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MENA Startup Digest

MENA Startup Digest

Latest MENA startup news, funding rounds, ecosystem updates, events, and opportunities

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TRENDING

Numou and NBF Partner to Expand UAE SME Financing Access

Numou and NBF Partner to Expand UAE SME Financing Access

Arbeat Secures Full VARA Licence for Dubai Exchange and Broker-Dealer Services

Arbeat Secures Full VARA Licence for Dubai Exchange and Broker-Dealer Services

du Launches Emirati Entrepreneur Month to Spotlight Young UAE Founders

du Launches Emirati Entrepreneur Month to Spotlight Young UAE Founders

Egypt Launches Mobile App for Real Estate Transactions

Egypt Launches Mobile App for Real Estate Transactions

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Latest News
Numou and NBF Partner to Expand UAE SME Financing Access
Arbeat Secures Full VARA Licence for Dubai Exchange and Broker-Dealer Services
du Launches Emirati Entrepreneur Month to Spotlight Young UAE Founders
Egypt Launches Mobile App for Real Estate Transactions
Parkin Signs MoU to Expand Smart Parking Technology into Egypt
Saudi EdTech Startup AILA Raises M in Pre-Series A Round
Funding
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026

Saudi EdTech Startup AILA Raises $3M in Pre-Series A Round

Saudi education technology startup AILA has raised $3 million in a Pre-Series A round led by Rua Growth Fund, with participation from Jo Academy, 500 Global, Bunat VC and Fikr…

Heybreez Raises .5m Seed Round to Scale Enterprise Voice AI Platform
Funding
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026

Heybreez Raises $2.5m Seed Round to Scale Enterprise Voice AI Platform

Exits MENA to Acquire Avanz Capital Egypt in Multi-Seven-Figure Deal
News
2 Min Read
August 18, 2026

Exits MENA to Acquire Avanz Capital Egypt in Multi-Seven-Figure Deal

IPNation Launches in UAE with Influence Media Investment and 0M MENA Strategy
News
2 Min Read
August 17, 2026

IPNation Launches in UAE with Influence Media Investment and $100M MENA Strategy

Qatar Investment Authority Invests in Lesha Bank’s Sharia-Compliant Equity Fund
News
1 Min Read
August 17, 2026

Qatar Investment Authority Invests in Lesha Bank’s Sharia-Compliant Equity Fund

Numou and NBF Partner to Expand UAE SME Financing Access
Ecosystem
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026

Numou and NBF Partner to Expand UAE SME Financing Access

du Launches Emirati Entrepreneur Month to Spotlight Young UAE Founders
Ecosystem
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026

du Launches Emirati Entrepreneur Month to Spotlight Young UAE Founders

Jazan Incubator Supports 160 Productive Families and Entrepreneurs
Ecosystem
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026

Jazan Incubator Supports 160 Productive Families and Entrepreneurs

Main Headlines

Pinnacle Launches Saudi VC Fund for Growth Companies and Secondary Deals

Pinnacle Launches Saudi VC Fund for Growth Companies and Secondary Deals

News
1 Min Read
August 17, 2026
Saudi PIF Discloses B Stake in SpaceX

Saudi PIF Discloses $26B Stake in SpaceX

News
1 Min Read
August 15, 2026
E-finance to Acquire Egypt’s Tamweely in Deal Worth Up to M

E-finance to Acquire Egypt’s Tamweely in Deal Worth Up to $94M

News
2 Min Read
August 14, 2026
Khwarizmi Ventures Completes Partial Exit from Bosta with 3x Return

Khwarizmi Ventures Completes Partial Exit from Bosta with 3x Return

News
1 Min Read
August 14, 2026
Saudi AI Company HUMAIN Launches HUMAIN Sport After Acquiring Majority Stake in ai.io

Saudi AI Company HUMAIN Launches HUMAIN Sport After Acquiring Majority Stake in ai.io

News
2 Min Read
August 12, 2026
Saudi Arabia Offers Cultural Businesses Up to SAR500,000 for AI Projects

Saudi Arabia Offers Cultural Businesses Up to SAR500,000 for AI Projects

News
1 Min Read
August 12, 2026

Read More →

Latest Funding Rounds

UAE Taxtech Startup Tax Star Raises .75M Seed Round

UAE Taxtech Startup Tax Star Raises $1.75M Seed Round

Funding
2 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Oman’s Cyfr Capital Announces Five New Seed Fund Investments

