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MENA startups raised $289 million in May 2025, a 25% increase from April. 
Egypt led the charge, with Nawy raising $75 million and additional startups attracting $50 million. 
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait also saw significant investment activity within the region. 
Despite AI hype, only $25 million was raised for AI startups, showing a gap in investor support. 
Fintech remained dominant, while WakeCap&#8217;s $28 million highlighted interest in construction innovation.

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HOKO Agency acquired Dubai-based virtual-world startup Everdome, enhancing its digital platform HumAIn Assets. 
Everdome&#8217;s inclusion will integrate cryptocurrency &#8216;$DOME&#8217; and leadership into creating innovative content solutions. 
HumAIn Assets aims to combine user-friendly experiences with web3&#8217;s decentralised interaction and payment systems. 
HOKO&#8217;s chairman emphasizes maintaining genuine human creativity amid AI automation in the UAE market. 
Everdome has partnered with major names, contributing to UAE&#8217;s fast-evolving startup ecosystem.

e&amp; enterprise teams up with Microsoft to accelerate AI use across the MENAT region. 
Targeting sectors like telecom, banking, and retail with sector-specific AI tools for efficiency. 
Microsoft&#8217;s secure cloud and AI solutions enhance fraud detection and customer service. 
The partnership respects local needs with tools like Azure Machine Learning and Azure Databricks. 
Both companies emphasise ethical AI, focusing on data privacy and transparency.

Lottery.com is buying a 90% stake in Nook Holdings for $2.5 million.
Nook Holdings, established in 2018, offers coworking spaces for sports and wellness startups.
Post-acquisition, Nook will rebrand as Sports.com, targeting sports and wellness startups.
Sports.com plans to open a new centre near Dubai&#8217;s DIFC by late 2025.
The move signifies Lottery.com&#8217;s pivot to new markets in sports and wellness entrepreneurship.

Kumulus Water secures $3.5 million to scale Atmospheric Water Generators, providing clean water from air. 
Their innovative technology operates without plumbing or electricity, aiding regions with unreliable water infrastructure. 
Funding led by France’s Bpifrance, Plus VC, and others supports expansion in Tunisia, Spain, and France. 
CEO Iheb Triki and CTO Mohamed Ali Abid praise the investment&#8217;s role in achieving sustainable goals. 
The startup aids schools, hotels, and settlements in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Saudi startup Meda aims to simplify sourcing building materials with their innovative app. 
They recently secured seed funding from angel investors to support their vision. 
Meda&#8217;s platform allows easy browsing, price comparison, and order tracking of construction materials. 
The funding will help expand partnerships and operational capabilities in Saudi Arabia&#8217;s competitive market. 
Success will depend on how effectively Meda manages scaling their operations.

The Founders’ Voice is where you’ll hear raw, honest conversations with the entrepreneurs and dreamers changing the game in the MENA region.

The Founders' Voice 🎙️

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“this Linkedin strategy will make wonder for you! “

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Dubai&#8217;s EHRDC and CDA signed an MoU to boost employment opportunities for Emiratis. 
The agreement focuses on personalized career guidance and training programs to energize Emiratisation. 
Local employment days will connect job seekers with employers directly in their communities. 
The collaboration aligns with Dubai&#8217;s long-term &#8220;Dubai Social Agenda 33&#8221; and &#8220;Dubai Economic Agenda D33&#8221;. 
Efforts include data-sharing and local events to ensure Emiratis are engaged and empowered.

Siraj Holding and AWR Lloyd have formed a new venture, AWR Lloyd Gulf Partners. 
This partnership aims to serve clients across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. 
AWR Lloyd is renowned for its achievements in energy, real estate, and technology consulting. 
Siraj Holding expands from financial services into strategic and Sharia-compliant consultancy. 
The Abu Dhabi headquarters strengthens their position in a growing regional business hub.

DHL plans to invest over €500 million in the Middle East by 2030. 
The investment focuses on markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance regional logistics. 
DHL&#8217;s Strategy 2030 highlights sectors including e-commerce, energy, healthcare, and tech as growth areas. 
These plans aim to boost advanced infrastructure, transportation capacity, and digital services. 
DHL is prioritising sustainability with green transportation and solar-powered facilities.

