The Middle East is quickly becoming one of the world’s biggest testing grounds for new technology, from billion-dollar AI infrastructure projects to satellites that can process information in space. Across the region, governments, universities and private companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, robotics and next-generation computing, while international tech giants continue to push the boundaries of what our devices and AI tools can do.
From Egypt’s plans for a massive Nvidia-powered data centre to Apple’s first foldable iPhone, here are some of the biggest tech stories making headlines right now.
Egypt Plans a $1 Billion AI Data Centre Powered by Nvidia Technology
Egypt is planning its first large-scale artificial intelligence data centre, with the eventual facility expected to reach 200 megawatts and cost around $1 billion. The project will initially begin with a 20-megawatt, $200 million phase over three years, built through a partnership between Vodafone Business, Elsewedy Electric and Cassava Technologies, Nvidia’s main partner in Africa. The centre is expected to use Nvidia’s accelerated computing technology as Egypt looks to strengthen its position as a regional AI and data hub.
Apple Unveils Its First Foldable iPhone Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro
Apple has officially entered the foldable-phone race with the new iPhone Duo, unveiled on September 9 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Duo opens into a 7.6-inch display and runs on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, while the iPhone 18 Pro lineup introduces features including a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture and improved performance.
For UAE buyers, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available from September 18, with pre-orders opening on September 12. The iPhone Duo will also arrive in the UAE on October 23, with pre-orders beginning October 16.
OpenAI Launches GPT-6 Astra, Its Most Advanced AI Model Yet
OpenAI has introduced GPT-6 Astra, describing it as its most capable and aligned model to date. The new model is designed to handle increasingly complex tasks across areas including computer use, browsing, software engineering, cybersecurity, science and professional work. OpenAI says Astra is being rolled out gradually, with availability expanding to Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise users as well as through the API and major cloud platforms.
UAE’s Marlan Space Leads $1 Billion AI Satellite Project in France With 50 Satellites
The UAE is taking AI beyond Earth with a new $1 billion space project in France led by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital. The Altair-Next Gen programme will create a constellation of 50 AI-equipped satellites carrying optical, radar and other sensors, with the satellites able to process information while still in orbit rather than sending raw data back to Earth first. The satellites are being manufactured by Orbitworks in Abu Dhabi, with the first one expected to launch in October.
Riyadh Launches the World’s First Humanoid Robot Sports League
Robots are officially getting their own sports league. CyberHero, described as the world’s first global humanoid robot sports league, launched in Riyadh on September 9, with plans for an inaugural circuit across eight cities spanning the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia. The Riyadh event featured humanoid robot combat and is designed to bring physical AI out of research labs and into a competitive sporting environment.
UAE AI University Releases the World’s Largest Fully Open AI Models
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi has launched K2 Horizon, a suite of six AI foundation models ranging from 0.9 billion to 375 billion parameters. What makes the release particularly notable is its fully open approach: the models come with their weights, code, training data, and methodology, allowing researchers and developers to inspect, reproduce, and adapt them. The smallest model is designed for highly constrained devices such as watches and glasses, while the largest is aimed at more demanding enterprise applications.
ReBid Adds ChatGPT Ads to Its Agentic AI Marketing Platform
AI is also changing how brands approach advertising, with ReBid announcing on September 7 that it has added ChatGPT Ads activation and analytics to its Agentic AI-powered marketing platform. The new feature allows brands to manage ChatGPT advertising alongside channels including Google, Meta, LinkedIn, X, Snapchat and DV360, while also accessing campaign management, performance analytics and insights through one platform. The move comes as advertising inside AI-powered experiences becomes an increasingly important part of the digital marketing conversation.
The tech landscape is moving faster than ever, and the Middle East is no longer simply watching these developments unfold; it is increasingly helping build them. From AI infrastructure and open-source models to robotics and space technology, the region is positioning itself at the centre of some of the biggest conversations shaping the future of tech, while global launches like Apple’s first foldable iPhone and OpenAI’s latest model continue to change what consumers can expect next.
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