AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Disinformation: Antisemitism watchdogs say conspiracy posts calling the Dubai–Tel Aviv flydubai stabbing a “false flag” appeared on X within 67 minutes of the emergency, after passengers stopped the pilot and the jet diverted to Saudi Arabia. Security Strategy: Israel’s “Security Guys” group argues antisemitism needs an organized, offensive campaign—tracking narrative origins and building counter-messaging. Turkey Crackdown: Turkey shut down independent outlet T24 over “LGBT propaganda,” blocked pro-Israel and fund-crisis accounts, and is under pressure after a drop in press-freedom rankings. Cultural Inclusion: The ADL released research alleging systemic exclusion of Jewish and Israeli artists across major US cultural institutions. Tech & Connectivity Markets: New research forecasts continued growth across connectivity services, collaboration tools, dedicated internet, and data management—signaling more investment in enterprise networks across the region. Regional Tech Events: Bahrain’s Gateway Gulf and Dubai’s Big 5 Global return in November, spotlighting partnerships, supply chains, and future-ready construction tech.

Iraq Sovereignty & Arms Control: The US completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq, ending the coalition mission against ISIS, while Baghdad says security cooperation will continue using “technology and digital capabilities.” State-Run Weapons Plan: Iraq’s foreign minister says a draft plan to bring all weapons under state control will be unveiled soon, with a June 2027 deadline. Digital Safety for Kids (Türkiye): Vodafone Türkiye launched “My Digital Friend” to teach children aged 8–14 safe, balanced digital habits, aiming to reach 5,000 students in seven provinces. AI in Education (Türkiye): Vodafone also offers Vodafone customers three months of free Super Duolingo access via its Vodafone Happy platform. Defense Tech Funding (Gulf-adjacent): Utah-based Fortem Technologies secured a $50M Lockheed Martin-led round to scale counter-drone capabilities. AI Governance Push: US tech leaders signed “morally binding” voluntary AI safety standards after talks with Trump. Tech & Space Events (Türkiye): TEKNOFEST Southeast kicked off in Şanlıurfa, blending aerospace demos with tech competitions. Market Watch: Asian shares mostly rose on AI optimism despite Iran-war worries.

AI in Business Services: Humain (Saudi PIF) teamed with EY to build Saudi Arabia’s first AI-native BPO service, aiming to turn intelligent agents, automation, analytics and human expertise into an “operating layer” for enterprise operations. Defense Deals: At ADEX 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed $500M+ in defense contracts, including Azerbaijan’s planned purchase of 14 HÜRKUŞ-II trainer aircraft and radar/loitering-munition/coastal-defense deals involving ASELSAN, BAYKAR and ROKETSAN. Regional Security: The US completed its final withdrawal from Iraq, ending the coalition’s Iraq role and shifting counter-ISIS operations to a US-Iraq bilateral setup while raising concerns Iran could move to fill gaps. AI Governance & Aviation Incident: US tech leaders signed a “morally binding” self-policing AI accord, while a Dubai-to-Israel flight diversion after an alleged hijacking attempt kept aviation security in focus. Digital Government: Qatar’s MCIT signed an MoU with PwC Middle East to boost digital government capabilities through training, consulting and knowledge sharing. Tech Events: Türkiye’s TEKNOFEST Güneydoğu opens in Şanlıurfa, spotlighting cybersecurity, fintech, air defense and unmanned systems.

AI & Innovation: WIPO says AI is boosting venture capital and R&D, with deep-science startups surging and AI now driving 53% of global VC deal value. US-Iran Sanctions: The US Treasury added 13 individuals and entities across Russia, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan for helping Iran’s weapons procurement, including an Iran-linked R&D firm and electronics suppliers. Gulf Energy & Trade: Oil flows from the Persian Gulf are nearing pre-war levels, easing prices, while Abu Dhabi accelerates “Zero Hormuz” port buildouts to bypass Hormuz bottlenecks. Iraq Security Shift: The US ends its anti-ISIS mission in Iraq as forces withdraw, a move Tehran and allied groups are framing as a win and Iraqi officials fear could widen Iran’s influence. Healthcare Research: Saudi’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital becomes the first Middle East institution to join an international Alzheimer’s/dementia registry, enrolling its first patient. Regional Tech & Connectivity: stc Group and NTT DOCOMO Business launch IoT connectivity for Komatsu in Saudi Arabia. Protest & Diplomacy: Morocco sees renewed pro-Palestine protests against Israel normalization as diplomatic ties deepen. Market Watch: Asian stocks rise on AI/chip optimism, but bonds wobble on higher yields and Iran-war energy uncertainty.

