UAE-based AI company 9Yards X has acquired Libyan artificial intelligence startup Labeb AI, a strategic move designed to expand its Arabic-language AI capabilities and fast-track the development of sovereign AI solutions across the Middle East and North Africa.
Quick Facts
- 9Yards X acquires Libyan AI startup Labeb AI.
- Deal focuses on Arabic NLP and generative AI.
- Aims to accelerate sovereign AI solutions across MENA.
A Strategic Play for Arabic AI
The acquisition combines 9Yards X’s enterprise AI focus with Labeb AI’s specialized expertise in Arabic natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI. As AI adoption grows in the region, so does the demand for large language models and applications built to understand the nuances of Arabic language, culture, and business contexts. This move positions 9Yards X to meet the increasing demand from government and enterprise clients for localized AI platforms that offer better accuracy and regulatory alignment than globally trained models.
Hussam Al Melhem, GCEO of 9Yards Holding and Managing Director of 9Yards X, commented, “The acquisition of Labib AI by 9Yards X represents a strategic investment in the future of technology developed in the UAE. We are proud to have local talent on board, as well as the intellectual property and research-based innovations they add.”
Regional Consolidation Gathers Steam
This deal highlights a broader trend of consolidation within the MENA AI sector. Rather than building all capabilities in-house, established tech companies are increasingly acquiring specialized startups to accelerate product development, gain technical expertise, and expand market share. Mergers and acquisitions offer a faster route to commercialize new technologies while giving startups the resources needed to scale.
As part of the acquisition, Labeb AI’s team, intellectual property, and technologies will be integrated into 9Yards X to advance solutions across sectors like smart cities, government, healthcare, and finance.
Dr. Mohammad Yaqub, Founder of Labeb AI, who now serves as Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer at 9Yards X, said, “The company was driven by the firm belief that advanced research should be transformed into a tangible impact. Joining 9Yards X provides us with the capabilities, resources and commercial capabilities needed to accelerate the deployment of our technologies.”
North African AI Talent Enters the Spotlight
The acquisition of a Libyan tech company also signals the growing maturity of innovation hubs across North Africa. Emerging startup ecosystems in countries such as Libya, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia are increasingly contributing specialized talent and technology to the wider MENA region. Such cross-border deals foster greater knowledge sharing and investment, strengthening regional collaboration in advanced tech.
About 9Yards X
9Yards X is the AI, technology, and innovation subsidiary of 9Yards Holding. The company delivers AI solutions through a scalable platform that integrates advanced data capabilities, large language models, computer vision, and intelligent automation for government and enterprise clients. The firm is focused on building a technology ecosystem that can transform industries with practical, commercially viable AI solutions.
Source: MEA TechWatch
