<p>Mubadala and EQT, alongside others, invest $600 million in Nord Anglia Education.<br />
Nord Anglia operates over 80 schools in 33 countries, serving 90,000 students.<br />
Mubadala&#8217;s Alvin Teh highlights global demand for high-quality education and innovation.<br />
EQT&#8217;s Jack Hennessy praises Nord Anglia’s leadership in premium education.<br />
Nord Anglia CEO predicts Mubadala backing will enhance educational quality and global stature.</p>


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


<p>The fintech sector secured over $1 billion in funding during Q1 2025 in the MENA region.</p>
<p>Total startup investments reached $1,5 billion, according to a report by Wamda.</p>
<p>Sectors like insurtech and e-commerce attracted less funding, while interest in SaaS declined for the second consecutive month.</p>
<p>Investors are favoring practical tech solutions that directly impact consumers’ daily lives.</p>
<p>The data indicates a clear shift in investment trends, with increased competition expected in fintech and proptech sectors.</p>


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


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


<p>Comfi has partnered with Wafeq to integrate invoice financing for UAE small businesses.<br />
Wafeq users can access up to AED 2 million in liquidity without disrupting business processes.<br />
Comfi committed $5 million for invoice financing on Wafeq&#8217;s platform to support UAE SMEs.<br />
Future plans include &#8220;Pay Later&#8221; options, enabling clients to buy on credit risk-free.<br />
The partnership simplifies financial operations, easing cash flow challenges for SMEs.</p>


<p>Visa has invested in fintech startups Konnect and PayTic after their accelerator programme participation.<br />
Konnect, from Tunisia, offers instant payment solutions with shareable links via popular apps.<br />
PayTic, a Moroccan firm, enhances back-end payment operations and risk management.<br />
Visa&#8217;s accelerator scheme supports African fintech growth, including some female-led companies.<br />
The company plans to invest $1 billion in Africa&#8217;s digital future by 2027.</p>


<p>Flat6Labs and Tamwilcom are joining forces to boost startup growth in Morocco.<br />
The partnership, supported by IFC, offers mentorship, technical guidance, and funding to young businesses.<br />
Strategic sectors targeted include agri-tech, fintech, digital health, AI, and green-tech.<br />
The initiative aims to build strong business models and attract investor confidence.<br />
This collaboration enhances Morocco’s investment climate and supports private sector innovation.</p>


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<p class="" data-start="80" data-end="157"><strong data-start="80" data-end="108">AWS partners with Manara</strong> to launch a regional tech training initiative.</p>
<p class="" data-start="161" data-end="221"><strong data-start="161" data-end="177">$3,6 million</strong> will be invested over the next two years.</p>
<p class="" data-start="225" data-end="307"><strong data-start="225" data-end="253">2,500 software engineers</strong> across MENA will be trained in cloud and AI skills.</p>
<p class="" data-start="311" data-end="394">Participants will receive <strong data-start="337" data-end="391">AWS certifications, mentorship, and career support</strong>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="398" data-end="487">The goal is to <strong data-start="413" data-end="443">bridge the tech skills gap</strong> and drive digital innovation in the region.</p>
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<p>Qatar will invest $7,5 billion in Egypt, highlighting stronger bilateral economic ties.<br />
Leaders emphasised enhancing cooperation and integration to achieve mutual economic goals.<br />
They jointly expressed support for Palestine and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.<br />
Support for peaceful resolutions in regional conflicts was reaffirmed by both countries.<br />
Qatar backed Egypt&#8217;s culture by endorsing Dr Khaled El Enany for UNESCO.</p>


<p>Majid Al Futtaim is investing approximately $293 million in a new development in West Cairo.<br />
The project includes thirteen buildings, a hotel, and serviced hotel apartments in 6th of October City.<br />
Expected returns are over 30%, with sales projected to start by 2030.<br />
Majid Al Futtaim&#8217;s total investments in Egypt now approach $2,5 billion.<br />
This development showcases their confidence in Egypt&#8217;s economic potential and commitment to the region.</p>


<p>BKN301 secured $23,8 million to accelerate global expansion, especially into the UAE and Saudi Arabia.<br />
Investors like CDP Venture Capital SGR and Azimut Libera Impresa SGR participated in the funding.<br />
CEO Stefano Mucchioli sees this as investor confidence in their scalable business model.<br />
The fintech aims for a 36% CAGR in EBITDA by 2028, focusing on digital payment solutions.<br />
BKN301&#8217;s &#8220;BaaS Orchestrator&#8221; offers services like payment processing and AI-driven open banking.</p>


