Cybersecurity & AI: Exotech says its SOC AI platform for Saudi Arabia can unify investigations across SIEM and EDR tools while keeping analysts in charge of sensitive decisions. AI & Cloud Investment: Microsoft is expanding Middle East cloud and AI with a $10bn commitment, while Qualcomm tells Asharq Al-Awsat it’s deepening Saudi AI economy bets beyond its first data-center customer. Digital Cooperation: A China-Arab AI dialogue in Hangzhou calls for a new phase of AI, digital trade, and smart-city partnerships. Health Systems: UAE’s Future Health convened UNGA leaders to push prevention-first healthcare, stressing population data, financing, delivery capacity, and trusted systems. Education & Skills: talabat’s “Next Tech Gen” brings AI, data analytics, and coding workshops to Kuwait students with CODED Academy. Iraq Healthcare Tech: Kurdistan’s KRI reports major drug price cuts and a new pharmacy electronic system for official pricing and quality checks. Geopolitics With Tech Impact: Big Tech data-center plans in the Gulf face new risk as the Iran war disrupts and threatens infrastructure. Energy & Trade: S&P lifts Oman’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% on resilient trade routes and energy capacity. Regional Security: Trump publicly rejects Iran’s seven-day Hormuz reopening deal, while Iran continues to frame it as a diplomatic off-ramp.