Peaq and Pulsar Group are establishing the first-ever Machine Economy Free Zone in UAE. 
This initiative involves machines creating and distributing value within a controlled environment. 
Key concepts include Machine Tokenisation and Universal Basic Ownership driving financial inclusivity. 
The collaboration seeks to position UAE as a hub for blockchain and smart-city innovations. 
Events have showcased emerging technologies, attracting attention from regional leaders and global experts.

Royal Development Holding, part of Emirates Stallions Group, partners with SAAS Properties for Al Reem Island. 
The $435 million development joins Marriott&#8217;s Autograph Collection of stylish hotels and residences. 
Royal Development aims to showcase innovation and craftsmanship in luxury real estate projects. 
SAAS Properties focuses on enriching Abu Dhabi&#8217;s skyline with a signature luxury lifestyle approach. 
Emirates Stallions Group expands regionally, securing a 16-year usufruct rights deal in Saudi Arabia.

GEMS Education launched the Global Education AI Hub in Dubai for AI innovation in learning. 
The hub aims to create practical AI tools for personalised education and improved school management. 
It offers researchers and startups access to vast educational data for real-world AI testing. 
Ethical governance ensures AI developments prioritise student wellbeing and data privacy. 
The initiative invites global experts to reshape education with innovative AI solutions.

Khazna Data Centers partners with NVIDIA to build AI data centres in the MEA region. 
These centres will support NVIDIA&#8217;s Blackwell architecture, ensuring GPU-driven workload capabilities. 
The UAE plans to become a global AI hub, with a 5GW UAE-US AI campus. 
Khazna aims to expand data capacity in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. 
This marks a significant move towards making cutting-edge AI capabilities standard globally.

Move the Needle Consultancy invests in UAE startup Best Kept Shared, enhancing luxury fashion rentals. 
BKS promotes renting designer clothing, positioning itself as the &#8220;Airbnb of fashion&#8221;. 
The partnership supports circular fashion, making luxury affordable and eco-friendly. 
BKS co-founder highlights rentals as a growing trend in brand discovery. 
Industry veteran Marie Gabriel&#8217;s backing aims to transform the Middle East fashion scene.

Overseas shopping VAT claims are becoming simpler thanks to French fintech, Inovat. 
Backed by Emirati firm AngelSpark, Inovat eases travel-related tax refunds with digital solutions. 
Tourists can conveniently manage VAT refunds via existing banking and travel apps. 
AngelSpark&#8217;s investment allows Inovat to expand globally and improve traveller experiences. 
Digital integrations mean fewer hassles for tourists, reclaiming taxes easily through familiar platforms.

Super Capital collaborates with Axel Peyriere to launch a Middle East and Africa investment club. 
The club will fund startups with rounds from €100,000 to €250,000. 
Sectors like healthtech, fintech, SaaS, and logistics are the main focus for investments. 
Super Capital aims to provide strategic support and connections to promising founders. 
Challenges remain due to currency volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and infrastructure issues.

The UAE&#8217;s Ministry of Industry and advanced Technology joins Noventiq and AWS for Industry 4,0 initiatives. 
AED 3 million will fund AI, machine learning, and IoT-powered digital services. 
This aims to transform 20 national factories into digitally-driven production hubs. 
The collaboration supports the UAE&#8217;s goal of climate-friendly manufacturing and improved efficiency. 
Facilities will demonstrate the benefits of smart technology, diversifying the economy and boosting competitiveness.

Rabbit set up a strong presence in Riyadh, covering half the city in six weeks. 
By 2026, Rabbit aims to cross 20 million item deliveries across major Saudi cities. 
Over 60% of their stock in Egypt is local, with plans to exceed this in Saudi Arabia. 
AI-driven strategies are customised for Saudi Arabia’s mobile-first populace of smartphone users. 
Saudi’s online grocery market, worth $448 million in 2024, may reach $2,35 billion by 2033.

Nova clinches $3,65 million funding led by CDP Venture Capital and BY Venture Partners. 
Founded in 2020, Nova uses AI to build a vetted professional community. 
The platform offers a selective recruitment process, freeing companies from irrelevant CVs. 
Funds will expand into European cities and enhance AI candidate-matching algorithms. 
Backing aligns with Doha Tech Angels&#8217; focus on innovative, tech-driven recruitment solutions.