Oman’s Cyfr Capital Announces Five New Seed Fund Investments

Funding
3 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Mashreq’s NeoVentures and e& Capital Invested in Traydstream

Mashreq’s NeoVentures and e& Capital Invested in Traydstream

Funding
1 Min Read
August 17, 2026
Baghdad-Based Rozenama Closes 0K Pre-Seed Round

Baghdad-Based Rozenama Closes $150K Pre-Seed Round

Funding
1 Min Read
August 17, 2026
UAE Mobility Fintech Naran Raises M in Debt and Equity Financing

UAE Mobility Fintech Naran Raises $10M in Debt and Equity Financing

Funding
1 Min Read
August 14, 2026
Gameball Adds LvlUp Ventures to Pre-Series A Funding Round

Gameball Adds LvlUp Ventures to Pre-Series A Funding Round

Funding
1 Min Read
August 14, 2026

Read More →

Ecosystem Updates

Jordan Association Launches Operations Management Training Course

Jordan Association Launches Operations Management Training Course

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Princess Nourah University Reports 43 Innovation Activities and Eight Startup Graduates

Princess Nourah University Reports 43 Innovation Activities and Eight Startup Graduates

Ecosystem
2 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Zain Kuwait’s H1 2026 Profit Jumps 73% on Investment Gains and Syria Expansion

Zain Kuwait’s H1 2026 Profit Jumps 73% on Investment Gains and Syria Expansion

Ecosystem
2 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Syria Approves Licensing Framework for Digital Payments and E-Money Companies

Syria Approves Licensing Framework for Digital Payments and E-Money Companies

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
AI Hackathon Brings Students and Graduates Together Across Egypt

AI Hackathon Brings Students and Graduates Together Across Egypt

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Oraseya Capital and NQubator Link UAE Startup Incubation to Investment

Oraseya Capital and NQubator Link UAE Startup Incubation to Investment

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026

Read More →

Programs & Opportunities

Jordan Opens Applications for Startups in Second Phase of Internship Project

Jordan Opens Applications for Startups in Second Phase of Internship Project

Opportunities
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
MBRIF Opens Applications for Innovation Accelerator Cohort 13
August 18, 2026
Accelerator Cohort Entrepreneurship

MBRIF Opens Applications for Innovation Accelerator Cohort 13

Abu Dhabi’s Ma’an Opens Applications for Second Third Sector Funding Cycle
August 16, 2026
Abu Dhabi Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an Ecosystem

Abu Dhabi’s Ma’an Opens Applications for Second Third Sector Funding Cycle

Impact Partner Opens GEN I 2026 Call for Startup Mentors in Tunisia
August 16, 2026
Tunisia

Impact Partner Opens GEN I 2026 Call for Startup Mentors in Tunisia

Heritage Hack Opens Applications for Engineering Heritage Documentation Challenge
August 15, 2026
Challenge Entrepreneurship Heritage

Heritage Hack Opens Applications for Engineering Heritage Documentation Challenge

Jusoor Opens Two Consultancy Roles for Jordan Startup Program
August 15, 2026
Consultancy Entrepreneurship Jordan

Jusoor Opens Two Consultancy Roles for Jordan Startup Program

BINA Opens WAZIF Entrepreneurship Program for Founders in Greater Tripoli
August 15, 2026
Bina Entrepreneurship Opportunity

BINA Opens WAZIF Entrepreneurship Program for Founders in Greater Tripoli

Saudi Innovation Club Opens Applications for Regional Administrative Teams
August 15, 2026
Entrepreneurship Innovation KSA

Saudi Innovation Club Opens Applications for Regional Administrative Teams

Sabbaq Sports Hackathon Opens Applications in Medina
August 15, 2026
Entrepreneurship Esports Hackathon

Sabbaq Sports Hackathon Opens Applications in Medina

Read More →

Startup News

Arbeat Secures Full VARA Licence for Dubai Exchange and Broker-Dealer Services

Arbeat Secures Full VARA Licence for Dubai Exchange and Broker-Dealer Services

Startups
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Parkin Signs MoU to Expand Smart Parking Technology into Egypt

Parkin Signs MoU to Expand Smart Parking Technology into Egypt

Startups
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Lebanon’s Zero to Sixty Ships More Than 80 Cars From US Auctions

Lebanon’s Zero to Sixty Ships More Than 80 Cars From US Auctions

Startups
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Qatar’s DineNORDER Expands Restaurant Technology Platform to Egypt

