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MENA Startup Digest

MENA Startup Digest

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TRENDING

UAE Financial Firms Accelerate AI Adoption as Emirates NBD Allocates 50% of Tech Budget

UAE Financial Firms Accelerate AI Adoption as Emirates NBD Allocates 50% of Tech Budget

Apple Accredits UAE’s Coders HQ as App Development Training Centre

Apple Accredits UAE’s Coders HQ as App Development Training Centre

UAE’s MBR Explorer Asteroid Mission Remains on Track for 2028 Launch

UAE’s MBR Explorer Asteroid Mission Remains on Track for 2028 Launch

Sam Altman Says UAE is the World’s Most Forward-Looking Country on AI

Sam Altman Says UAE is the World’s Most Forward-Looking Country on AI

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Latest News
UAE Financial Firms Accelerate AI Adoption as Emirates NBD Allocates 50% of Tech Budget
Apple Accredits UAE’s Coders HQ as App Development Training Centre
UAE’s MBR Explorer Asteroid Mission Remains on Track for 2028 Launch
Sam Altman Says UAE is the World’s Most Forward-Looking Country on AI
Mumtalakat and ARP Group Plan AI-Native Wholesale Bank in Bahrain
Context Labs Secures Strategic Investment from 22/x to Establish Abu Dhabi Regional HQ
Funding
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026

Context Labs Secures Strategic Investment from 22/x to Establish Abu Dhabi Regional HQ

Context Labs has received a strategic investment from Abu Dhabi-based investment and incubation platform 22/x, alongside a long-term agreement to establish its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The partnership will…

Cohere Raises .1B in Series E at B Valuation with Saudi Aramco-Backed Prosperity7 Participation
Funding
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026

Cohere Raises $5.1B in Series E at $26B Valuation with Saudi Aramco-Backed Prosperity7 Participation

ASB Capital Launches Shari’a-Compliant Liquidity Fund for GCC and MENA Investors
News
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026

ASB Capital Launches Shari’a-Compliant Liquidity Fund for GCC and MENA Investors

Aramco Acquires 49% of HUMAIN in .6B Saudi AI Deal
News
1 Min Read
November 1, 2026

Aramco Acquires 49% of HUMAIN in $2.6B Saudi AI Deal

Morocco’s ABA Life Signs M Investment Agreement With Admaius Capital Partners
News
1 Min Read
October 29, 2026

Morocco’s ABA Life Signs $40M Investment Agreement With Admaius Capital Partners

Apple Accredits UAE’s Coders HQ as App Development Training Centre
Ecosystem
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026

Apple Accredits UAE’s Coders HQ as App Development Training Centre

Investcorp Reports .1B in Financial Activity for First Nine Months of 2026
Ecosystem
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026

Investcorp Reports $11.1B in Financial Activity for First Nine Months of 2026

Dubai-Based AI Entrepreneur Andrea Prazakova Publishes Data Guide for SMEs
Ecosystem
3 Min Read
November 3, 2026

Dubai-Based AI Entrepreneur Andrea Prazakova Publishes Data Guide for SMEs

Main Headlines

BY Venture Partners Closes M Fund III For Early-Stage AI Startups

BY Venture Partners Closes $60M Fund III For Early-Stage AI Startups

News
1 Min Read
October 29, 2026
MNT Investments Raises MNT-Halan Stake to 80% with M Capital Increase

MNT Investments Raises MNT-Halan Stake to 80% with $71M Capital Increase

News
1 Min Read
October 29, 2026
Madica Secures  Million From Flourish Ventures to Back 25–30 More African Startups

Madica Secures $6 Million From Flourish Ventures to Back 25–30 More African Startups

News
2 Min Read
October 29, 2026
DPI’s Nclude Fund Closes Above 2M to Back Africa and Middle East Startups

DPI’s Nclude Fund Closes Above $112M to Back Africa and Middle East Startups

News
2 Min Read
October 28, 2026
Phaze Ventures Secures More Than M for AI and Deeptech Funds

Phaze Ventures Secures More Than $40M for AI and Deeptech Funds

News
1 Min Read
October 28, 2026
Tanmiya Capital Ventures II Reaches 0M Final Close to Back Egyptian Companies

Tanmiya Capital Ventures II Reaches $130M Final Close to Back Egyptian Companies

News
1 Min Read
October 28, 2026

Read More →

Latest Funding Rounds

Lebanese Entrepreneur Tarek Mansour’s Kalshi Raises B at B Valuation

Lebanese Entrepreneur Tarek Mansour’s Kalshi Raises $1B at $40B Valuation

Funding
1 Min Read
November 1, 2026
Syrian Startup Percent Labs Closes Seed Round at Valuation Above M

