The ZIGChain Summit introduced DeFAI, a $25 million fund for DeFi and AI startups. 
The fund is supported by ZIGLabs, Disrupt and DWF Labs to enhance blockchain and AI innovation. 
There&#8217;s significant potential in combining blockchain with AI for decentralised finance and digital strategies. 
This follows ZIGLabs’ previous announcement of a $100-million ecosystem fund to support startups. 
Keep an eye on the DeFAI fund for future groundbreaking innovations in the tech community.

Saudi-based startup Tooba secured $8 million in pre-seed funding, led by Alwaalan Company. 
The funds will develop an AI-based healthcare platform streamlining employer-based services. 
Tooba aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient and provider experiences. 
Founded by Faiz Al Anzi, Tooba seeks to make healthcare accessible and affordable for employers. 
Tooba&#8217;s innovative approach could impact healthcare delivery across the region in future years.

Meta has launched the Meta AI app for Android and iOS in the MENA region. 
The app consolidates AI interactions, featuring a personal, intuitive and social experience. 
Users can manage devices and share AI prompts for creative interaction. 
Some features available in the US and Canada, like &#8216;full-duplex&#8217; speech, aren&#8217;t yet in MENA. 
The app offers cross-platform integration and customisation for a tailored AI experience.

Salesforce showcased its Agentforce platform at GITEX Africa 2025 in Casablanca. 
Agentforce, rapidly growing since 2024, revolutionises business tasks with intelligent AI agents. 
The new Agentforce 2dx anticipates business needs and integrates smoothly into processes. 
African businesses using Agentforce achieve ROI five times faster, cutting costs significantly. 
Local partners highlight innovative AI projects and the platform&#8217;s transformative potential.

CleanMob secures €1,3 million in funding from notable investors like Bpifrance and CDG Invest. 
Founders Khalil and Salah El Hajji focus on innovative smart fleet management technology. 
Their system uses virtual sensors, AI, and physics modelling to provide reliable data insights. 
CleanMob aids in managing multiple energy types, supporting transitions to sustainable fleets. 
Morocco&#8217;s growing reputation as a tech hub boosts interest in start-ups like CleanMob.

Prop-AI Earns Dubai AI Seal, Revolutionizing Real Estate Investment with Cutting-Edge Technology

Prop-AI is the first PropTech company to receive the Dubai AI Seal.
The company uses AI to offer smarter, data-driven real estate investment solutions.
Its platform integrates over 3 billion data points, including Dubai Land Department records.
The tool helps investors make quicker, more informed decisions with real-time insights.
Prop-AI is part of Dubai’s REES initiative and has received backing from top investors.

Uniqus Consultech has raised USD 20 million in Series C funding led by Nexus Venture Partners. 
The funds will accelerate the company&#8217;s growth and expansion into the Middle East, introducing new services. 
Uniqus plans to develop AI-driven consulting solutions, leveraging GenAI models to enhance client outcomes. 
The investment highlights the Middle East&#8217;s growing focus on technological innovation and digital transformation. 
Technology and AI are crucial for firms in the region to remain competitive in a dynamic business environment.

Dubai&#8217;s du partners with Microsoft to build a hyperscale data centre worth 2 billion dirhams. 
The project aligns with du&#8217;s vision of making the UAE a global digital hub. 
The centre will enhance data processing, storage, and cloud solutions in the region. 
Specific timeline and tech details are yet undisclosed, marking a major commitment to digital transformation.

Google has launched the Google for Startups Accelerator programme in Africa for 2025. 
Focusing on AI-driven solutions, it targets start-ups from Seed to Series A funding stages. 
Participants receive free Google Cloud credits and expert coaching without giving up equity. 
The programme has supported over 140 businesses, creating over 3,000 jobs since 2018. 
These initiatives are key drivers of innovation and economic growth across the continent.

Khazna Data Centers is expanding in the UAE with new AI-focused facilities in Abu Dhabi. 
The centres aim for LEED Gold certification, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. 
CEO Alnaqbi highlights rising demand for advanced infrastructure due to AI industry growth. 
Scheduled for completion by 2026, the centres will greatly enhance cloud hosting capacities. 
Innovative cooling systems and energy management tools will boost efficiency and uptime.

Dubai AI Week began with Sheikh Hamdan highlighting AI as vital to Dubai&#8217;s future. 
AI is seen as infrastructure for adaptive services and forward-thinking governance in the city. 
Dubai will assess government and education sectors based on AI integration and contributions. 
Experts and global companies gather to explore AI applications in various fields. 
The event underscores Dubai&#8217;s commitment to leading global AI innovation and competitiveness.

Egypt and Microsoft signed an MoU to advance Egypt&#8217;s AI Strategy from 2025 to 2030. 
The initiative aims to train 100,000 professionals in AI skills for a resilient economy. 
Key areas include modern infrastructure, data governance, and improved regulatory frameworks. 
This collaboration aligns with ethical global standards and supports responsible AI development. 
The initiative is expected to inspire similar technological ventures across Africa.

Presight partners with MBZUAI to boost AI startups and entrepreneurship in the UAE. 
The collaboration offers startups technical support, while providing students with training and job opportunities. 
MBZUAI experts will deliver technical consulting and organise networking events to foster innovation. 
This initiative aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi&#8217;s reputation as a global hub for AI innovation. 
It aligns with the UAE&#8217;s National AI Strategy for 2031, advancing the country&#8217;s AI sector ambitions.