Qatar’s DineNORDER Expands Restaurant Technology Platform to Egypt

Startups
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Dahab Masr Wins Two World Business Outlook Awards-MENA 2026

Dahab Masr Wins Two World Business Outlook Awards-MENA 2026

Startups
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Chefaa Partners with Egypt Healthcare Authority on Medication Safety

Chefaa Partners with Egypt Healthcare Authority on Medication Safety

Startups
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026

Read More →

Upcoming Events

Damascus Startup Meetup to Connect Syrian Founders With Angel Investors on 7 September

Damascus Startup Meetup to Connect Syrian Founders With Angel Investors on 7 September

Events
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Orange Corners Jordan to Host PowHER Session on Ambition Without Burnout

Orange Corners Jordan to Host PowHER Session on Ambition Without Burnout

Events
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Queen Rania Center to Host Online Fundraising Masterclass for Startups

Queen Rania Center to Host Online Fundraising Masterclass for Startups

Events
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Flat6Labs to Host StartAlgeria Info Session for Algiers Entrepreneurship Support Organisations

Flat6Labs to Host StartAlgeria Info Session for Algiers Entrepreneurship Support Organisations

Events
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Founder Institute to Host Online Workshop on Startup Funding in Egypt

Founder Institute to Host Online Workshop on Startup Funding in Egypt

Events
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Orange Corners Palestine to Host Startup Fundraising and Legal Readiness Masterclass

Orange Corners Palestine to Host Startup Fundraising and Legal Readiness Masterclass

Events
1 Min Read
August 17, 2026

Read More →

Tech Bytes

Egypt Launches Mobile App for Real Estate Transactions

Egypt Launches Mobile App for Real Estate Transactions

Tech
2 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Azm Launches Five AI Employees Across Its Operations

Saudi Arabia’s Azm Launches Five AI Employees Across Its Operations

Tech
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Saudi Arabia and UAE AI Spending Rises as Enterprise Execution Lags

Saudi Arabia and UAE AI Spending Rises as Enterprise Execution Lags

Tech
2 Min Read
August 19, 2026
TikTok Explores Peer-to-Peer Payments Through Direct Messages

TikTok Explores Peer-to-Peer Payments Through Direct Messages

Tech
1 Min Read
August 19, 2026
Jordan’s ICT Sector Reaches .6B in Revenue and Employs 46,000

Jordan’s ICT Sector Reaches $3.6B in Revenue and Employs 46,000

Tech
2 Min Read
August 18, 2026
Saudi Arabia to Add 50 AI Units to National Curriculum in 2026-27

Saudi Arabia to Add 50 AI Units to National Curriculum in 2026-27

Tech
1 Min Read
August 18, 2026

Read More →

What’s Happening in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Social Development Bank and Namal Launch SAR 10M Impact Financing Portfolio

Saudi Social Development Bank and Namal Launch SAR 10M Impact Financing Portfolio

August 18, 2026
Bank Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Wirth Launches 18-Month Traditional Embroidery Apprenticeship in Riyadh

Wirth Launches 18-Month Traditional Embroidery Apprenticeship in Riyadh

August 18, 2026
Apprenticeship Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Jazan Association Incubates 160 Entrepreneurs Through 10-Month Program

Jazan Association Incubates 160 Entrepreneurs Through 10-Month Program

August 18, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Incubator
Tether Enters Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Tokenization Market

Tether Enters Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Tokenization Market

August 18, 2026
Crypto Ecosystem KSA
Saudi Arabia Sets 70% Saudization Target for Three Project Management Roles

Saudi Arabia Sets 70% Saudization Target for Three Project Management Roles

August 17, 2026
Ecosystem Government KSA
Saudi Arabia Publishes Statute for Riyadh-Based ICAIRE AI Center

Saudi Arabia Publishes Statute for Riyadh-Based ICAIRE AI Center

August 17, 2026
AI ICAIRE AI Center KSA

Read More →

What’s Happening in UAE

Dubai Chambers and Trendyol Partner to Support SME E-commerce Growth

Dubai Chambers and Trendyol Partner to Support SME E-commerce Growth

August 19, 2026
Dubai Dubai Chamber e-Commerce
Chinese Manufacturers Expand UAE Industrial Footprint as Factory Investment Grows

Chinese Manufacturers Expand UAE Industrial Footprint as Factory Investment Grows

August 19, 2026
China Economy Ecosystem
DIFC Expands Dubai FinTech Summit to Pakistan in August 2026