Syrian Startup Percent Labs Closes Seed Round at Valuation Above $1M

Funding
1 Min Read
October 31, 2026
Qatar’s Growth X Capital Leads M Round for ALPHA10X

Qatar’s Growth X Capital Leads $5M Round for ALPHA10X

Funding
1 Min Read
October 29, 2026
UAE PropTech Startup Silkhaus Secures Undisclosed Pre-Series A Funding From Partners for Growth

UAE PropTech Startup Silkhaus Secures Undisclosed Pre-Series A Funding From Partners for Growth

Funding
1 Min Read
October 29, 2026
Egyptian Climatetech NoorNation Raises .05m Seed Round

Egyptian Climatetech NoorNation Raises $1.05m Seed Round

Funding
2 Min Read
October 28, 2026
Dubai-Based Aditum Co-Leads M Pre-IPO Round For India’s Garuda Aerospace

Dubai-Based Aditum Co-Leads $10M Pre-IPO Round For India’s Garuda Aerospace

Funding
1 Min Read
October 26, 2026

Read More →

Ecosystem Updates

Tamkeen and EY MENA Plan Bahrain Talent Hub to Create 125 Jobs

Tamkeen and EY MENA Plan Bahrain Talent Hub to Create 125 Jobs

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Mumtalakat and BENEFIT Partner to Explore Bahrain Fintech Opportunities

Mumtalakat and BENEFIT Partner to Explore Bahrain Fintech Opportunities

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Hadramout Chamber and Bin Dawl Bank Explore Partnership to Support Entrepreneurs

Hadramout Chamber and Bin Dawl Bank Explore Partnership to Support Entrepreneurs

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah Launches Youth Platform to Develop Startups and Community Projects

Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah Launches Youth Platform to Develop Startups and Community Projects

Ecosystem
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026
LEAN Launches in Lebanon With Eight Founding Institutions

LEAN Launches in Lebanon With Eight Founding Institutions

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026
Arweqah Alreyadah Renews MoU with RFD to Support Productive Families

Arweqah Alreyadah Renews MoU with RFD to Support Productive Families

Ecosystem
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026

Read More →

Programs & Opportunities

Iraq Venture Partners Seeks AI Startups in Iraq Raising Capital

Iraq Venture Partners Seeks AI Startups in Iraq Raising Capital

Opportunities
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026
MINT X Creativa Sprints Brings Venture-Building Program to Four Egyptian Cities
November 2, 2026
CREATIVA Creativa Innovation Hub Creativa Sprints

MINT X Creativa Sprints Brings Venture-Building Program to Four Egyptian Cities

Tech for Palestine Opens Membership to Support Advocacy Projects
November 2, 2026
Entrepreneurship Membership Opportunity

Tech for Palestine Opens Membership to Support Advocacy Projects

Oman’s Launch Accelerator Opens Applications for 10 Startups Across Six Sectors
November 2, 2026
Accelerator Ecosystem Entrepreneurship

Oman’s Launch Accelerator Opens Applications for 10 Startups Across Six Sectors

talabat Launches 12-Month Growth Program for 180 Qatar Restaurants
November 1, 2026
Entrepreneurship Growth Opportunity

talabat Launches 12-Month Growth Program for 180 Qatar Restaurants

Hub71’s Initiate Program Supports Idea-Stage Founders in Abu Dhabi
November 1, 2026
Abu Dhabi Ecosystem Entrepreneurship

Hub71’s Initiate Program Supports Idea-Stage Founders in Abu Dhabi

Creativa Beni Suef Opens Tech Launch Pad Pre-Incubation Program
November 1, 2026
CREATIVA Creativa Beni Suef Creativa Innovation Hub

Creativa Beni Suef Opens Tech Launch Pad Pre-Incubation Program

Creativa Opens Cohort 5 Application for Egyptian Tech Startups
November 1, 2026
CREATIVA Creativa Innovation Hub Ecosystem

Creativa Opens Cohort 5 Application for Egyptian Tech Startups

Makani Startup Weekend 2026 Opens Applications in Palestine
November 1, 2026
Entrepreneurship Makani Hub Makani Incubator

Makani Startup Weekend 2026 Opens Applications in Palestine

Read More →

Startup News

Dubai’s Grow50X.ai Launches Arabic Voice AI Receptionist for UAE and Saudi Businesses

Dubai’s Grow50X.ai Launches Arabic Voice AI Receptionist for UAE and Saudi Businesses

Startups
3 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Six Middle East Fintech Startups Named to CB Insights’ 2026 Top 100

Six Middle East Fintech Startups Named to CB Insights’ 2026 Top 100

Startups
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Mazad and ARRAY Innovation Launch AI Initiative for Bahrain’s Digital Marketplace

