Beyon Cyber secured three top awards at the 2025 Cyber Security Excellence Awards. 
IntelX, their flagship innovation, uses AI to rapidly detect and neutralise cyber threats. 
IntelX significantly reduces costs and risks for businesses, enhancing security efficiency. 
Dr Shaikh Khalid, Beyon Cyber&#8217;s CEO, was honoured as Cybersecurity CEO of the Year. 
Beyon Cyber aims for further growth, bolstered by partnerships and ongoing R&amp;D investments.

Standard Chartered Bahrain launched the sixth edition of &#8220;SC Women in Tech&#8221; starting 22 April 2025. 
The programme aims to support female entrepreneurs in Bahrain through partnerships with key institutions. 
Over 50 women-led startups benefited in the past, with significant funding granted. 
This year, ten teams will receive training, networking opportunities, and prize money up to USD 35,000. 
A new collaboration involves QuickDine and Payment International Enterprise to enhance payment services.

e&amp; Egypt launches a new service for instant cross-border money transfers via e&amp; Cash app. 
Initially connecting Egypt with Saudi Arabia and UAE, expansion to more countries is expected soon. 
The service eliminates the traditional hassles of money transfers, offering immediate mobile cash access. 
Egypt&#8217;s fintech landscape is rapidly growing, with mobile wallets rising and fintech startups booming. 
This reflects Egypt&#8217;s quick adaptation to global trends for secure and easy financial access.

Saudi Media Company and Multiply Group have signed an MoU to innovate in advertising technology. 
Their collaboration focuses on AI-driven tech, digital innovation, and expanding in the MENA region. 
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030, advancing digitalisation and economic growth. 
SMC aims to lead in advanced advertising solutions, boosting their effectiveness through automation. 
Multiply Group seeks to create transformative AdTech platforms by understanding regional audience behaviours.

Marrakech will host GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2025, promoting digital innovation across the continent. 
Over 1,450 exhibitors and 45,000 visitors from 130 nations are anticipated at the event. 
The European Innovation Council and International Finance Corporation will facilitate investor-startup networking. 
Global giants like Cisco and Salesforce will explore African digital potential for the first time. 
GITEX aligns with Morocco&#8217;s digital ambitions under King Mohammed VI&#8217;s leadership.

AWASR partners with NOOL Delivery to expand broadband access across Oman. 
AWASR products will be available at NOOL offices nationwide, boosting customer convenience. 
The partnership enhances AWASR&#8217;s footprint, making high-speed internet more accessible. 
NOOL&#8217;s delivery network allows AWASR to reach a broader customer base. 
This collaboration aligns with Oman&#8217;s digital transformation efforts.

Algeria plans to invest in startups, aiming to support 20,000 companies by 2029. 
Two new specialised investment funds will focus on energy technologies and renewable resources. 
Algeria is partnering with international groups to establish funds that meet global standards. 
Algérie Télécom launched an $11 million fund for AI, cybersecurity, and robotics startups. 
These initiatives reflect Algeria&#8217;s commitment to energise and expand its startup ecosystem.

AD Ports Group has signed a ten-year lease deal with TW Steel for Khalifa Port. 
TW Steel will offer extensive services, including container fabrication, maintenance, and refrigeration unit servicing. 
The partnership aims to provide innovative, customised container solutions for Khalifa Port&#8217;s clients. 
TW Steel will deliver energy-efficient products, enhancing operational performance and reducing the environmental footprint. 
This agreement aligns with AD Ports Group&#8217;s infrastructure upgrade plans for Khalifa Port.

Lucidya received a SAR 5 million grant from Saudi Arabia&#8217;s National Technology Development Program. 
The funding will help Lucidya expand its operations and innovate in AI-driven customer experiences. 
Saudi Arabia aims to become a global tech leader by 2030 through initiatives like NTDP. 
Lucidya’s pioneering platform uses AI to transform customer data into meaningful business insights. 
The grant supports Lucidya&#8217;s plan to reach new markets and elevate regional CX standards.

Intro Group acquires a stake in ADVEC, focusing on energy and AI technologies. 
This move aligns with Egypt&#8217;s sustainability goals and Vision 2030. 
Collaboration aims to enhance energy efficiency through AI and digital solutions. 
ADVEC&#8217;s expansion will target Gulf nations and Africa, improving regional energy security. 
The acquisition promises advanced infrastructure services to modernise government&#8217;s and industries&#8217; operations.

PayTic, a Morocco-based fintech, secures $4 million to grow its payment automation services. 
AfricInvest led the funding, joined by Build Ventures, Axian Group, and others. 
PayTic aims to meet Africa&#8217;s rising demand for streamlined digital payments, worth $1,5 trillion by 2030. 
The firm simplifies card issuer operations via SaaS, easing payment reconciliations and refunds. 
CEO Imad Boumahdi sees this as validation of PayTic&#8217;s mission and expansion potential.

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.

Telr partners with Saudi Awwal Bank to support Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030 cashless goals. 
The collaboration promises more efficient, secure digital transactions for merchants across the Kingdom. 
Businesses benefit from features like flexible payment links, QR codes, and &#8216;Buy Now, Pay Later&#8217; options. 
Telr supports 120 currencies and 30 languages, aiding Saudi firms in reaching global audiences. 
The partnership empowers SMEs to expand and thrive within Saudi Arabia&#8217;s evolving digital economy.