DIFC Expands Dubai FinTech Summit to Pakistan in August 2026

August 19, 2026
DIFC Dubai Ecosystem
UAE AI Spending Rises 105% as Enterprise Execution Falls Behind

UAE AI Spending Rises 105% as Enterprise Execution Falls Behind

August 18, 2026
AI Enterprise Report
Abu Dhabi Expands AI Investments Beyond Global Tech Stakes

Abu Dhabi Expands AI Investments Beyond Global Tech Stakes

August 17, 2026
Abu Dhabi AI Ecosystem
Dhahran Municipality Hosts Youth Build the Future Event for Eastern Province Youth

Dhahran Municipality Hosts Youth Build the Future Event for Eastern Province Youth

August 17, 2026
Dhahran Ecosystem Entrepreneurship

Read More →

What’s Happening in Qatar

Qatar’s Rasmal Ventures Turns to Asia and Turkey for Lower Startup Valuations

Qatar’s Rasmal Ventures Turns to Asia and Turkey for Lower Startup Valuations

August 18, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Investment
Qatar to Build First EV Manufacturing Plant Through JTA-Watt EV Partnership

Qatar to Build First EV Manufacturing Plant Through JTA-Watt EV Partnership

August 17, 2026
Ecosystem EV Manufacturing
QRDI Council Highlights 38 Recipients of 13th GSRA Research Award

QRDI Council Highlights 38 Recipients of 13th GSRA Research Award

August 16, 2026
Award Ecosystem Qatar
Qatar AgriTech Startup Hydrovest Promotes Integrated Farming for Desert Conditions

Qatar AgriTech Startup Hydrovest Promotes Integrated Farming for Desert Conditions

August 14, 2026
Agritech Hydrovest Qatar
Utopia Studio Fellowship Introduces Renacore, an AI Platform for Energy Infrastructure

Utopia Studio Fellowship Introduces Renacore, an AI Platform for Energy Infrastructure

August 12, 2026
AI Energy Fellowship
Qatar’s Rasmal Ventures invests in Yuno’s M Series B

Qatar’s Rasmal Ventures invests in Yuno’s $45M Series B

August 12, 2026
Funding Qatar Rasmal Ventures

Read More →

What’s Happening in Egypt

Beni Suef Launches Training Program for 5,000 in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion

Beni Suef Launches Training Program for 5,000 in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion

August 19, 2026
Beni Suef Ecosystem Egypt
Egypt Registers 26,000 New Companies with EGP97.5B in Capital

Egypt Registers 26,000 New Companies with EGP97.5B in Capital

August 18, 2026
Ecosystem Egypt Entrepreneurship
Egypt Advances Digital Justice Platform and Electronic Court Systems

Egypt Advances Digital Justice Platform and Electronic Court Systems

August 18, 2026
Ecosystem Egypt Government
Zewail City Plans to Incubate 200 Startups by 2030 and Updates 16 Academic Programs

Zewail City Plans to Incubate 200 Startups by 2030 and Updates 16 Academic Programs

August 18, 2026
Ecosystem Egypt Entrepreneurship
Egypt’s National Centre for Social and Criminal Research Holds Suez Session on Technology and Entrepreneurship

Egypt’s National Centre for Social and Criminal Research Holds Suez Session on Technology and Entrepreneurship

August 18, 2026
Ecosystem Egypt Entrepreneurship
Vodafone Egypt Highlights EGP 125B Investment in Digital Infrastructure

Vodafone Egypt Highlights EGP 125B Investment in Digital Infrastructure

August 18, 2026
AI Egypt Infrastructure

Read More →

What’s Happening in Syria

Syria Investment Authority and Effect Plus Sign MoU to Promote Investment Opportunities

Syria Investment Authority and Effect Plus Sign MoU to Promote Investment Opportunities

August 17, 2026
Ecosystem Government Investment
Syrian and Libyan Business Leaders Discuss Expanding Trade and Investment Ties

Syrian and Libyan Business Leaders Discuss Expanding Trade and Investment Ties

August 16, 2026
Business Economy Ecosystem
Syrian Platform Tasafi Launches Food Waste Reduction App on iOS and Android

Syrian Platform Tasafi Launches Food Waste Reduction App on iOS and Android

August 15, 2026
App Cleantech Food
Damascus International Fair to Host Nearly 1,000 Participants from 60 Countries

Damascus International Fair to Host Nearly 1,000 Participants from 60 Countries

August 15, 2026
Damascus Damascus International Fair Event
AI-Powered Waste Monitoring System Proposed for Syrian Municipalities