Mazad and ARRAY Innovation Launch AI Initiative for Bahrain’s Digital Marketplace

Startups
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
UAE Startup Washmen Named World’s No. 1 Dry Cleaner at 2026 CINET Awards

UAE Startup Washmen Named World’s No. 1 Dry Cleaner at 2026 CINET Awards

Startups
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026
Saudi Startup Laqeeni Expands Free Trades Directory from Riyadh to Jeddah

Saudi Startup Laqeeni Expands Free Trades Directory from Riyadh to Jeddah

Startups
2 Min Read
November 2, 2026
Saffron AI Launches Arabic-English Calorie Tracker Built Around Middle Eastern Food

Saffron AI Launches Arabic-English Calorie Tracker Built Around Middle Eastern Food

Startups
2 Min Read
November 2, 2026

Read More →

Upcoming Events

Mansoura University to Host 7D Summit on Entrepreneurship and AI in November 2026

Mansoura University to Host 7D Summit on Entrepreneurship and AI in November 2026

Events
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
AUS Student and Alumni Entrepreneurs Showcase Ventures During Sharjah Entrepreneurship Week

AUS Student and Alumni Entrepreneurs Showcase Ventures During Sharjah Entrepreneurship Week

Events
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Project Syria 2026 Opens in Damascus with 150+ Companies from 12 Countries

Project Syria 2026 Opens in Damascus with 150+ Companies from 12 Countries

Events
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Dubai Chambers to Host Partners for Growth Event on November 10

Dubai Chambers to Host Partners for Growth Event on November 10

Events
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026
MEVCA Investors Summit 2027 to Bring 300+ Attendees to Abu Dhabi

MEVCA Investors Summit 2027 to Bring 300+ Attendees to Abu Dhabi

Events
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026
Majlis Connect Brings Together More Than 175 Business Leaders in Muscat

Majlis Connect Brings Together More Than 175 Business Leaders in Muscat

Events
1 Min Read
November 2, 2026

Read More →

Tech Bytes

UAE Financial Firms Accelerate AI Adoption as Emirates NBD Allocates 50% of Tech Budget

UAE Financial Firms Accelerate AI Adoption as Emirates NBD Allocates 50% of Tech Budget

Tech
1 Min Read
November 3, 2026
UAE’s MBR Explorer Asteroid Mission Remains on Track for 2028 Launch

UAE’s MBR Explorer Asteroid Mission Remains on Track for 2028 Launch

Tech
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Sam Altman Says UAE is the World’s Most Forward-Looking Country on AI

Sam Altman Says UAE is the World’s Most Forward-Looking Country on AI

Tech
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Mumtalakat and ARP Group Plan AI-Native Wholesale Bank in Bahrain

Mumtalakat and ARP Group Plan AI-Native Wholesale Bank in Bahrain

Tech
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026
Mashreq Adds Generative AI Capabilities to Fraud Risk Management Platform with Clari5

Mashreq Adds Generative AI Capabilities to Fraud Risk Management Platform with Clari5

Tech
2 Min Read
November 3, 2026
DMCC and Wild Unlimited Launch Dubai-Built Fortnite Experience on 11 November

DMCC and Wild Unlimited Launch Dubai-Built Fortnite Experience on 11 November

Tech
2 Min Read
November 2, 2026

Read More →

What’s Happening in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Franchise Registrations Rise 53% to 6,484 in 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Franchise Registrations Rise 53% to 6,484 in 2026

November 2, 2026
Economy Ecosystem Franchise
Saudi Startup EasyCarvan Launches Free Map of 2,054 Camping Sites Across the GCC

Saudi Startup EasyCarvan Launches Free Map of 2,054 Camping Sites Across the GCC

November 2, 2026
Camping EasyCarvan GCC
AstroLabs Webinar Covers Saudi Arabia Market Entry for Defense and Cybersecurity Companies

AstroLabs Webinar Covers Saudi Arabia Market Entry for Defense and Cybersecurity Companies

November 1, 2026
AstroLabs Cybersecurity Defense
Saudi AI Startup Robonito Opens Agentic QA Testing Platform with Free Plan

Saudi AI Startup Robonito Opens Agentic QA Testing Platform with Free Plan

October 31, 2026
Agentic AI KSA Platform
Alfaisal University and Saudia Cargo Sign MoU for AI and Logistics Research

Alfaisal University and Saudia Cargo Sign MoU for AI and Logistics Research

October 30, 2026
AI Alfaisal University Ecosystem
KAUST Hosts 13th Saudi HPC/AI Conference with Around 400 Participants

