News

Intel Invests Additional $15 Billion In Israeli Chip Facility

Intel’s huge investment comes in addition to the $10 billion already committed by the well-known processor company back in 2019.

Published

2 years ago

June 19, 2023

Nour Nasir

Intel

On Sunday, Israel’s Ministry of Finance announced that the country had reached a new agreement with processor giant Intel that will see $25 billion of investment go towards an updated chip-making facility in Kiryat Gat.

The investment adds another $15 billion on top of the $10 billion earmarked for the proposed factory back in 2019, after the global COVID pandemic delayed construction. The new facility will be significantly more advanced than in the original plans, forming part of a larger production site known as Megafab.

Intel hasn’t yet commented directly on the investment details, but a press release was quick to praise Israeli expertise: “Israel is a global center of technical talent and innovation and one of Intel’s significant global manufacturing and R&D centers. Since its establishment in 1974, Intel Israel has played a crucial role in Intel’s global success. Our intention to expand manufacturing capacity in Israel is driven by our commitment to meeting future manufacturing needs and supporting Intel’s IDM 2.0 strategy, and we appreciate the continued support of the Israeli government”.

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Formal approval of the new agreement is expected to happen in a few weeks as Intel ramps up its international efforts to expand worldwide production capacity. According to a press release from the Israeli finance ministry, thousands of additional technicians will be required in Kiryat Gat, with Intel offering higher wages than the industry average. Additionally, the processor company has agreed to increase its tax obligations from 5% to 7.5%. Intel aims to close the investment deal and commence plant operations by 2027, operating the complex until at least 2035.

As manufacturers like Apple opt to develop their own processor architectures, Intel increasingly needs to adapt to a changing global market worth trillions of dollars. The company’s recent investment in Israel comes shortly after announcing a $4.6 billion deal to build a chip assembly and testing facility in Warsaw, Poland, and joins existing manufacturing facilities in Ireland and Germany.

News

UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

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Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.