Secretary of State confirms US exploring critical materials cooperation with Pakistan
- Moody's upgrades credit rating to Caa1 on improving external financial position
- National AI Policy officially launches, to incentivize local solutions, support foreign investment
- Auto tariffs to be cut over 5 years, amidst work on new export strategy
- Pakistan suggests global plastic fund to address pollution
Other MENA+ Developments
- GCC asset management up 9% YoY to hit $2.2T led by KSA, UAE
- Du deploys Middle East’s first 5G-Advanced network with Huawei
- Aramco-DHL JV seeks backers for $267M Dammam distribution center
- UAE digital asset platform Fasset launches in Bahrain
- OSN partners The Trade Desk for data-powered TV streaming
Southeast Asia Developments
- Samsung Electronics to kick off $1B Philippines manufacturing expansion
- LG CNS to build second AI data center in Vietnam, following Indonesia deal
- GoTo scores fourth consecutive quarter of profitability, cuts expenses despite competition
- HCM City FDI recovers with 45% surge in 7M2025, shrugging off tariff jitters
- Chinese investors expand in Indonesia to sidestep US tariffs
India Developments
- CEA sees online gaming spending surge as digital consumption grows
- Global chipmakers facing financial strain seek India partnerships
- Karnataka to draft online gaming law after expert report
- RBI sees generative AI boosting banking operations by 46%
- China, India discuss reopening border trade after 5-year freeze