KAUST Hosts 13th Saudi HPC/AI Conference with Around 400 Participants

October 30, 2026
AI Conference KAUST

Read More →

What’s Happening in UAE

Dubai Future District Fund and Bimark Partner to Support UAE-India Startups

Dubai Future District Fund and Bimark Partner to Support UAE-India Startups

November 2, 2026
Bimark Dubai Dubai Future District Fund
Dubai Startup AskIt Launches AI Sales Agents That Negotiate Deals for Businesses

Dubai Startup AskIt Launches AI Sales Agents That Negotiate Deals for Businesses

November 2, 2026
AI AI Agent AskIt
Dubai Announces Nad Zabeel Innovation Campus for 30,000 Annual Participants

Dubai Announces Nad Zabeel Innovation Campus for 30,000 Annual Participants

November 2, 2026
Campus Dubai Innovation
UAE Launches AED 9M Agentic AI Challenge for Federal Employees

UAE Launches AED 9M Agentic AI Challenge for Federal Employees

November 2, 2026
Agentic AI AI Challenge
Sharjah’s Ruwwad Releases Agricultural Entrepreneurship Book Ahead of 2026 Book Fair Launch

Sharjah’s Ruwwad Releases Agricultural Entrepreneurship Book Ahead of 2026 Book Fair Launch

November 2, 2026
Agriculture Agritech Book
Abu Dhabi Signs Four AI Agreements with OpenAI Across Government, Energy and Investment

Abu Dhabi Signs Four AI Agreements with OpenAI Across Government, Energy and Investment

November 2, 2026
Abu Dhabi AI Energy

Read More →

What’s Happening in Qatar

Qatar Development Bank Launches 16-Unit Manarat Advanced Manufacturing Hub

Qatar Development Bank Launches 16-Unit Manarat Advanced Manufacturing Hub

November 2, 2026
Doha Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
TEDCO Takes Maryland Startup Ecosystem to Jordan, Qatar and the UAE

TEDCO Takes Maryland Startup Ecosystem to Jordan, Qatar and the UAE

November 1, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Jordan
Qatar Chamber and UNIDO Develop Entrepreneurship Model for Women Founders

Qatar Chamber and UNIDO Develop Entrepreneurship Model for Women Founders

November 1, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Qatar
Creative Destruction Lab Launches Doha Site with Nearly 50 DeepTech Ventures

Creative Destruction Lab Launches Doha Site with Nearly 50 DeepTech Ventures

November 1, 2026
Creative Destruction Lab Deeptech Doha
ALPHA10X Relocates Global Headquarters to Doha After M Funding Round

ALPHA10X Relocates Global Headquarters to Doha After $5M Funding Round

October 31, 2026
AI ALPHA10X Doha
KARTY Partners with Qatar Airways Privilege Club to Enable KPoints-to-Avios Conversion

KARTY Partners with Qatar Airways Privilege Club to Enable KPoints-to-Avios Conversion

October 30, 2026
Fintech KARTY Partnership

Read More →

What’s Happening in Egypt

Assiut Runs 20 Entrepreneurship Trainings for 500 Women

Assiut Runs 20 Entrepreneurship Trainings for 500 Women

November 2, 2026
Assiut Ecosystem Egypt
Egypt Advances Remote E-Contracting System for Investors from 150 Countries

Egypt Advances Remote E-Contracting System for Investors from 150 Countries

November 2, 2026
E-Contracting Ecosystem Egypt
Tanta University Workshop Connects Recycling with Entrepreneurship

Tanta University Workshop Connects Recycling with Entrepreneurship

November 2, 2026
Egypt Entrepreneurship Event
Connect Waha Launches Seventh Edition at Egypt’s Sadat Technology Park

Connect Waha Launches Seventh Edition at Egypt’s Sadat Technology Park

November 1, 2026
Connect Waha Egypt Entrepreneurship
ITIDA Concludes InnovEgypt 2026 with 5,300 Participants Across 23 Egyptian Governorates

ITIDA Concludes InnovEgypt 2026 with 5,300 Participants Across 23 Egyptian Governorates

November 1, 2026
Ecosystem Egypt Entrepreneurship
Egypt Expects Around 30 New Investment Funds Within Two Months

Egypt Expects Around 30 New Investment Funds Within Two Months

November 1, 2026
Ecosystem Egypt Fund

Read More →

What’s Happening in Syria

Syria Launches M Digitalization Project for Company and Property Records

Syria Launches $1M Digitalization Project for Company and Property Records

November 2, 2026
Digital Transformation Digitalization Property
Syrian EdTech Platform Nabiga Launches and Reaches 4,000 Students

