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Spotlight 🔦

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YAP secures $41 million, leading regional expansion into Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ghana, and Pakistan. 
The fintech firm, launched in 2021, leverages digital tools with over 130,000 users already. 
Avoiding banking licence chaos by collaborating with traditional banks aids swift market entry. 
YAP introduces diverse cards, including prepaid and virtual options, tailored for seamless transactions. 
The startup targets fintech, logistics, and proptech sectors, completing Series A funding by 2025.

The UAE Central Bank introduced a new symbol for the Emirati dirham, including its digital form. 
The digital dirham project aims to revolutionise payment solutions and financial infrastructure in the UAE. 
Digital dirhams, legally supported by a Federal Decree, must be accepted as legal tender. 
The digital currency promises enhanced security, lower costs, and quicker transactions for businesses and individuals. 
A secure platform for digital dirhams will integrate smoothly into retail and financial operations by late 2025.

Orascom Construction plans to reduce Egyptian projects to a third by 2026. 
The focus shifts to international projects, seeking foreign currency-backed and economically stable opportunities. 
Delayed payments from Egyptian authorities are improving but remain a challenge. 
Domestic construction challenges prompt a shift, with international ventures in UAE and Saudi Arabia. 
Orascom aims for stability and growth by diversifying in Middle Eastern markets.

Zain and CODED Academy continue their strong partnership through the Kuwait Codes initiative. 
Zain has trained over 3,500 young Kuwaiti coders, highlighting their dedication to digital transformation. 
The Kuwait Codes project offers free training in app creation, AI, and cybersecurity. 
CODED Academy’s CEO praises Zain&#8217;s support for impacting young Kuwaitis’ tech skills positively. 
Partnerships between industry and education are crucial for preparing a future digital workforce.

Dubai is rapidly becoming a key hub for digital asset providers like Bitpanda. 
Bitpanda has obtained a Virtual Assets Broker Licence to operate in the UAE. 
This allows them to offer over 500 digital assets to Emirati investors soon. 
Dubai&#8217;s progressive regulatory framework by VARA attracts global digital asset platforms. 
Bitpanda has established a base at DMCC Crypto Centre, preparing for UAE market entry.

Basatne has acquired Cartlow to enhance sustainable trade and reverse logistics in the Middle East. 
Cartlow&#8217;s proprietary technology has prevented 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, enhancing regional impact. 
The acquisition completes Basatne’s “fully-integrated, closed-loop eco-system” for circular solutions. 
Middle East faces an e-waste crisis, with an opportunity for growth in the recommerce sector. 
This aligns with regional goals like the UAE’s net-zero emissions target and Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030.

OpenAI is poised to secure a massive $40 billion funding round, valuing it at $300 billion. 
The round is primarily led by SoftBank, alongside investors like Magnetar, Coatue, and Altimeter Capital. 
Funding will unfold in two stages, with SoftBank contributing a substantial $30 billion overall. 
This round significantly surpasses OpenAI&#8217;s previous $6.6 billion in October 2024. 
Investors are drawn to AI&#8217;s expansive potential, anticipating future breakthroughs from OpenAI.

Dubai will host the second Dubai Artificial Intelligence Festival in April 2025. 
Over 8,000 AI experts, 500 investors, and numerous startups will attend the event. 
The festival features 30+ roundtable discussions and workshops on AI&#8217;s transformative impacts. 
Dubai aims to reinforce its status as a technological innovation hub through this event. 
Dubai&#8217;s AI Campus expansion plans include housing 500 startups and creating 3,000 jobs.

Valeo Health ME secures $12 million in Series B funding led by Flintera. 
The UAE-based startup&#8217;s total funding now reaches $20 million. 
Valeo uses AI to create personalised health plans, catering to growing wellness demands. 
Plans include expanding into Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the wider Gulf region. 
Founded in 2021, the company aims to innovate further and meet patient needs effectively.

Riyadh will host the Human Capability Initiative Conference and EDGEx International Education Exhibition in April 2025. 
&#8220;Beyond Future Readiness&#8221; aims to transform education and job readiness by fostering local innovation. 
EDGEx 2025 will showcase educational advancements, including AI, with global universities and tech firms participating. 
Around 12,000 global visitors and over 300 speakers will discuss education and human capability. 
Last year&#8217;s event resulted in 40+ agreements worth 3,9 billion Riyals, boosting Vision 2030 goals.

Armoir, a UAE-based luxury luggage startup, secured pre-seed funding led by Plus Venture Capital. 
Funds will enhance production capabilities and expand regional and global presence. 
Armoir is known for stylish, durable bags made with premium materials like aircraft-grade polycarbonate. 
The brand plans to develop eco-friendly product lines for modern, environmentally conscious travellers. 
Investor backing highlights Armoir&#8217;s innovative blend of function and sophisticated design.

Sawi, a startup, simplifies invoice collection by automating tedious financial tasks for businesses. 
Founded by Abdullah Alsaidi and Abdullah Alaqeel, it&#8217;s gaining popularity for easing accounting stress. 
Social media buzz shows businesses are thrilled with Sawi&#8217;s innovative approach and convenience. 
Founders receive congratulations and support, highlighting their expertise and impact on the community. 
Sawi&#8217;s journey in smart payment automation is definitely worth watching in the business landscape.

Startups are prioritising quality over quantity, achieving impressive revenue with smaller teams. 
AI and automation are streamlining operations, enabling less dependence on large technical staff. 
Krisspy, with only five employees, hit $200,000 ARR without traditional marketing in 15 days. 
High-calibre hires and word-of-mouth recommendations replace the need for big marketing teams. 
This shift towards lean, efficient business models might define the future of successful startups.

