UAE approves record 2026 Budget, KSA's Humain to roll out new AI-based computer OS, UK sees Gulf trade deal coming soon, Thailand's exports surge, OpenAI expands India push
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Cabinet approves record $25.2B Budget for 2026
- 71% of UHNW families believe in AI, digital assets investment
- ST Engineering unit to develop Abu Dhabi intelligent transport platform
- XRG eyes investment in Argentina LNG project
- M42 sets up 'M42 Saudi Arabia' to expand Saudi footprint
- Kingdom taps AI exports for shift from oil exporter to tech player
- Humain to roll out new AI-based computer operating system
- BNPL Tabby hits $4.5B valuation after secondary share sale
- AI physician, vaccine manufacturing localization announced
- Fitch sees asset management industry hitting $400B AUM in 2026
- QatarEnergy acquires 40% stake in North Rafah exploration block from Eni
- Egypt joins UN convention against cybercrime during Hanoi meeting
- talabat partners CIB to launch co-branded credit card
- UK’s Energean signs transmission deal for Israel-Egypt gas pipeline
- Eni eyes biogas production complex in Port Said
- 8 working groups established to draft economic revival plans
- MoITT partners Meta for joint AI and innovation initiatives
- KSA extends $1B oil facility, agrees on $5B deposits renewal
- First Apple-authorized reseller store to open in Lahore this year
- National Center for Quantum Computing to be set up supported by China
Other MENA+ Developments
- OPEC+ considering another small oil output hike in December
- UK's finance minister sees Gulf trade deal coming soon after positive talks
- Goldman Sachs eyes $10B mandate from Kuwait Investment Authority
- Qatar's QFZ launches advanced automotive logistics hub
- Syria, KSA discuss joint investment push in priority sectors
Southeast Asia Developments
- Thai exports surge 19% as tariff pressures ease
- Singapore boosts US cooperation on nuclear energy
- Vietnam continues to see strong production demand despite Trump tariffs
- Toyota to bet on hybrids, invest $360M in Vietnam
- Malaysia’s new US trade deal to boost SMEs, exporters
India Developments
- Amazon hits $20B in India e-commerce exports, targets $80B by 2030
- India to raise foreign investment limit in state-run banks to 49%
- OpenAI expands India push, makes ChatGPT Go free for a year
- Cloud kitchen operator Curefoods gets approval for IPO
- Creative industry pushes back on MeitY’s 10% AI content label rule