Syrian EdTech Platform Nabiga Launches and Reaches 4,000 Students

November 1, 2026
Edtech Education Nabiga
Ramy Ali Launches Interactive Timeline of Syria’s 25 Presidents

Ramy Ali Launches Interactive Timeline of Syria’s 25 Presidents

October 29, 2026
Interesting Syria Tech
Startup Syria to Host Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Event in Damascus

Startup Syria to Host Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Event in Damascus

October 29, 2026
Damascus Entrepreneurship Event
Syria’s Startup Ecosystem Recorded 14 Investment Deals Across Nine Sectors, Aram Lab Report Finds

Syria’s Startup Ecosystem Recorded 14 Investment Deals Across Nine Sectors, Aram Lab Report Finds

October 29, 2026
Aram Lab Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Idea Spark Opens Applications for 20 Fintech Ideas in Syria

Idea Spark Opens Applications for 20 Fintech Ideas in Syria

October 27, 2026
Competition Entrepreneurship Fintech

Read More →

What’s Happening in Morocco

Morocco-Italy Forum Signs Startup and Commercial Mediation Agreements

Morocco-Italy Forum Signs Startup and Commercial Mediation Agreements

October 30, 2026
Entrepreneurship Event Forum
Incubooster Opens Applications for Innov Travel Morocco 2026

Incubooster Opens Applications for Innov Travel Morocco 2026

October 30, 2026
Entrepreneurship Incubooster Innov
Marrakech Hosts Morocco’s First Desert Innovation Challenge

Marrakech Hosts Morocco’s First Desert Innovation Challenge

October 27, 2026
Challenge Desert Entrepreneurship
Morocco’s 2027 Finance Bill Proposes Tax Exemptions for 2030 World Cup Organizers

Morocco’s 2027 Finance Bill Proposes Tax Exemptions for 2030 World Cup Organizers

October 25, 2026
Interesting Morocco Tax
Morocco’s SMEs Face Growing AI Tool Sprawl as Digital Adoption Accelerates

Morocco’s SMEs Face Growing AI Tool Sprawl as Digital Adoption Accelerates

October 25, 2026
AI Morocco SME
Cleantech Maroc Opens Applications for 2026 Green Innovation Program

Cleantech Maroc Opens Applications for 2026 Green Innovation Program

October 23, 2026
Cleantech Maroc Entrepreneurship Green Economy

Read More →

What’s Happening in Palestine

Orange Corners Palestinian Territories Selects Four Startups for OCIF Track II Cohort

Orange Corners Palestinian Territories Selects Four Startups for OCIF Track II Cohort

November 2, 2026
Cohort Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Palestinian Startups Seek Investment and Global Partnerships in Silicon Valley

Palestinian Startups Seek Investment and Global Partnerships in Silicon Valley

November 1, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Palestine
TechStart Offers Business Development Support to Palestinian IT Firms

TechStart Offers Business Development Support to Palestinian IT Firms

October 29, 2026
Entrepreneurship Opportunity Palestine
Palestinian Startup Jaffa.Net Showcases ImpactoMoney at AidEx2026 in Geneva

Palestinian Startup Jaffa.Net Showcases ImpactoMoney at AidEx2026 in Geneva

October 29, 2026
AidEx2026 Europe Event
Palestine Techno Park Opens Applications for HerHack – Tech for Justice

Palestine Techno Park Opens Applications for HerHack – Tech for Justice

October 29, 2026
Entrepreneurship Hackathon HerHack – Tech for Justice
Palestinian Investment Forum in Dubai Announces Three Startup Support Initiatives

Palestinian Investment Forum in Dubai Announces Three Startup Support Initiatives

October 28, 2026
Dubai Ecosystem Entrepreneurship

Read More →

Entrepreneurship Across MENA

Global Entrepreneurship Week Jordan to Open on 16 November with AI Venture-Building Workshop

Global Entrepreneurship Week Jordan to Open on 16 November with AI Venture-Building Workshop

November 2, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Event
EEA’s Arab Entrepreneur of the Year Award Advances to December Ceremony

EEA’s Arab Entrepreneur of the Year Award Advances to December Ceremony

November 1, 2026
Arab Award Ecosystem
Islamic Chamber’s B57+ Launches Arbitration, Entrepreneurship and Investment Initiatives

Islamic Chamber’s B57+ Launches Arbitration, Entrepreneurship and Investment Initiatives

November 1, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Initiative
MFTA to Host 7th CBUAE Regulatory Roundtable on UAE Payments

MFTA to Host 7th CBUAE Regulatory Roundtable on UAE Payments

November 1, 2026
CBUAE Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Beirut Digital District and Highworth to Host Cyprus Expansion Webinar for Lebanese Businesses

Beirut Digital District and Highworth to Host Cyprus Expansion Webinar for Lebanese Businesses

