AI in Saudi Arabia: PIF-linked Sanabil backed GCC AI startup 1001 with a $30M Series A to build “sovereign AI” for aviation, ports and energy infrastructure, aiming to scale engineering and go-to-market across key GCC markets. Sovereign AI infrastructure: Magna AI and Saudi’s Emaar Executive Company (EEC) signed a framework in Riyadh to plan and deliver sovereign AI data centers and “AI Factory” programs across Saudi Arabia and potentially wider MENA. Connected TV expansion: V and Screenomic launched free premium TV channels across 10 MENA markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, boosting Arabic content on VIDAA. Digital transformation in industry: Mastek partnered with Yanbu Cement to modernise production-to-dispatch using IIoT, automation, Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, and real-time logistics tracking. Water & research governance: The Global Water Organization reviewed its governance framework and four-year strategy at Saudi Water Week in Jeddah, with member states including Saudi Arabia. Telecom in the region: Zain secured a 20-year licence to operate a mobile network in Syria, taking a 75% stake and acquiring MTN Syria’s network assets. Manufacturing execution: Northern Graphite completed relocation of its processing plant equipment in Namibia to the Okanjande mine site, targeting a restart of production in late 2027.