AI-Powered Waste Monitoring System Proposed for Syrian Municipalities

August 14, 2026
AI Syria Tech
Homs ICT Incubator Supports Youth Projects with Technical Equipment

Homs ICT Incubator Supports Youth Projects with Technical Equipment

August 14, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Homs

Read More →

What’s Happening in Morocco

Morocco Establishes Four Jazari Institutes to Advance AI and Smart Cities

Morocco Establishes Four Jazari Institutes to Advance AI and Smart Cities

August 17, 2026
AI Government Morocco
Founder Institute Morocco Celebrates Nine Founders From 2026 Cohort

Founder Institute Morocco Celebrates Nine Founders From 2026 Cohort

August 15, 2026
Cohort Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Moroccan Startups Raise 8.44M Across 48 Funding Rounds in 2025

Moroccan Startups Raise $108.44M Across 48 Funding Rounds in 2025

August 15, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Funding
Two Moroccan Entrepreneurs Reach 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes Semi-Final

Two Moroccan Entrepreneurs Reach 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes Semi-Final

August 15, 2026
Africa Africa’s Business Heroes Competition
Technopark Morocco Opens Applications for Boost Up Lab Casablanca Cohort

Technopark Morocco Opens Applications for Boost Up Lab Casablanca Cohort

August 12, 2026
Casablanca Cohort Entrepreneurship
Morocco’s Les Intrépides Books Turn Women’s Stories Into Children’s Inspiration

Morocco’s Les Intrépides Books Turn Women’s Stories Into Children’s Inspiration

August 10, 2026
Ecosystem Edtech Education

Read More →

What’s Happening in Palestine

Al Wasl Ventures Launches Founders Majlis’ First Chapter Outside the UAE

Al Wasl Ventures Launches Founders Majlis’ First Chapter Outside the UAE

August 17, 2026
Al Wasl Ventures Chapter Ecosystem
Arab Bank and Palestine’s Labour Ministry Launch Program for 10 Youth-Led Startups

Arab Bank and Palestine’s Labour Ministry Launch Program for 10 Youth-Led Startups

August 16, 2026
Arab Bank Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Makani Hub Names Winners of Smart City Challenge in Ramallah

Makani Hub Names Winners of Smart City Challenge in Ramallah

August 15, 2026
Challenge Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Apricot International and Gaza Sky Geeks Formalize Partnership to Connect Palestinian Talent With Global Jobs

Apricot International and Gaza Sky Geeks Formalize Partnership to Connect Palestinian Talent With Global Jobs

August 14, 2026
Apricot Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Palestine’s Business Women Forum Elects New Board for 2026-2028

Palestine’s Business Women Forum Elects New Board for 2026-2028

August 10, 2026
Board Business Ecosystem
Flat6Labs Opens Applications for Cycle 3 of Nawah Pre-Accelerator in Palestine

Flat6Labs Opens Applications for Cycle 3 of Nawah Pre-Accelerator in Palestine

August 9, 2026
Entrepreneurship Flat6Labs Nawah

Read More →

Entrepreneurship Across MENA

Tunisia Launches Digital Training Program for 100 Women Entrepreneurs

Tunisia Launches Digital Training Program for 100 Women Entrepreneurs

August 18, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Government
stc Bahrain Selects 17 Startups for Second Stage of inspireU Program

stc Bahrain Selects 17 Startups for Second Stage of inspireU Program

August 17, 2026
Bahrain Cohort Ecosystem
Qena University Inspects New Business Development Services Unit

Qena University Inspects New Business Development Services Unit

August 17, 2026
Ecosystem Egypt Entrepreneurship
Oman Issues 19,267 New Entrepreneurship Cards in First Half of 2026

Oman Issues 19,267 New Entrepreneurship Cards in First Half of 2026

August 17, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Government
Riyada University Signs Three Menoufia Protocols and Allocates EGP1M for Youth Initiatives

Riyada University Signs Three Menoufia Protocols and Allocates EGP1M for Youth Initiatives

August 17, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Initiative
Scalehub to Host Riyadh Meetup on the Road to B ARR

Scalehub to Host Riyadh Meetup on the Road to $1B ARR

August 16, 2026
Alan Entrepreneurship Event

Read More →

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech

Propeller Appoints Abdulaziz Alhouti as General Partner for AI Infrastructure Investing

Propeller Appoints Abdulaziz Alhouti as General Partner for AI Infrastructure Investing