November 1, 2026
Beirut Beirut Digital District Cyprus
Universities Urged to Prepare Students to Create Jobs Through Freelancing and Entrepreneurship

Universities Urged to Prepare Students to Create Jobs Through Freelancing and Entrepreneurship

November 1, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship university

Read More →

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech

NBB Selects ARRAY Innovation to Build AI Centre of Excellence in Bahrain

NBB Selects ARRAY Innovation to Build AI Centre of Excellence in Bahrain

November 2, 2026
AI AI Center AI Centre
Silah Gulf Partners with UK’s Halo on AI Workflow Automation for GCC Businesses

Silah Gulf Partners with UK’s Halo on AI Workflow Automation for GCC Businesses

November 2, 2026
AI Automation Event
Dubai RTA Targets AED 300M in Annual Value From AI Strategy

Dubai RTA Targets AED 300M in Annual Value From AI Strategy

November 1, 2026
AI Dubai RTA
EFG Hermes Launches Younit Algorithmic Trading Platform in Egypt

EFG Hermes Launches Younit Algorithmic Trading Platform in Egypt

November 1, 2026
AI Ecosystem EFG Hermes
Meta Launches Style Sketch AI Fashion App in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand

Meta Launches Style Sketch AI Fashion App in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand

October 31, 2026
AI Asia Fashion
People of Data Wins Foreign Ministry Backing for AI Heritage Film Program

People of Data Wins Foreign Ministry Backing for AI Heritage Film Program

October 31, 2026
AI Cairo Data

Read More →

Gaming & Esports

Exel by Merak to Host Investors & Community Day for Gaming Community in Riyadh on November 10

Exel by Merak to Host Investors & Community Day for Gaming Community in Riyadh on November 10

October 25, 2026
Entrepreneurship Event Exel by Merak
Tamatem and Mastercard Partner on In-Game Payments Across 13+ Markets

Tamatem and Mastercard Partner on In-Game Payments Across 13+ Markets

October 9, 2026
Ecosystem Game Gaming
Google Labs Launches AI-Powered Playground for No-Code Game Creation

Google Labs Launches AI-Powered Playground for No-Code Game Creation

October 9, 2026
AI Game Gaming
Saudi Ministry of Communications Launches Third Saudi Game Pioneers Program

Saudi Ministry of Communications Launches Third Saudi Game Pioneers Program

October 8, 2026
Ecosystem Game Gaming
Saudi stc Named Platinum Gaming Operator in Q2 2026 GameMode Report

Saudi stc Named Platinum Gaming Operator in Q2 2026 GameMode Report

October 4, 2026
Ecosystem Esports Game
Saudi Studio Developing Real Estate Simulation Game Based on Local Market

Saudi Studio Developing Real Estate Simulation Game Based on Local Market

October 1, 2026
Game Gaming KSA

Read More →

Fintech & Digital Finance

Botim and Orange Egypt Enable UAE-to-Egypt Wallet Transfers

Botim and Orange Egypt Enable UAE-to-Egypt Wallet Transfers

October 30, 2026
Botim Egypt Fintech
Souhoola Receives FRA Approval for Fintech-Based Consumer Finance in Egypt

Souhoola Receives FRA Approval for Fintech-Based Consumer Finance in Egypt

October 30, 2026
Egypt Finance Fintech
Qashio Launches Global Pay Cross-Border Payments Product With Visa

Qashio Launches Global Pay Cross-Border Payments Product With Visa

October 30, 2026
Fintech Payment Qashio
Botim Launches UAE’s First Fintech-Issued Jaywan Prepaid Card for 200,000 Workers

Botim Launches UAE’s First Fintech-Issued Jaywan Prepaid Card for 200,000 Workers

October 30, 2026
Botim Card Fintech
DIFC Announces Dubai Future Finance Week 2026 With 85+ Events

DIFC Announces Dubai Future Finance Week 2026 With 85+ Events

October 30, 2026
DIFC Dubai Dubai Future Finance Week
Paymera Signs Agreement with Popular Credit Bank to Expand E-Payments

Paymera Signs Agreement with Popular Credit Bank to Expand E-Payments

October 29, 2026
E-Payments Fintech Partnership

Read More →

Property & Real Estate Technology

Kafr El Sheikh Students’ Makany Wins EGP50K Grant for AI-Powered Housing Platform

Kafr El Sheikh Students’ Makany Wins EGP50K Grant for AI-Powered Housing Platform

October 29, 2026
AI Award Egypt
Silkhaus Reportedly Set to End UAE Holiday-Home Operations on 11 November