Alareeb Holding acquires a 30% stake in engineering consultancy firm Pioneer Landmarks. 
The acquisition aims to strengthen Alareeb&#8217;s presence in Saudi Arabia&#8217;s consultancy and engineering sectors. 
Alareeb Chairman emphasises the importance of integrated solutions in the expanding Saudi market. 
Pioneer Landmarks&#8217; CEO highlights the partnership&#8217;s potential to enhance operational effectiveness and growth. 
This move aligns with Alareeb&#8217;s vision to expand and improve organisational performance in key sectors.

Warner Bros Discovery invests $57 million to acquire a third of Dubai-based platform OSN. 
This investment aims to enhance local content and expand OSN&#8217;s entertainment offerings. 
OSN secured an exclusive multi-year licensing deal with HBO in 2022. 
The partnership seeks to bolster Middle Eastern productions and expand OSN&#8217;s library. 
Warner Bros&#8217; move highlights deeper involvement in the region&#8217;s growing entertainment market.

Nokia and Zain KSA launched Saudi Arabia&#8217;s first live Cloud RAN site, boosting digital transformation. 
The trial achieved peak download speeds of 1,5 Gbps, enabling seamless media streaming. 
Cloud RAN uses cloud technology to virtualise networks, offering faster roll-outs and cost efficiency. 
Zain KSA and Nokia&#8217;s partnership supports Saudi Arabia&#8217;s goal of becoming a regional tech leader. 
The initiative prepares the Kingdom for advanced digital services and potential future 6G connectivity.

The Egyptian Arab Land Bank plans to exit Jordan, selling its 16 branches there. 
Central banks of Jordan and Egypt approved the sale, spurring local banks&#8217; interest. 
Regulatory hurdles, not profitability, drive the decision, needing 20 million dinar capital increase. 
Stringent capital requirements in Jordan challenge the bank’s continued operation. 
The development highlights the pressure on smaller banks from tight regulations globally.

Lumi AI secures USD 3,7 million in seed funding from venture capital and angel investors. 
Their self-service platform aims to streamline complex data analysis for brands and retailers. 
Using everyday language, users communicate with the platform, receiving insightful visualisations and analysis. 
A proprietary analytics engine facilitates effortless data task management, unveiling hidden insights. 
Funding will enhance product development and expand Lumi AI’s engineering and customer success teams.

Tesla will begin pre-orders in Saudi Arabia with an event on 10 April. 
Residents can expect Tesla deliveries within three to six weeks of ordering. 
Riyadh&#8217;s first Tesla centre is set to open in the second quarter of 2025. 
Facilities in the Eastern Province and Jeddah will follow within a year. 
Tesla&#8217;s arrival aligns with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s push for sustainable transportation.

Robotic grocery deliverers begin operating in Sobha Hartland, Dubai, through Yango Group and ROOTS. 
These autonomous robots navigate a two-kilometre radius, delivering groceries within thirty minutes. 
Florian Jansen from ROOTS calls the initiative a &#8220;game changer&#8221; for speed and sustainability. 
The move supports Dubai&#8217;s goal of 25% autonomous transport by 2030, reducing emissions. 
This partnership enhances local commerce and accelerates Dubai&#8217;s sustainability objectives.

Saudi Arabia shone at the 2025 Global Youth Summit, focusing on youth leadership in technology. 
Led by Shahad Al-Balawi and Engineer Rakan Al-Anazi, they championed youth as change agents. 
Key discussions included digital empowerment and AI, highlighting the importance of youth education. 
Saudi initiatives like &#8220;Generation Connect&#8221; emphasised collaboration with young people for future tech progress. 
The summit reinforced Saudi&#8217;s commitment to youth development and technological innovation.

Emirati fintech COCA received strategic investment from Stellar Development Foundation and FunFair Ventures. 
This funding boosts COCA&#8217;s mission to simplify global stablecoin payments through Stellar integration. 
Users benefit from secure crypto transactions without traditional banking obstacles and fees. 
COCA aims to make cryptocurrency usage as seamless as using a debit card. 
This move highlights a shift towards financial independence from traditional banking systems.

Beyon partners with Aecom for Bahrain&#8217;s $700 million Digital City project in Hamala. 
The project will integrate office, tech, and social spaces with a sustainable urban design. 
Cooperation with UPDA ensures Digital City complements Bahrain&#8217;s infrastructure and growth plans. 
Digital City aims to be a tech hotspot, enhancing mobility and business opportunities. 
Sustainable transport and open spaces are key features of this innovative urban initiative.

Arabian Pay secured funding from Al Bassami Holding Group, enhancing financial inclusion for Saudi SMEs. 
The startup develops a &#8220;buy now, pay later&#8221; service to ease SMEs&#8217; cash flow issues. 
Their solution allows businesses to split supplier payments into three interest-free instalments. 
Beyond funding, the partnership offers strategic collaboration with Al Bassami&#8217;s logistics expertise. 
With new resources, Arabian Pay aims to enhance its platform for smarter SME payment solutions.

Code &#038; State raised $3 million to support stablecoin ventures with backing from Warburg Serres and KR1. 
The funds will provide startups with funding, mentorship, and technical infrastructure to solve stablecoin challenges. 
Stablecoin usage is booming, with global transaction volumes surpassing $15 trillion recently. 
Code &#038; State aims to fast-track promising UAE startups in payments, remittances, and DeFi. 
Founder Cedric Waldburger envisions stablecoins multiplying tenfold in market cap over five years.