Terra Drone Corporation has partnered with Aramco to enhance drone technology in Saudi Arabia. 
The collaboration aims to improve safety, efficiency, and technological growth in the oil and gas sector. 
Terra Drone Arabia will play a crucial role in developing local expertise and nurturing Saudi talent. 
This partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming for an innovation-led economic transformation. 
Terra Drone’s unmatched expertise combined with Aramco&#8217;s reach promises advancements in the energy industry.

Orange Jordan has launched a groundbreaking satellite internet service with Eutelsat Group. 
The service aims to connect rural communities, bridging the digital divide across Jordan. 
Businesses and families can now enjoy reliable broadband, improving connectivity for varied needs. 
Orange Jordan stands as the only provider offering satellite, fibre, ADSL, 4G, and 5G services. 
This move strengthens digital equality in Jordan, with hopes for wider telecom inspiration.

Dubai&#8217;s Crown Prince commenced his first official visit to India, marking diplomatic progress. 
A ceremonial welcome at Palam Airport highlighted the significance of India-UAE relations. 
Meetings with Indian leaders focused on expanding cooperation in crucial sectors. 
In Mumbai, a business roundtable aims to explore infrastructure, energy, and innovation investments. 
The visit underscores strengthening economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between the nations.

Saudi start-up ?STUCK raised significant pre-seed funding to address Arabic linguistic and cultural gaps. 
Led by Mena Tech Fund, the round included KAUST Innovation Fund and prominent Saudi investors. 
?STUCK blends AI and human expertise to deliver culturally authentic Arabic and English content. 
The platform offers flexible AI-human modes, catering to businesses&#8217; diverse needs for accuracy and speed. 
Led by CEO Asmaa Naji, ?STUCK aims to expand innovation and enter the Chinese language market next.

Fast-growing Egyptian startup Rabbit expands into Saudi Arabia, opening a new HQ in Riyadh. 
Rabbit aims to deliver 20 million items in Saudi Arabia by 2026, focusing on q-commerce. 
This move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, driving digital transformation and inviting innovation. 
Rabbit&#8217;s strategy includes creating a localised brand, leveraging tech expertise and local partnerships. 
Their sustainable growth model and strong local supplier network bolster their ambitious expansion plans.

Sary and ShopUp have merged to form the SILQ Group, expanding B2B trade connections. 
This merger taps into the $682 billion trade corridor between Gulf nations and South Asia. 
SILQ Group plans to offer fintech solutions via their new financial arm, SILQ Financial. 
Major investors like Sanabil Investments and Valar Ventures back this ambitious merger. 
The merger benefits SMEs with enhanced logistics, finance, and technological support.

Mantra launches a $108 million fund to support blockchain projects worldwide. 
The Mantra Ecosystem Fund focuses on real-world asset tokenisation and will invest over four years. 
Investors include Laser Digital, Brevan Howard Digital, Valor Capital, and UAE&#8217;s Damac group. 
CEO John Patrick Mullin aims to boost start-ups linking blockchain with practical, real-world solutions. 
Mantra also secured a VASP licence in Dubai for virtual asset services.

Rowad Capital Commercial plans to acquire a 60% stake in Uganda Telecommunications Corporation. 
An initial investment of US$25 million will be followed by US$200 million over three years. 
The Ugandan government will maintain a 40% share, split between two ministries. 
Early contract termination with Soliton Telmec incurred controversy, sparking unanswered questions. 
There’s optimism about revitalising Uganda’s ICT sector, despite past challenges for UTel.

Haball secured $52 million in Pre-Series A funding, led by Zayn VC and Meezan Bank. 
The funds will boost its presence in Pakistan and enable expansion into the Gulf region. 
CEO Umar bin Ahsan aims to fill gaps in payment systems and offer Sharia-compliant services. 
The fintech firm processes over $3 billion and supports 8,000 SMEs with $110 million financing. 
Potential regional office in Saudi Arabia is planned for 2025.

Tarjama launches Pronoia V2, a breakthrough in Arabic-language AI. 
Pronoia V2 outperforms big names like GPT-4o, with a 76.8% average score on benchmarks. 
Targets businesses with efficient solutions in translation, contract reviews, and quick content creation. 
Pronoia operates on a single GPU, reducing costs for businesses significantly. 
Tarjama plans to further elevate Arabic AI with the anticipated Pronoia Vv32 model.

Rentify secures $500,000 to enhance its digital rental platform in the Emirati market. 
The startup aims to digitise the rental process, using AI for tenant verification. 
Funding will boost technical skills and expand operations across the UAE. 
COO Rajneel Kumar focuses on reducing paperwork, offering streamlined digital agreements. 
Rentify highlights 24-hour customer support for hassle-free landlord and tenant experiences.

Hashgraph has announced a strategic investment in AgNext Technologies, an innovative Emirati agtech firm. 
AgNext is known for using AI and blockchain to improve food quality and traceability. 
The partnership will integrate distributed ledger technology to enhance supply chain transparency and reduce food waste. 
AgNext will also develop AI-blockchain products for agriculture, with plans for a Swiss project rollout. 
The collaboration aims to revolutionise agriculture with smart devices and enhanced quality assurance systems.

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