Silkhaus Reportedly Set to End UAE Holiday-Home Operations on 11 November

October 29, 2026
Proptech Silkhaus Startups
Dubai Approves 4.6M Urban Development Plan Targeting .4B in Real Estate Value

Dubai Approves $544.6M Urban Development Plan Targeting $5.4B in Real Estate Value

October 28, 2026
Dubai Ecosystem Proptech
Dubai Proptech PRYPCO Partners with Checkout.com on Payments

Dubai Proptech PRYPCO Partners with Checkout.com on Payments

October 26, 2026
Checkout.com Dubai Fintech
Saudi Proptech Ghanem Raises .5m to Extend Pre-Seed Round to .6m

Saudi Proptech Ghanem Raises $1.5m to Extend Pre-Seed Round to $8.6m

October 24, 2026
Funding Ghanem KSA
Cityscape Bahrain 2026 to Connect Real Estate Investors, Developers and PropTech Startups

Cityscape Bahrain 2026 to Connect Real Estate Investors, Developers and PropTech Startups

October 18, 2026
Bahrain Cityscape Cityscape Bahrain 2026

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Arabic-First Technology

UAE’s AI Presentation Platform NOXI Surpasses 2,000 Organic Users Amid Surge In Arabic Content

UAE’s AI Presentation Platform NOXI Surpasses 2,000 Organic Users Amid Surge In Arabic Content

October 23, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech
Forward·Inc Opens Applications for Free Arabic-Language Startup Booster

Forward·Inc Opens Applications for Free Arabic-Language Startup Booster

October 19, 2026
Arabic Entrepreneurship Forward·Inc
MBZUAI and Inception42 Launch Six Jais 3 Arabic AI Models

MBZUAI and Inception42 Launch Six Jais 3 Arabic AI Models

October 17, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech
Arabic AI Atlas Maps More Than 1,000 Open Models and Tools

Arabic AI Atlas Maps More Than 1,000 Open Models and Tools

October 7, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech
Napster and HUMAIN Partner to Deploy Arabic-Native AI Agents in Saudi Arabia

Napster and HUMAIN Partner to Deploy Arabic-Native AI Agents in Saudi Arabia

October 7, 2026
AI AI Agent Arabic
Egypt’s TokenAI Open-Sources Horus Taleeq Arabic Language Model

Egypt’s TokenAI Open-Sources Horus Taleeq Arabic Language Model

September 21, 2026
AI Arabic Arabic Tech

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Women in Entrepreneurship

Egypt’s National Council for Women Concludes Alexandria Entrepreneurship Training for 23 Women

Egypt’s National Council for Women Concludes Alexandria Entrepreneurship Training for 23 Women

October 29, 2026
Alexandria Ecosystem Egypt
Tunisian Businesswomen’s Chamber Highlights AI’s Role in Expanding Women’s Entrepreneurship

Tunisian Businesswomen’s Chamber Highlights AI’s Role in Expanding Women’s Entrepreneurship

October 28, 2026
AI Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Saudi Awwal Bank Signs MoU with PLAYBOOK to Support Women Entrepreneurs and Fintech Innovation

Saudi Awwal Bank Signs MoU with PLAYBOOK to Support Women Entrepreneurs and Fintech Innovation

October 28, 2026
Awwal Bank Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
Sharjah Economic Development Department Hosts Women Entrepreneurs Forum

Sharjah Economic Development Department Hosts Women Entrepreneurs Forum

October 26, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Event
Omani Women Entrepreneurs Urged to Build Sustainable Businesses and Social Ventures

Omani Women Entrepreneurs Urged to Build Sustainable Businesses and Social Ventures

October 25, 2026
Business Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
DIFC Innovation Hub to Host She Leads with AI Pitch Day in Dubai

DIFC Innovation Hub to Host She Leads with AI Pitch Day in Dubai

October 25, 2026
AI DIFC Dubai

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Crypto Trends

ADGM Makes Crypto Mining a Licensed Business Activity Under New Guidance

ADGM Makes Crypto Mining a Licensed Business Activity Under New Guidance

October 29, 2026
Abu Dhabi ADGM Crypto
Luno Recovers One in Four Potentially Lost Deposits Through MoneyHash Partnership

Luno Recovers One in Four Potentially Lost Deposits Through MoneyHash Partnership

October 29, 2026
Crypto Cryptocurrency Egypt
Bybit Secures Dubai VARA Licence for Spot Crypto Trading

Bybit Secures Dubai VARA Licence for Spot Crypto Trading

October 22, 2026
Bybit Crypto Dubai
Binance Launches Qafila 2026 With M in Rewards Across MENA and Pakistan

