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.

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.

Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla is debuting in Saudi Arabia on April 10, 2025, at Bujairi Terrace. 
Saudi Arabia&#8217;s automotive market is already moving toward electric vehicles with players like Lucid and BYD. 
The event will feature Tesla&#8217;s innovations, including Optimus robots and the Cybercab autonomous vehicle concept. 
Saudi efforts to embrace EVs align with their net-zero emissions goal by 2060, backed by infrastructure investments. 
Local ventures like Ceer and investments in autonomous technology signal significant market evolution.

The UAE proposes a high-speed underwater train linking Dubai with Mumbai. 
This 2,000-kilometre rail would significantly reduce travel time between UAE and India. 
The project aims to enhance trade and tourism by transporting passengers and freight. 
Engineering challenges include handling deep-sea pressure and ensuring structural safety. 
If successful, it could inspire similar underwater transport projects globally.

Bahrain&#8217;s &#8220;Al Munther&#8221; satellite has successfully entered its operational phase, marking a milestone. 
Launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9, it signifies progress in Bahrain&#8217;s space technology capabilities. 
Rigorous tests ensure core systems, like communication and orientation, function reliably in orbit. 
The team works within tight communication windows due to the satellite&#8217;s orbit path. 
Upon completion of all tests, the satellite will begin its scientific and technical missions.

Morocco&#8217;s &#8216;DigiSchool 2025&#8217; programme launches to enhance digital integration in education. 
1,800 teachers will train in AI, robotics, and augmented reality for classroom innovation. 
36,000 pupils will join DigiSchool clubs, fostering creativity across 248 schools nationwide. 
The initiative aligns with Morocco&#8217;s roadmap for educational modernisation and digital careers. 
DigiSchool supports Morocco&#8217;s &#8220;Digital 2030&#8221; strategy to build a tech powerhouse in Africa.

The UAE Central Bank introduced a new symbol for the Emirati dirham, including its digital form. 
The digital dirham project aims to revolutionise payment solutions and financial infrastructure in the UAE. 
Digital dirhams, legally supported by a Federal Decree, must be accepted as legal tender. 
The digital currency promises enhanced security, lower costs, and quicker transactions for businesses and individuals. 
A secure platform for digital dirhams will integrate smoothly into retail and financial operations by late 2025.

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.

Sawi, a startup, simplifies invoice collection by automating tedious financial tasks for businesses. 
Founded by Abdullah Alsaidi and Abdullah Alaqeel, it&#8217;s gaining popularity for easing accounting stress. 
Social media buzz shows businesses are thrilled with Sawi&#8217;s innovative approach and convenience. 
Founders receive congratulations and support, highlighting their expertise and impact on the community. 
Sawi&#8217;s journey in smart payment automation is definitely worth watching in the business landscape.

Startups are prioritising quality over quantity, achieving impressive revenue with smaller teams. 
AI and automation are streamlining operations, enabling less dependence on large technical staff. 
Krisspy, with only five employees, hit $200,000 ARR without traditional marketing in 15 days. 
High-calibre hires and word-of-mouth recommendations replace the need for big marketing teams. 
This shift towards lean, efficient business models might define the future of successful startups.

Warner Bros Discovery invests $57 million to acquire a third of Dubai-based platform OSN. 
This investment aims to enhance local content and expand OSN&#8217;s entertainment offerings. 
OSN secured an exclusive multi-year licensing deal with HBO in 2022. 
The partnership seeks to bolster Middle Eastern productions and expand OSN&#8217;s library. 
Warner Bros&#8217; move highlights deeper involvement in the region&#8217;s growing entertainment market.

Nokia and Zain KSA launched Saudi Arabia&#8217;s first live Cloud RAN site, boosting digital transformation. 
The trial achieved peak download speeds of 1,5 Gbps, enabling seamless media streaming. 
Cloud RAN uses cloud technology to virtualise networks, offering faster roll-outs and cost efficiency. 
Zain KSA and Nokia&#8217;s partnership supports Saudi Arabia&#8217;s goal of becoming a regional tech leader. 
The initiative prepares the Kingdom for advanced digital services and potential future 6G connectivity.

Lumi AI secures USD 3,7 million in seed funding from venture capital and angel investors. 
Their self-service platform aims to streamline complex data analysis for brands and retailers. 
Using everyday language, users communicate with the platform, receiving insightful visualisations and analysis. 
A proprietary analytics engine facilitates effortless data task management, unveiling hidden insights. 
Funding will enhance product development and expand Lumi AI’s engineering and customer success teams.

Tesla will begin pre-orders in Saudi Arabia with an event on 10 April. 
Residents can expect Tesla deliveries within three to six weeks of ordering. 
Riyadh&#8217;s first Tesla centre is set to open in the second quarter of 2025. 
Facilities in the Eastern Province and Jeddah will follow within a year. 
Tesla&#8217;s arrival aligns with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s push for sustainable transportation.

Zeekr celebrated its first UAE anniversary with AW Rostamani Group at the Armani Pavilion. 
In a year, they&#8217;ve launched showrooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, boosting local presence. 
Sales soared over 200% in January 2025, aiming for 400% annual growth. 
Zeekr, backed by Geely, integrates cutting-edge tech and sustainable architecture across models. 
Zeekr&#8217;s rapid UAE rise reflects a smart blend of style, tech, and sustainability.

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.

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.

The UAE plans to invest USD 1,4 trillion in the US over the next decade. 
Investment focuses on AI, semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy sectors, including a new aluminium smelter. 
The initiative highlights UAE&#8217;s strategy to diversify beyond oil into AI and tech industries. 
A USD 25 billion collaboration aims at enhancing US energy infrastructure and data centres. 
This substantial investment underscores strengthening US-UAE economic and geopolitical ties.

Qatar aims to become a global tech hub with its Digital Agenda 2030. 
Investments in AI and data analytics might create 26,000 jobs by 2030. 
Academic institutions are fostering technological innovation and talent. 
AI adoption could transform the Middle East economy significantly. 
Qatar supports inclusive digital growth with tools like low-code platforms.

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.

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.

ZTE Corporation partners with TAWAL to drive digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. 
The strategic deal focuses on telecom infrastructure, digital energy, and enhanced tower management. 
Collaboration aims to bolster TAWAL&#8217;s digital innovation both locally and internationally. 
Leaders from both companies express enthusiasm for empowering businesses through advanced technologies. 
The partnership anticipates navigating challenges in a competitive digital landscape.

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