Metric, a UAE fintech company, secures a significant seven-figure seed funding round. 
This funding will boost AI-driven finance solutions and expand services across the Gulf and Asia. 
Metric&#8217;s marketplace offers financial tools like business debit cards to SMEs. 
Their AI assistant &#8220;Max&#8221; provides tailored financial guidance as a virtual advisor. 
Metric aims to grow in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan markets.

ViAct secured $7,3 million in Series A funding led by Venturewave Capital. 
Funding will enhance AI models for predicting risks in high-safety sectors like construction. 
Expansion plans include entering Saudi Arabia&#8217;s growing tech-savvy construction market. 
Additional recruitment in AI, engineering, and sustainability will support this growth. 
The investment will upgrade technology for better workplace safety and sustainability initiatives.

BridgeWise, an AI-driven investment platform, has expanded to the Middle East. 
They secured an operating licence from the Dubai International Financial Centre. 
Emirates NBD bank invested in their Series A funding, boosting their expansion. 
BridgeWise&#8217;s AI provides clear explanations to help users make better financial decisions. 
Dubai&#8217;s position as a financial innovation hub supports BridgeWise&#8217;s ambitious growth plans.

Moroccan startup VOVE ID gains fresh funding from the Baobab Network to aid expansion. 
The investment supports growth plans in the Middle East and Africa, enhancing its team and technology. 
VOVE ID offers AI-powered identity verification tools for streamlined and compliant client onboarding. 
Their &#8220;pay-as-you-go&#8221; model makes high-quality KYC services accessible to startups and SMEs. 
This innovation aids both VOVE ID&#8217;s growth and empowers small businesses with advanced security.

The Aurora Tech Awards 2025 celebrated innovative women-led startups in Cairo. 
Over 2,000 teams applied from 116 countries, narrowing down to ten finalists. 
Founders pitched to investors, offering cash prizes and vital networking opportunities. 
Local support grew as inDrive partnered with Entlaq for nurturing startups. 
Top prize went to Nigeria&#8217;s Solape Akinpelu for HerVest, promoting financial inclusion for women.

<div class="@thread-xl/thread:pt-header-height mt-1.5 flex flex-col text-sm">
<article class="text-token-text-primary w-full" dir="auto" data-testid="conversation-turn-18" data-scroll-anchor="false">
<div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)">
<div class="[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden" tabindex="-1">
<div class="group/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn">
<div class="relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3">
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="fa50baeb-273c-450c-855c-c20684065ec1" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light">
AWS partners with Manara to launch a regional tech training initiative.
$3,6 million will be invested over the next two years.
2,500 software engineers across MENA will be trained in cloud and AI skills.
Participants will receive AWS certifications, mentorship, and career support.
The goal is to bridge the tech skills gap and drive digital innovation in the region.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>

AIREV secured investment from Venturewave Capital during its recent Series A funding round. 
The funds will aid the global expansion of AIREV&#8217;s AI operating system, On-Demand. 
On-Demand allows users to craft AI applications using large language models and various tools. 
AIREV collaborates with industry giants like G42, Panchea, and AIdeology. 
The startup also developed School Hack, an AI educational platform popular with students.

Trend Micro is enhancing cybersecurity in Qatar, aligning with the nation&#8217;s Vision 2030 goals. 
Their new North Gulf hub in Qatar offers top cybersecurity expertise to various sectors. 
CyberGate internships aim to train Qatar&#8217;s next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 
Innovative platforms, like Trend Vision One with AI and XDR, tackle sophisticated cyber threats. 
The Zero Day Initiative actively discovers hidden security flaws before malicious actors do.

Dr Khulood Almani is transforming Saudi Arabia&#8217;s tech landscape with AI innovation and sustainability. 
As CEO of HKB Tech, she&#8217;s advancing digital transformation and supporting tech startups. 
HKB Tech&#8217;s Saudi AI Centre of Excellence promotes cutting-edge research with partners like Google and NVIDIA. 
Dr Almani advocates for ethical AI standards, privacy, and transparent governance in the tech sector. 
Saudi Arabia is investing $100 billion in AI, boosting the economy and creating new job opportunities.

Dubai will host its first AI Week in April 2025, attracting around 10,000 participants. 
Organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, the event boasts 180 top speakers. 
An educational programme will engage Dubai&#8217;s youth in AI hands-on experiences and career insights. 
Key activities include the AI Retreat, AI Forum, and the International AI Challenge. 
Events cater to a range of interests, from digital health innovation to robotics and startup networking.

Saudi tech company Yalla Plus launched Yalla AI, focusing on Arabic-speaking users. 
Built in line with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030, Yalla AI serves various digital needs. 
Yalla AI integrates smoothly with Yalla Plus&#8217;s existing retail management software. 
It offers tools for digital marketing, data visualisations, and improving connectivity. 
Tech investments in the MENA region are rising, highlighting potential for digital solutions.

Bolsterup raised EUR 500,000 from Uni.Fund to expand into the Middle East. 
The startup connects the construction industry using AI for tailored matchmaking and recommendations. 
Investment will enhance AI, boosting data analysis, team formation, and market insights for users. 
Expansion plans target the UAE first, building smarter connections in the construction sector. 
Uni.Fund&#8217;s support amplifies Bolsterup&#8217;s ambitions to transform industry networking and partnerships.