Saudi Arabia&#8217;s PIF has launched Humain, a company dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence. 
Humain aims to develop sophisticated AI models, including leading Arabic language models. 
The company will focus on industries like energy, healthcare, and financial services for AI integration. 
It plans to nurture local talent, aligning with Saudi ambitions for AI expertise and investment. 
Humain&#8217;s strategic location leverages Saudi Arabia&#8217;s geography and economic growth for digital innovation.

Amwaj International purchased an 18% stake in UAE developer Cledor, valuing it at $100 million. 
Cledor will manage upcoming Amwaj projects, boosting its capacity to attract industry talent. 
The partnership grants Cledor access to Amwaj&#8217;s global teams and extensive supply chain networks. 
Amwaj aims to develop 50,000 residential units, accommodating around 200,000 residents. 
This expansion reflects Dubai&#8217;s growing luxury property market and new development opportunities.

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.

The latest Forbes Middle East ranking highlights influential real estate leaders in the region. 
Hussain Sajwani of DAMAC Properties tops the 2025 list, with his wealth doubling last year. 
UAE executives dominate the list, with 42 out of 79 influential figures based there. 
Five billionaires, including Mohamed Alabbar and P,N,C Menon, collectively hold $19,3 billion. 
Forbes plans &#8220;Building the Future&#8221; summits in Abu Dhabi and Tripoli to discuss real estate trends.

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.

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

Abu Dhabi Global Market fined AC Holding and CEO Christopher Flinos US$12,47 million for breaches. 
The company, trading as HAYVN, operated unauthorised cryptocurrency services outside its licensed scope. 
Investigations revealed false financial reports and fraudulent trades by CEO Flinos from 2019 to 2022. 
RA fined the firm US$3,61 million and banned Flinos from directorship for fifteen years. 
FSRA imposed additional fines of US$8,85 million for compliance failures and misleading documentation.

The Middle East and North Africa see a surge in venture capital, hitting $690 million. 
Saudi Arabia leads, attracting half of the funding, driven by Vision 2030 and fintech growth. 
The UAE remains a key hub, investing heavily in bold startup innovations. 
Major deals include Saudi Tabby and UAE&#8217;S FLOW48, showcasing fintech&#8217;s appeal. 
This growth positions MENA as a crucial player in the global venture ecosystem.

Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan are driving an online gift sales boom in the MENA region. 
This festive season has seen an increase in online shopping, blending tradition with convenience. 
Saudi Arabia and UAE lead in growth, with significant spikes in orders and GMV. 
Mobile shopping surged, particularly among Gen-Z, reshaping retail dynamics in the region. 
Gifting remains pivotal, with popular items including flowers, sweets, and gourmet gift sets.

The UAE&#8217;s Ministry of Finance reports 82% of businesses are classified as microenterprises. 
These small firms are vital to the UAE economy, driving local innovation and vibrancy. 
Authorities have introduced tax exemptions for firms earning below AED 375,000 annually. 
The government balances necessary tax reforms with support to prevent small businesses from struggling. 
Such measures ensure microenterprises remain key players in the UAE&#8217;s diversified economy.

The UAE&#8217;s CEPA initiative has secured 26 trade agreements since its 2021 launch. 
New deals in 2025 include Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic. 
Significant trade growth reported with India (20,5%), Türkiye (11%), Indonesia (15%), and Georgia (56%). 
Strategic deals underpin the UAE&#8217;s “We the UAE 2031” vision for economic sustainability. 
Local entrepreneurs are benefitting significantly from emerging international opportunities.

Engineering graduates lead the pack among successful CEOs, a Harvard study reveals. 
Engineers are lauded for analytical and problem-solving skills essential for top executive roles. 
MBA holders, not far behind engineers, bring strategic thinking to the executive table. 
Professional diversity, blending engineering and business acumen, shapes successful leadership. 
Ultimately, a CEO&#8217;s success hinges on their skills and versatility, not just academic background.

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.

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.

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.

ENOC Group partners with RTA to trial green hydrogen as an alternative fuel in Dubai. 
The initiative supports the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 and the UAE’s hydrogen economy goals. 
ENOC will fuel RTA&#8217;s hydrogen-powered buses and provide operational data for feasibility studies. 
The collaboration aims to deploy green hydrogen across public buses and marine transport networks. 
Green hydrogen, produced via renewable energy, emits zero CO2, aiding Dubai&#8217;s carbon footprint reduction.

Sheikh Hamdan announced a performance bonus of AED 277 million for Dubai Government employees. 
This recognises their dedication and crucial role in driving Dubai&#8217;s growth and success. 
The bonus aligns with Dubai&#8217;s strategy to foster innovation and reward outstanding performance. 
Bonuses have increased from AED 152 million in 2023, showcasing Dubai’s commitment. 
Employee incentives have become essential for promoting satisfaction and productivity across various sectors.

Abu Dhabi launched the &#8220;Sahl Accessibility Assessment System&#8221; to enhance inclusivity in public spaces. 
Pilot testing on Yas Island targets improvements and solutions for accessibility over the next year. 
The assessment becomes mandatory for new construction, with existing buildings facing evaluations. 
Accessibility classifications feature levels: Qualified, Adaptable, Inclusive, and Exemplary. 
Feedback from people of determination is crucial for shaping future improvements in the city.

Saudi Aramco and Siemens Energy launched a pilot project for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. 
The pilot DAC plant can remove 12 tonnes of CO2 annually, aiding Saudi Arabia&#8217;s climate efforts. 
CO2 extracted can be used for producing sustainable chemicals and fuels, enhancing resource efficiency. 
The project aims to pave the way for large-scale DAC deployment, aligning with net-zero goals. 
Aramco&#8217;s initiative is part of a circular carbon economy approach, potentially impacting climate change positively.

Telecom operator e&#038; UAE introduces Ciena&#8217;s WaveLogic 6 Extreme in the Middle East and Africa. 
The upgrade boosts network capacity for blazing internet speeds, advancing AI and cloud technologies. 
WL6e’s 3nm silicon technology doubles transmission rates to 1.6 terabits per second per wavelength. 
This strategic move supports both business needs and everyday digital services for consumers. 
e&#038; UAE leads regional digital innovation, ensuring stable, high-speed connections for future growth.

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