Middle East Energy Watch: West Asia oil exports rose in September, with tanker flows through the Strait of Hormuz averaging about 10M bpd and another ~6M bpd moving via bypass routes, easing pressure on global prices. Iran-US Tensions: The IRGC published a 26-page open letter to Americans urging an end to US overseas bases and wars, while warning that ordinary Americans are being made to pay for policy. Aviation & Sanctions: Iraqi Airways said it secured a “special exemption” to resume flights to Iran in October, initially from Najaf, as US sanctions on Iran-linked aviation targets continue to shape routes. Tech & Innovation: WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2026 highlights AI-driven growth in venture capital and deep-science startups, with Türkiye among the fast climbers. Qatar Digital Inclusion: Mada launched a platform for consultations with its advisory team on policies and services for people with disabilities. Turkey Defense Tech: Turkish Air Force pilots began Eurofighter Typhoon conversion training in the UK, with instructor training planned after the conversion course. Market Signals (AI/Cloud): Private cloud server demand is projected to surge, reflecting continued enterprise push for secure, dedicated computing.

AI & Governance: Australia joins an OECD working group on agentic AI in government, aiming to share practical lessons on safe, accountable public-sector deployment. Embodied AI & Robotics: Robbyant and AFDE signed an MoU to accelerate embodied AI and robotics rollout across the Middle East. Biotech Funding: Aptadir Therapeutics raised €40M seed to advance RNA inhibitor medicines, including a lead program for Fragile X Syndrome. Payments in MENA: MoneyHash partnered with Geidea to simplify cross-border payments across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt via a single API. Digital Public Services (Egypt): Digital Egypt added online ration card services, including data updates, replacements, activations and adding family members. Finance & Markets: US-Iran tensions and a rejected Hormuz reopening proposal kept global markets jittery; oil rose and gold fell sharply. Iraq Tech for Ports: Iraq’s transport ministry discussed smart port and digital logistics adoption with Huawei and a local engineering firm. Israel-UAE Ties: Reports say Netanyahu made a secret Abu Dhabi visit to meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed.

Energy Markets & Iran Tensions: Oil jumped after Trump rejected Iran’s seven-day truce, keeping Strait of Hormuz uncertainty front and center; Brent rose above $106 while diesel prices in the UK hit record highs. UAE–Israel Security Links: Reports say Netanyahu made a rare secret trip to the UAE, with Iran a key topic as security cooperation deepens ahead of Israel’s election. EV Charging Grid Upgrade (Turkey): Turkey lifted limits on battery storage at EV charging stations, letting integrated storage support higher charging output without costly grid upgrades. UAE E-commerce Growth: EZDubai’s report puts UAE e-commerce at Dhs42.2bn in 2025 and forecasts continued expansion to Dhs67.2bn by 2030, with penetration rising toward 20%+. Health Tech (Israel): DreaMed’s insulin-dosage guidance app for type 2 diabetes cleared by the FDA, aiming to help patients adjust between clinic visits. AI in Eye Care (Israel/US): Diagnos submitted an FDA request for its CARA retinal AI system, advancing regulatory steps for US commercialization. Egypt Mining Push: Egypt’s Mining Forum 2026 drew 6,000+ participants as the government tests its open-block licensing reforms. Tech & Trade Strategy: A new Atlantic Council paper argues the US should boost tech-focused engagement with the Global South to compete with China.

Hormuz Tensions, Tech Angle: Iran is sticking to a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and says it won’t soften conditions, while the US keeps mixed signals and expects talks to resume this week. Maritime Security: Iran’s IRGC claims it seized a US underwater drone (first said REMUS 600, later identified as Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish); the US Central Command denies the capture, saying it has “positive control” of its drone assets. Energy Watch: Oil prices bounced after Trump rejected the proposal, with Brent around $106 and WTI near $93 as attacks and shipping risk keep traders on edge. AI Governance in Iraq: Iraq opens public consultation on a draft AI services regulation covering data protection, security, transparency, and innovation. Local Tech & Industry: UAE MRO provider Sanad says it needs 1,000-plus technicians for its Al Ain hub as it expands engine maintenance capacity. Human Rights Tech/Access: Israel’s Supreme Court orders authorities to resume ICRC visits to detainees after prior non-compliance.

