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.

Egypt&#8217;s MSMEDA invested LE 11,9 billion in small businesses across Minya, Fayoum, and Beni Suef. 
This funding supported 574,349 projects and created 826,300 permanent jobs in Upper Egypt. 
MSMEDA helped 21,000 small businesses obtain licences, boosting access to developmental benefits. 
Collaboration with international partners improved infrastructure, creating 7,9 million employment days. 
The strategy mirrors a regional trend, empowering small businesses for economic revival.

Emirates NBD is exploring a deal to acquire Egypt&#8217;s Banque du Caire. 
The Egyptian government is waiting on a fair valuation before deciding on a stake sale. 
Market speculation suggests the bank&#8217;s value lies between 1 and 1,5 billion US dollars. 
Exchange rate changes since 2008 affect the current bank valuation significantly. 
If expectations aren&#8217;t met, Egypt might list the bank on the stock exchange instead.

Amana now offers over 450 cryptocurrencies, making it the largest selection in MENA. 
The platform bridges crypto and traditional finance, housing stocks, forex, and coins seamlessly. 
CEO Muhammad Rasoul highlights hassle-free trading across various assets on one platform. 
Since launching in 2022, amana has gained over 320,000 users due to its diverse offerings. 
Amana empowers Middle Eastern traders to build diverse portfolios with ease.

Cloudflare launched Cloudforce One for real-time global cyber threat intelligence. 
The platform provides detailed, contextual threat insights to help security teams act quickly. 
Cloudflare&#8217;s global network blocks around 227 billion cyber threats daily. 
Cybercrime damages could hit $10,5 trillion by 2025, stressing the need for robust security. 
Cloudforce One offers a clear, practical solution amidst the complex cybersecurity landscape.

JazzCash partners with Salaam Family Takaful to launch the Sharia-compliant Salaam Investments service. 
The service targets JazzCash&#8217;s 13 million users, offering easy, flexible investments and daily profits. 
The app provides transparency with clear financial goals and expected returns from the start. 
Users receive accidental insurance upon reaching 20% of their investment target, enhancing security. 
Murtaza Ali highlights the scheme&#8217;s role in promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan.

Tech companies often see their market value drop right after going public. 
Before IPO, investor optimism overshadows scrutiny, which hits hard once companies go public. 
Public market demands reveal financial weaknesses, challenging prior inflated valuations. 
Broader economic factors and inflated pre-IPO valuations often dampen initial enthusiasm. 
Post-IPO, strong fundamentals and sustainable growth are crucial for long-term success.

ClearGrid aims to revolutionise debt collection in MENA with data-driven empathy. 
The fintech startup raised $10 million from top investors, including Raed Ventures and Aramco&#8217;s Waed Ventures. 
ClearGrid uses AI to automate collections, reducing costs and borrower anxiety in the UAE. 
The startup plans expansion into Saudi Arabia, seeking to modernise debt management further. 
Future plans include comprehensive AI-driven solutions for early risk detection and debt prevention.

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Egypt&#8217;s new mobile app &#8220;Investor Support&#8221; eases investor communication with government authorities. 
Currently on Android, the iOS version of the app is set to launch soon. 
The app allows investors to submit complaints and receive responses from the ministry. 
The initiative aligns with Egypt&#8217;s digital transformation goals to streamline business processes. 
Initial responses to the app are positive, but its real-world effectiveness remains to be seen.

Australian firm icetana AI secured a $1,7 million contract with Iraq&#8217;s High Tech Enterprise. 
The deal marks icetana&#8217;s first and largest sale in Iraq, boosting its AI surveillance reach. 
The AI technology enhances Baghdad&#8217;s &#8220;Safe City&#8221; project with advanced public safety features. 
Systems include facial recognition and Arabic plate reading, ensuring robust security measures. 
Icetana&#8217;s CEO views Iraq as a key frontier, heralding potential industry-wide AI growth.

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