Qanooni, a UAE-based legal tech startup, secured $2 million in pre-seed funding. 
Investors include Village Global, Oryx Fund, TA Ventures, and several angel investors. 
Qanooni offers an AI-driven solution for legal professionals to manage paperwork efficiently. 
Founders plan to enhance their AI tools with this new investment capital. 
Securing significant pre-seed funding highlights investor interest in the region&#8217;s tech sector.

CorroHealth will invest in UAE&#8217;s SANTECHTURE to boost smart revenue cycle management solutions. 
The collaboration enhances their AI tech with SANTECHTURE&#8217;s revenue management across GCC markets. 
SANTECHTURE&#8217;s innovative approach, backed by Gulf Capital, gains popularity in the Middle East. 
CorroHealth&#8217;s global reputation bolsters this promising partnership with its health analytics expertise. 
Their combined strengths could transform the healthcare technology landscape in the region.

AiVANTA and Slangit Technologies are partnering to launch an AI-powered platform for Arabic markets. 
This venture combines AiVANTA’s personalised AI videos with Slangit&#8217;s interactive voice and chat capabilities. 
The platform aims to deliver localised customer engagement across websites, apps, and phone systems. 
Healthcare, banking, e-commerce, and telecom businesses will benefit by streamlining operations and enhancing support. 
The collaboration promises to redefine AI-driven multimedia communication in the Middle East.

A $5 billion investment aims to boost affordable, ethically financed housing in Oman and the Gulf. 
BCIB Holding acquired a 20% stake in Amwalus Finance, enhancing Shariah-compliant housing solutions. 
The funds, from Bastion Commonwealth Investment Bank, will support Islamic finance principles. 
BCIB&#8217;s strategic move supports its long-term plans for socio-economic progress through sustainable finance. 
This partnership enhances Amwalus Finance&#8217;s mission to increase access to quality housing in the GCC.

Saudi Arabia&#8217;s first-quarter GDP grew 3,4% in 2025, reflecting successful diversification. 
Non-oil sectors, notably retail and hospitality, lead the growth with an 8,4% increase. 
Government spending surged 5,5% quarterly, showing strong economic support. 
Oil sector declines emphasise the importance of Saudi&#8217;s Vision 2030 diversification efforts. 
Non-oil exports rose 13,4%, while oil exports fell 8,4%, shifting export dynamics.

ROSHN Group signed a memorandum with the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise under the ROSHNEXT program. 
The agreement focuses on urban governance insights, urban planning, and commercial procurement frameworks. 
ROSHN representatives discussed urban design and training with Singaporean officials and companies. 
Singapore&#8217;s urban planning expertise will help ROSHN boost innovation in Saudi real estate practices. 
This partnership aims to advance Saudi Arabia towards a knowledge-based, innovation-focused economy.

Dubai&#8217;s real estate sector is bustling, with 95 new projects launched recently. 
In the first quarter, 9,300 units were completed, mostly apartments, highlighting Dubai&#8217;s high-rise trend. 
By year-end, 73,000 more units are expected, with nearly 300,000 by 2028. 
Challenges like construction delays and market changes could impact future housing supply. 
Dubai remains a dynamic property market, attracting both homebuyers and investors.

Specialized Medical Company plans to raise SAR 1,87 billion through its IPO, pricing shares at SAR 25. 
The IPO was oversubscribed by almost 65 times, signalling strong investor interest. 
SMC will float 75 million shares, representing a 30% stake, on the Saudi Exchange. 
The company operates two hospitals in Riyadh, with three more under development. 
Investors are advised to research carefully amidst the excitement around SMC&#8217;s market entry.

ADFD&#8217;s 2024 report outlines AED 216,5 billion in global development financing. 
Funding has bolstered renewable energy, infrastructure, and water security, enhancing quality of life. 
ADFD received the UN SIDS Partnerships Award for its renewable energy work in island nations. 
ADEX aided UAE businesses with AED 4 billion, reaching over 40 international markets. 
ADFD&#8217;s investments promote economic growth and job creation across 22 countries.