August 18, 2026
AI Ecosystem Infrastructure
e& UAE Embeds Agentic AI in Core Connectivity Plans

e& UAE Embeds Agentic AI in Core Connectivity Plans

August 17, 2026
Agentic AI AI E&
MBZUAI Develops Arabic AI Benchmark Across 13 Dialects

MBZUAI Develops Arabic AI Benchmark Across 13 Dialects

August 17, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech
Kernel and Mudar Tech Sign Strategic Partnership to Build AI-Powered Real Estate Solutions

Kernel and Mudar Tech Sign Strategic Partnership to Build AI-Powered Real Estate Solutions

August 17, 2026
AI Falak Investment Hub Kernel
Andon Labs AI Agent Recommends First Employee Firing at San Francisco Store

Andon Labs AI Agent Recommends First Employee Firing at San Francisco Store

August 16, 2026
AI AI Agent Tech
Alibaba’s Qwen AI Models Pass 3 Billion Downloads in Six Months

Alibaba’s Qwen AI Models Pass 3 Billion Downloads in Six Months

August 15, 2026
AI Alibaba Qwen

Read More →

Gaming & Esports

Video Game Revenues Projected to Reach 5B in 2026 as Industry Gains Recognition as Art

Video Game Revenues Projected to Reach $205B in 2026 as Industry Gains Recognition as Art

August 17, 2026
Esports Game Gaming
Racks Board Game Cafe Expands from Sharjah Café into Community Experience Platform

Racks Board Game Cafe Expands from Sharjah Café into Community Experience Platform

August 14, 2026
Games Gaming Sharjah
Merak Capital and Impact46 Co-Lead .45M Round in Saudi Arabia’s Majestic Mind Games

Merak Capital and Impact46 Co-Lead $1.45M Round in Saudi Arabia’s Majestic Mind Games

August 7, 2026
Funding Games Gaming
Blockchain Game Alliance, Deloitte and DMCC launch AI & Agentics Council

Blockchain Game Alliance, Deloitte and DMCC launch AI & Agentics Council

July 26, 2026
Agentic AI AI Alliance
Ash Games Studio Raises .5M Seed Round Co-Led by Merak Capital and Impact46

Ash Games Studio Raises $1.5M Seed Round Co-Led by Merak Capital and Impact46

July 26, 2026
Ash Games Studio Exel by Merak Funding
Saudi Public Investment Fund-led B Electronic Arts acquisition wins EU antitrust approval

Saudi Public Investment Fund-led $55B Electronic Arts acquisition wins EU antitrust approval

July 24, 2026
Acquisition EA Esports

Read More →

Fintech & Digital Finance

Telr Partners with Jordan’s Jet on Quick-Commerce Payments

Telr Partners with Jordan’s Jet on Quick-Commerce Payments

August 17, 2026
Fintech Jet Jordan
Abu Dhabi-Based Fintech Mal Is Building the World’s First Ai-Native Islamic Digital Financial Platform

Abu Dhabi-Based Fintech Mal Is Building the World’s First Ai-Native Islamic Digital Financial Platform

August 16, 2026
Abu Dhabi Fintech Islamic
Egyptian Fintech Klivvr Becomes Newgiza Sports Club’s Exclusive Fintech Partner

Egyptian Fintech Klivvr Becomes Newgiza Sports Club’s Exclusive Fintech Partner

August 15, 2026
Egypt Fintech Klivvr
Spare Partners With Tabadulat to Bring Pay-By-Bank to UAE Investment Accounts

Spare Partners With Tabadulat to Bring Pay-By-Bank to UAE Investment Accounts

August 15, 2026
Fintech Investment Partnership
Bahrain Fintech Skyro Appoints Middle East Managing Director Ahead of Saudi Expansion

Bahrain Fintech Skyro Appoints Middle East Managing Director Ahead of Saudi Expansion

August 15, 2026
Bahrain Expansion Fintech
DIFC Innovation Hub to Host Four-Day AI Venture Sprint in Dubai

DIFC Innovation Hub to Host Four-Day AI Venture Sprint in Dubai

August 14, 2026
AI DIFC Dubai

Read More →

Property & Real Estate Technology

Dubai Plans Rent Now, Pay Later Scheme for Tenants by September 2026

Dubai Plans Rent Now, Pay Later Scheme for Tenants by September 2026

August 15, 2026
Dubai Ecosystem Government
Oman Launches AI-Powered Real Estate Valuation System with Oman Real

Oman Launches AI-Powered Real Estate Valuation System with Oman Real

August 15, 2026
AI Oman Proptech
Dubai Proptech Invespy Opens Broker Hub for UAE Real Estate Brokers