Smart Mobility: Chinese robotaxis are moving from novelty to daily life in Dubai, with Apollo Go already operating and other firms like WeRide and Pony.ai expanding autonomous ride-hailing as the UAE targets 25% smart/driverless trips by 2030. Green Cities: Egypt’s “100 million trees” push is accelerating tree planting and protection, including a national archive for rare long-lived trees as authorities tighten rules on cutting and uprooting. Gulf Security: Saudi Arabia is seeking tighter military coordination with Turkey and Pakistan under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement as Houthi missile and drone attacks intensify, including interceptions near key cities. AI Safety & Policy: Bill Gates warns AI could enable catastrophic misuse and calls for mandatory US regulation and oversight, while Google reports account-creation verification problems for Iranian users. Tech & Space (Oman): Oman’s private space sector investment jumped 270% (to OMR74mn) from 2023 to 2025, alongside growth in companies and jobs. Energy Markets: Hormuz oil flows have rebounded to about two-thirds of prewar levels as Saudi exports rise, easing some chokepoint pressure. Regional Flashpoint Tech: Iran’s IRGC claims it captured a second US Remus 600 drone in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating the tech-and-military contest over the waterway.

Hormuz Diplomacy Standoff: Iran’s seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was rejected by US President Donald Trump, even as indirect US-Iran talks resumed via mediators—leaving shipping and energy markets in limbo. Gulf Security Pressure: Saudi FM Prince Faisal warned at the UN that Iranian and Houthi attacks threaten Gulf stability, trade, and freedom of navigation. Energy Shock Watch: Middle East conflicts are pushing Europe toward another energy crisis, with Hormuz disruption still reshaping global oil flows. Syria Reconstruction Without Rights: Human Rights Watch says Syria’s reconstruction deals lack a rights framework, risking displacement and weak protections for affected communities. UAE Circular Bioeconomy: UAEU and Emirates Biotech launched the country’s first organic-waste valorization pilot plant to turn food waste into biogas and compost. Iraq Smart Cities: Iraq began rolling out its first smart waste collection system in Karbala using an underground network to move waste to transfer stations. Bahrain Digital Resilience: Bahrain ranked third in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, highlighting strong digital sovereignty and telecom performance. Ancient Tech in Egypt: A new geophysical survey of Tutankhamun’s tomb suggests possible hidden corridors behind KV62, with plans for tiny camera probing.

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.

Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi says Tehran sent Washington a concrete seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz via Qatar, with passage on day six and talks on day seven—if US conditions are accepted. Sanctions & Escalation: The IRGC says Iran will keep punishing the US until its conditions are met, while reports say Trump rejected the seven-day ceasefire and may resume bombing after midterms. Red Sea Pressure: The UN Security Council condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and threats to Red Sea navigation, urging enforcement of Resolution 2216 and humanitarian access. Local Water Fight: AP reports Israeli settlers are diverting West Bank spring water and heritage sites, with COGAT acknowledging unauthorized diversion in one case. AI in the Region: Mastercard’s Dreamonomics finds EEMEA SMEs prioritize cyber protection and are leaning into AI for growth and fraud/security. Saudi EV Launch: Saudi Arabia’s Ceer unveiled Exobot sedan and SUV specs, including fast charging and long-range claims. Tech & Markets: Wall Street edged higher as oil eased on Hormuz-deal hopes and AI optimism lifted major tech names.

Israel-U.S.-Abraham Accords: Israel, the US and Abraham Accords partners met in New York for the first multilateral roundtable since 2023, shifting focus from new deals to practical cooperation as Kazakhstan prepares to join. Jerusalem Tech Jobs: Jerusalem inaugurated a renewed Har Hotzvim Hi-Tech Park, with upgrades to security and public infrastructure and projections of 10,000 new jobs as the site expands. Iran War Tech & Drones: Iran says it has reconfigured military capabilities and upgraded its Arash loitering drone for battlefield use. AI at the UN: Vatican’s top diplomat backed a two-state solution and urged limits on AI’s rapid development at the UN General Assembly. Regional Security Talks: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye condemned attacks on Makkah and discussed urgent support under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Gaza Strikes: Israel reported killing Hamas members and destroying a 2 km tunnel amid continued ceasefire violations. Turkey Space Push: Türkiye’s Antalya hosts IAC 2026, with record submissions and a push to link local space firms to global partners. Automotive Tech Market Pulse: New reports project growth across interior LED/ambient lighting, LiDAR sensors, thermal management and polymer composites. Saudi-Turkey Naval Training: Baykar trained 30 Saudi naval personnel in Türkiye, including pilots and technicians. Human Rights & Tech Firms: UN rights office added 61 companies to a database tied to illegal settlement activities, including major tech and booking platforms.