Binance Launches Qafila 2026 With $1M in Rewards Across MENA and Pakistan

October 21, 2026
Binance Crypto Cryptocurrency
Bybit Outlines Expansion Beyond Crypto With Stocks, Payments and AI

Bybit Outlines Expansion Beyond Crypto With Stocks, Payments and AI

October 17, 2026
Bybit Crypto Cryptocurrency
Standard Chartered Launches In-App Crypto Trading for UAE Clients

Standard Chartered Launches In-App Crypto Trading for UAE Clients

October 17, 2026
Crypto Cryptocurrency Ecosystem

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Sustainability & Circular Economy

Goumbook Opens Applications for 2026/2027 MENA Regenerative Agriculture Program

Goumbook Opens Applications for 2026/2027 MENA Regenerative Agriculture Program

October 25, 2026
Agriculture Entrepreneurship Goumbook
SEQUENCIVE and KAUST Launch namya to Advance Sustainable Agriculture in Saudi Arabia

SEQUENCIVE and KAUST Launch namya to Advance Sustainable Agriculture in Saudi Arabia

October 23, 2026
Agriculture Agritech KAUST
UAE’s Wisewell Secures AED 2 Million MBRIF Credit Guarantee To Scale Sustainable Water Tech

UAE’s Wisewell Secures AED 2 Million MBRIF Credit Guarantee To Scale Sustainable Water Tech

October 23, 2026
Credit MBRIF Startups
UAE Launches Program to Train 50 Young Content Creators on Water Conservation

UAE Launches Program to Train 50 Young Content Creators on Water Conservation

October 17, 2026
Content Content Creation Ecosystem
Sustainability Forum Middle East Launches University Net Zero Challenge in Bahrain

Sustainability Forum Middle East Launches University Net Zero Challenge in Bahrain

October 17, 2026
Bahrain Challenge Ecosystem
Saudi Ecoryx Launches Climedge AI Platform for Sustainability Data

Saudi Ecoryx Launches Climedge AI Platform for Sustainability Data

October 16, 2026
AI Climate ClimaTech

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Reports

Sudan Angel Investor Study Finds Capital Is Available but Infrastructure Is Missing

Sudan Angel Investor Study Finds Capital Is Available but Infrastructure Is Missing

October 19, 2026
Angel Angel Investor Angel Network
96% of UAE SMEs Use Digital Payments, but Only 39% Integrate Them With Business Tools

96% of UAE SMEs Use Digital Payments, but Only 39% Integrate Them With Business Tools

October 17, 2026
Digital Payment Fintech Report
Lebanon Startups Raised Just .1M in 2023 Amid Widening Funding Gap

Lebanon Startups Raised Just $1.1M in 2023 Amid Widening Funding Gap

October 17, 2026
Ecosystem Entrepreneurship Funding
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Supported 485 Startups in H1 2026, Up 57.5%

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Supported 485 Startups in H1 2026, Up 57.5%

October 17, 2026
Dubai Chamber Of Digital Economy Ecosystem Entrepreneurship
IBM: 75% of UAE Executives Escalated AI Incidents to Boards or C-Suites

IBM: 75% of UAE Executives Escalated AI Incidents to Boards or C-Suites

October 17, 2026
AI IBM Report
UAE Space Economy Reaches .5B as Commercial Spending Gains Ground

UAE Space Economy Reaches $1.5B as Commercial Spending Gains Ground

October 16, 2026
Report Space Spacetech

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Interesting Picks

Juventus Unveils 11 Startups for Its 2026-27 Forward Squad

Juventus Unveils 11 Startups for Its 2026-27 Forward Squad

October 17, 2026
Entrepreneurship Football Innovation
Saudi-Swiss Watch Brand Forlan Marri Secured CHF1M in First Minute of Crowdfunding

Saudi-Swiss Watch Brand Forlan Marri Secured CHF1M in First Minute of Crowdfunding

October 12, 2026
Brand Crowdfunding Forlan Marri
Qatar Builds 2036 Olympics Bid on World Cup Infrastructure

Qatar Builds 2036 Olympics Bid on World Cup Infrastructure

October 9, 2026
Infrastructure Interesting Olympics
Paramount Completes 0B Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition to Form Skydance

Paramount Completes $110B Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition to Form Skydance

October 8, 2026
Acquisition Interesting Paramount
Cristiano Ronaldo Linked to Reported 0M Bid for Al Nassr Stake

Cristiano Ronaldo Linked to Reported $500M Bid for Al Nassr Stake

September 22, 2026
Acquisition Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo
Kingdom Holding Completes 4M Acquisition of 70% Stake in Al-Hilal

Kingdom Holding Completes $224M Acquisition of 70% Stake in Al-Hilal

September 3, 2026
Acquisition Al-Hilal Football

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