Dubai Proptech Invespy Opens Broker Hub for UAE Real Estate Brokers

August 15, 2026
Dubai Invespy Proptech
Egypt PropTech Challenge 2026 Opens Applications for 12 Startups

Egypt PropTech Challenge 2026 Opens Applications for 12 Startups

August 14, 2026
Challenge Egypt Entrepreneurship
Abu Dhabi Proptech eVoost AI Expands into Romania with Hercesa Partnership

Abu Dhabi Proptech eVoost AI Expands into Romania with Hercesa Partnership

August 1, 2026
Abu Dhabi AI eVoost
Egypt’s Tax Authority to Launch White List and Digital Property Tax App

Egypt’s Tax Authority to Launch White List and Digital Property Tax App

July 29, 2026
App Ecosystem Egypt

Read More →

Arabic-First Technology

Ibtikar Assembly Opens Submissions for Tech Projects at Istanbul Arabic Book Fair

Ibtikar Assembly Opens Submissions for Tech Projects at Istanbul Arabic Book Fair

August 9, 2026
Arabic Arabic Book Fair Arabic Tech
UAE’s 9Yards X Acquires Libyan Labeb AI to Bolster Regional Arabic AI Solutions

UAE’s 9Yards X Acquires Libyan Labeb AI to Bolster Regional Arabic AI Solutions

July 19, 2026
9Yards X Acquisition AI
Saudi OmniOps Partners With Hamsa to Deploy Sovereign Arabic Voice AI

Saudi OmniOps Partners With Hamsa to Deploy Sovereign Arabic Voice AI

July 19, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech
Saudi AI Firm HUMAIN Taps Cohere for Major Sovereign and Arabic LLM Push

Saudi AI Firm HUMAIN Taps Cohere for Major Sovereign and Arabic LLM Push

July 10, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech
Cohere Unveils Top-Performing Arabic AI Model, Inks Major Deal with Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN

Cohere Unveils Top-Performing Arabic AI Model, Inks Major Deal with Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN

July 10, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech
UAE EdTech arabee Shows 12% Boost in Arabic Skills After Winning Sheraa Challenge

UAE EdTech arabee Shows 12% Boost in Arabic Skills After Winning Sheraa Challenge

July 9, 2026
arabee Arabic Arabic Tech

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Women in Entrepreneurship

Think Equal Opens Applications for Second UAE Women’s Marcomms Leadership Cohort

Think Equal Opens Applications for Second UAE Women’s Marcomms Leadership Cohort

August 15, 2026
Cohort Ecosystem Leadership
C3 EmpowerHer Climate Program to Host MENA Info Session on August 20

C3 EmpowerHer Climate Program to Host MENA Info Session on August 20

August 12, 2026
C3 - Companies Creating Change Climate ClimaTech
Sheraa Opens Applications for Six-Month SWIF 2026 Fellowship in Sharjah

Sheraa Opens Applications for Six-Month SWIF 2026 Fellowship in Sharjah

August 12, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Fellowship
Tunisia’s National Entrepreneurs Organisation to Train 100 Women in E-commerce and AI

Tunisia’s National Entrepreneurs Organisation to Train 100 Women in E-commerce and AI

August 9, 2026
AI e-Commerce Ecosystem
Tunisia to Launch National Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative Across All Governorates

Tunisia to Launch National Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative Across All Governorates

August 9, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Government
Falak Investment Hub Unveils Ten Female Led Startups For Women In Tech Cohort Four

Falak Investment Hub Unveils Ten Female Led Startups For Women In Tech Cohort Four

August 9, 2026
Cohort Ecosystem Entrepreneurship

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Crypto Trends

DIFC Innovation Hub to Host Blockchain in Banking Event in Dubai

DIFC Innovation Hub to Host Blockchain in Banking Event in Dubai

August 14, 2026
Bank Banking Blockchain
Coinbase Secures Abu Dhabi Approval for Tokenisation Hub

Coinbase Secures Abu Dhabi Approval for Tokenisation Hub

August 14, 2026
Abu Dhabi Coinbase Crypto
Apply Now For The Brinc × Ripple Hong Kong Financial Innovation Program

Apply Now For The Brinc × Ripple Hong Kong Financial Innovation Program

August 1, 2026
Brinc Crypto Cryptocurrency
Binance Launches Tokenized U.S. Stocks for Eligible Users in Bahrain

