UAE gets expanded access to US chips, satellites, and defense exports, Saudi CMA paves way for SPAC listings on Tadawul, MENA startups raised $148.2M in June, Malaysia to begin homegrown EV battery production, Indian firms turn to Chinese LLMs to rein in AI spending
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- UAE gets expanded access to US chips, satellites, and defense exports
- EGA restarts alumina refinery after 3.5 month shutdown
- Global logistics firm Rock-It establishes Abu Dhabi regional HQ
- Clean energy reaches 21.5% of Dubai’s power mix
- Abu Dhabi Investment Council commits $1B to Deem Global
- Chinese autonomous logistics firm Neolix seeks Saudi expansion after UAE
- DCO unveils ethical AI guidebook at UN dialogue
- POS transactions up 34% in July on freight transport, postal services
- Fitch affirms ‘A+’ credit rating despite regional headwinds
- CMA paves way for SPAC listings on Tadawul
- Egypt, Jordan to boost energy, mining cooperation
- China’s CSGI to help drive 45% renewable energy target within two years
- Valu launches instant cashback loyalty program for payments
- NUCA waives fees, penalties for real estate developers in new cities
- Construction-tech firm Kuadra to roll out unified AI platform
- 47 district-level internet licences issued in 2026 to boost access
- IT exports hit record $4.5B in FY2025/26, up from $3.5B
- Investor safeguards, new incentives to support refinery upgrades
- Major port, energy and shipping initiatives to boost maritime sector
- SECP rolls out IBAN digital verification to ease onboarding
Other MENA+ Developments
- Hormuz traffic slumps to lowest in weeks amid renewed military strikes
- Startup funding up 190% to reach $148.2M in June
- Iraq, US expected to ink oil and gas deals during PM’s Washington visit
- Qatar sets out new requirements under Labour Law amendments
- Oman-India trade deal operationalized with first CEPA shipments
Southeast Asia Developments
- Thailand's oldest bank SCB bets on virtual banking for growth
- Singapore IPO rebound expected to continue in second half of year
- Singapore to retain premium status despite Malaysia’s data center boom
- China drives Philippines’ rooftop solar boom
- Malaysia to begin homegrown EV battery production this month