UAE tightens Iran finance: The UAE central bank barred Bank Melli from processing transactions to and from Iran, citing money-laundering and terrorism-financing violations, after earlier UAE steps to suspend trade and financial activity with Iran. UN diplomacy amid war: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN that Iranians are “victims of terrorism,” vowed Iran won’t surrender, but left room for talks to end the war. Aviation deal with geopolitical weight: Turkish Airlines finalized an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets (options for 50 more) with substitution rights for 737-10, while the engine/maintenance question remains unresolved. Defense tech delivery: Israel took delivery of the German-built INS Drakon, its largest submarine, as maritime tensions with Iran-linked threats continue. Robotics spotlight: A roundup highlights Middle East robots in factories, firefighting, and humanoid communication, including Egypt’s RaedBots and Saudi’s Arabic-speaking Sara. Corruption cooperation: Iraq and Oman signed an MoU to expand anti-corruption work, including information sharing, legal help, and asset recovery. EU jobs push: The European Commission pledged €10m to help create 500,000 women’s jobs across MENA via skills, entrepreneurship, and hiring reforms.

Energy & Sanctions: Gulf producers are keeping oil flowing despite Iran war pressure, but the workarounds are getting pricier and may not last. Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s reported offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days hinges on lifting the blockade and easing U.S. pressure, though Tehran’s messaging is inconsistent. UN Spotlight: UN chief António Guterres accused Israel of “bulldozing” the path to peace and warned humanitarian aid must flow. Markets: Oil and U.S. Treasury yields jumped as Iran signaled it won’t surrender, even as crude later eased on diplomacy hopes. Defense & Mental Health: The U.S. Navy says eight sailors attempted suicide aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during the Iran war deployment. Semiconductors: Tower Semiconductor plans a $4B Japan hub for optical communications chips. AI & Cloud in the Gulf: Microsoft announced a Middle East AI and cloud framework with UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, pledging $10B+ through 2030. Venture & Research: VentureIsrael appointed Evgenia Zaslavskaya as a venture partner for international communications; Qatar University won an Academic AI and Research Excellence award at Google Cloud Summit 2026. Data Centers: Saudi Arabia is among the fastest-growing data center markets globally. Health Research: Arabian Gulf University students published diabetes nutrition findings from Bahrain in Frontiers in Nutrition. Oil Sector (Iraq): Iraq’s PM met ExxonMobil and HKN Energy to push faster project execution and higher output.

Qatar–Industry Partnership: Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Honeywell Technologies signed an MoU to build an integrated manufacturing and service hub in Qatar’s free zones, focused on machining and servicing Honeywell Sundyne pumps for energy and process industries, with wider cooperation across automation, cybersecurity and building tech. AI in Education: Qatar University won Google Cloud’s Academic AI and Research Excellence Award, citing its Gemini Enterprise rollout and the Spark AI Research Hub to boost AI use in research and operations. Cybersecurity Pressure: A Positive Technologies report says UAE, Iran and Saudi Arabia account for about two-thirds of Middle East cyberattacks seen via open-source monitoring, driven by both conflict-linked hacktivism and financially motivated crime. UNGA Iran Tensions: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a wartime UN address, calling Iranians “victims of terrorism,” rejecting nuclear-weapon claims, and responding to Trump’s “annihilate” remarks as the US delegation walked out. Energy & Markets: Markets tracked renewed US–Iran diplomacy talk after Trump said talks at the UN were “very good,” helping oil stabilize near $100 while stocks pulled back. Regional Tech & Energy: Türkiye said it aims to bring its first small modular nuclear reactor online in the early 2030s, preparing incentives and feasibility work with US partners.