Binance Launches Tokenized U.S. Stocks for Eligible Users in Bahrain

July 31, 2026
Bahrain Binance Crypto
mb.io Integrates Botim for Direct Crypto Account Funding in the UAE

mb.io Integrates Botim for Direct Crypto Account Funding in the UAE

July 31, 2026
Botim Botim Money Crypto
Emirates Adds Crypto.com Pay for Eligible UAE Flight Bookings

Emirates Adds Crypto.com Pay for Eligible UAE Flight Bookings

July 29, 2026
Crypto Crypto.com Cryptocurrency

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Sustainability & Circular Economy

Deal Day Brings 36 WaterTech Startups Together at IDWS 2025 in Jeddah

Deal Day Brings 36 WaterTech Startups Together at IDWS 2025 in Jeddah

August 9, 2026
Conference Deal Day Ecosystem
Dubai Holding Selects 15 Scale-Ups for AED 850K Sustainability Accelerator

Dubai Holding Selects 15 Scale-Ups for AED 850K Sustainability Accelerator

August 9, 2026
Accelerator Dubai Dubai Holding
HyveGeo Turns Abu Dhabi Date Palm Waste Into Biochar for Food Security

HyveGeo Turns Abu Dhabi Date Palm Waste Into Biochar for Food Security

August 5, 2026
Abu Dhabi Biochar Date
Oman Launches Recycled-Water Camelina Pilot for Sustainable Biofuel Production

Oman Launches Recycled-Water Camelina Pilot for Sustainable Biofuel Production

August 4, 2026
Biofuel Oman Recycling
UAE’s Quiqup Advances Sustainable Logistics With Eco-Friendly Deliveries Initiative

UAE’s Quiqup Advances Sustainable Logistics With Eco-Friendly Deliveries Initiative

August 3, 2026
Delivery Initiative Logistics
Kuwait Finance House Highlights 200+ Social Initiatives in 2025 Sustainability Report

Kuwait Finance House Highlights 200+ Social Initiatives in 2025 Sustainability Report

July 31, 2026
Ecosystem Initiative Kuwait

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Reports

Autodesk Research Finds Middle East Leading Global AI Adoption

Autodesk Research Finds Middle East Leading Global AI Adoption

August 15, 2026
AI Autodesk MENA
Saudi Arabia Ranks Among Top 10 Countries for Private AI Investment

Saudi Arabia Ranks Among Top 10 Countries for Private AI Investment

August 14, 2026
AI Investment KSA
Presight Q2 2026 Revenue Rises 36% to AED 713 Million

Presight Q2 2026 Revenue Rises 36% to AED 713 Million

August 14, 2026
AI Ecosystem Presight
Talabat Raises 2026 Guidance as First-Half Revenue Reaches .2B

Talabat Raises 2026 Guidance as First-Half Revenue Reaches $2.2B

August 12, 2026
Report Startups Talabat
62% of UAE Businesses Are Optimizing for AI Search, Salesforce Research Finds

62% of UAE Businesses Are Optimizing for AI Search, Salesforce Research Finds

August 11, 2026
AI Business Report
MENA Records 390 M&A Deals Worth .7B in H1 2026

MENA Records 390 M&A Deals Worth $46.7B in H1 2026

August 11, 2026
Deal Ecosystem M&A

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Interesting Picks

Barcelona to Open Its 29th Barça Academy in Tunisia in September

Barcelona to Open Its 29th Barça Academy in Tunisia in September

August 15, 2026
Academy Barcelona Football
Investors Sue Selena Gomez Over Alleged Fraud at Wondermind

Investors Sue Selena Gomez Over Alleged Fraud at Wondermind

August 14, 2026
health Healthtech Interesting
Saudi Arabia Launches Seven-Part Strategy for Sports Clubs

Saudi Arabia Launches Seven-Part Strategy for Sports Clubs

August 12, 2026
Football Interesting KSA
Turki Al-Sheikh Withdraws From Derby County Takeover

Turki Al-Sheikh Withdraws From Derby County Takeover

August 11, 2026
Acquisition Derby County Football
Jeff Bezos Reportedly Seeks 30% Stake in Liverpool at .8B Valuation

Jeff Bezos Reportedly Seeks 30% Stake in Liverpool at $1.8B Valuation

August 11, 2026
Acquisition Amazon Interesting
Arsenal and Emirates Renew Partnership Through 2033

Arsenal and Emirates Renew Partnership Through 2033

August 6, 2026
Arsenal FC Emirates Interesting

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