<p>Dnata is investing $110 million to increase global cargo capacity by 2025.<br />
The Dubai facility will handle 400,000 tonnes annually with future expansion capabilities.<br />
A $70 million Amsterdam hub will process 850,000 tonnes and feature smart tech enhancements.<br />
The $15 million Erbil facility will boost Iraq cargo capacity by 300% by July 2025.<br />
All facilities will use automation and eco-friendly designs for improved efficiency and sustainability.</p>


<p>Trafigura secures a large $235 million financing deal to expand shipping in the UAE.<br />
The funding, backed by First Abu Dhabi Bank, enhances crude, petroleum, and commodity logistics.<br />
This highlights the UAE’s strategic role in global trade and commodity supply chains.<br />
It supports Trafigura&#8217;s adaptation to shifting markets, driven by growing global energy needs.<br />
Such agreements bolster trade efficiency and strengthen diplomatic and economic connections.</p>


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


<p>Sadeq, specialising in digital signatures, raised 5,5 million Saudi Riyals.<br />
The funding was led by Fund X by Unifonic, with strategic investment from Unifonic.<br />
Co-founder Salem Al-Badawi noted it will enhance their technical infrastructure and scale the platform.<br />
Sadeq is set to incorporate advanced technologies, ensuring it remains ahead in digital authentication.<br />
The investment indicates confidence in Sadeq’s vision and the attractiveness of digital solutions in Saudi Arabia.</p>


<p>ADEX has secured a $235 million syndicated loan to support UAE exports via Trafigura.<br />
The agreement includes contributions from SMBC and CBD, boosting UAE&#8217;s global trade reach.<br />
ADEX will fund $150 million to promote Emirati commodities in sectors like energy and metals.<br />
This deal aims to reinforce UAE&#8217;s position as a hub for regional and international trade.<br />
The partnership aligns with the UAE&#8217;s vision for a diverse and resilient future economy.</p>


<p>Alareeb Holding acquires 80% stake in human resource specialist VTCHR.<br />
The acquisition aims to enhance organisational structures and corporate governance.<br />
Ahmad Al-Obaid highlights innovation in HR as key to sustainable efficiency.<br />
VTCHR CEO Nouf Nasser sees the deal boosting HR solutions&#8217; innovation.<br />
This acquisition could drive noteworthy changes in the competitive service sector.</p>


<p>NEOM Investment Fund is investing in Liberation Labs, a US biotech firm.<br />
Liberation Labs specialises in precision fermentation to produce alternative proteins without animals.<br />
The investment supports NEOM&#8217;s aim to be a hub for large-scale specialist food production.<br />
This aligns with Vision 2030, as Saudi Arabia diversifies beyond oil.<br />
NEOM’s moves could position it as a global leader in sustainable food innovation.</p>


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<p class="" data-start="68" data-end="145"><strong data-start="68" data-end="76">nmbr</strong> is a Dubai-based startup registered in the state of Delaware, USA.</p>
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<p class="" data-start="149" data-end="210">The company launched its public waitlist starting April 14.</p>
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<p class="" data-start="214" data-end="283">The first one million users will receive exclusive digital “nmbrs.”</p>
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<p class="" data-start="287" data-end="353">These users will also be granted Restricted Common Stock shares.</p>
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<p class="" data-start="357" data-end="419">This offer gives users actual equity ownership in the company.</p>
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<p>ASB Capital and State Street Global Advisors have launched a Sharia-compliant global equity fund.<br />
The fund, based in Dubai, follows Islamic finance guidelines and targets ethical investors.<br />
SSGA&#8217;s Active Fundamental Equity team will manage investments using the Confidence Quotient Framework.<br />
This initiative underscores ASB Capital&#8217;s commitment to innovation and fostering international partnerships.<br />
Demand for ethically-aligned investments is increasing, creating diverse opportunities for global investors.</p>


<p>Masdar has fully acquired Terna Energy, confirming its complete ownership of the renewables firm.<br />
This follows Masdar&#8217;s initial 70 percent stake acquisition for €3,2 billion in November.<br />
Terna Energy, a leader in Southeastern and Central Europe&#8217;s clean energy, operates 1,224MW facilities.<br />
With Masdar&#8217;s backing, Terna plans to expand its projects, including a 680MW pumped hydroelectric facility.<br />
Masdar&#8217;s acquisition aligns with its 2030 target of a 100GW global clean energy portfolio.</p>


<p>Orange Egypt launches its 15th annual Orange Social Venture Prize competition.<br />
Entrepreneurs can win up to €70,000 for socially impactful projects.<br />
Applications are open until 18 May 2025 on the official platform.<br />
Women&#8217;s initiatives get a special €20,000 prize to highlight their contributions.<br />
Orange emphasises innovation&#8217;s role in addressing societal challenges effectively.</p>


Funding And Investment