Need to Know

Space42 and California-based Viasat formed Equatys, a $1 billion joint venture building a 2,800-satellite network to connect smartphones and everyday devices directly, targeting commercial operations by 2028.

Abu Dhabi's Institute of Foundation Models launched K2 Horizon, a fully open-source fleet of six AI models built in part at its Silicon Valley lab, marking the largest open-source AI release in history.

Microsoft committed an additional $2 billion through 2030 across the Gulf, building on its $15.2 billion UAE investment and deepening ties with partners like G42 even amid regional uncertainty.

Mubadala Capital co-led Crusoe's $3.9 billion Series F, valuing the Denver-based AI infrastructure company at $30.9 billion and marking its participation in every funding round since 2022.

The UAE led a $3 billion Series D round for Austin-based The Boring Company, valuing the tunneling firm at $23 billion and accelerating over 150 kilometers of planned UAE tunnel projects, including the Dubai Loop.

UAE AI Minister Omar Al Olama joined Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff on stage at Dreamforce 2026 to discuss the UAE's build-out of one of the world's first AI-powered governments.

Marlan Space and San Francisco's Loft Orbital led a $1 billion consortium to build Altair-Next Gen, a 50-satellite AI constellation manufactured in Abu Dhabi and announced alongside the French president in Paris.

The UAE granted SpaceX's Starlink a 10-year license to operate a nationwide satellite communications network, extending American infrastructure across the country's energy, logistics and aviation sectors.

Mubadala Energy-backed Caturus is nearly doubling its Commonwealth LNG facility in Louisiana to 17.25 Mtpa, adding to a growing portfolio of UAE-backed US LNG investments.

Mubadala Capital agreed to acquire a majority stake in Arrive Logistics, one of North America's largest freight brokerages, to accelerate its AI-powered freight management platform across the US, Canada and Mexico.

More than 50 UAE Chief AI Officers and government officials traveled to Silicon Valley to meet with Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, Salesforce and Databricks on secure, responsible AI deployment.

Abu Dhabi Global Market's active licenses grew to nearly 14,000 in the first half of 2026, with assets under management up 54% year-over-year as US funds including Capital Group and Bain Capital expanded into the hub.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone surpassed 700 US companies, with recent arrivals including H.B. Fuller, FedEx and Flexitallic expanding manufacturing and logistics operations in the emirate.

Dubai's DataLunix partnered with Austin-based Xurrent to bring agentic AI-powered service management to enterprises across the Gulf Cooperation Council.