Valu is listing on the Egyptian Exchange through an in-kind dividend distribution. 
EFG Holding shareholders will receive Valu shares proportional to their holdings. 
Valu has grown significantly, with over 9 million transactions and substantial revenue. 
Innovative offerings like a Visa-backed prepaid card drive approximately a third of transactions. 
Valu is expanding beyond Egypt, with new ventures and strategic financial partnerships.

COREangels MEA has launched a $10 million fund for tech startups in the Middle East and Africa. 
The focus is on companies aligning with sustainable development goals, offering $150,000 investments each. 
Startups gain access to consulting and technical support, helping them expand into new markets sustainably. 
PTS Holdings, known for ecosystem building, steers this initiative with strategic advice and investor backing. 
The fund will target fintech innovations such as embedded finance and digital payments.

Saudi Arabia has launched CodeAI to boost AI startups via the Digital Entrepreneurship Centre. 
Twenty AI companies are joining the initiative to transform ideas into tech solutions. 
Participants receive extensive support, including mentoring, strategic partnerships, and financial backing. 
The programme aligns with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s ambition to be a regional innovation hub. 
Collaborators include SDAIA, SKAI, SambaNova, and BIM Ventures, boosting local AI innovation efforts.

RIIG has rebranded to HOOTL, focusing on AI-driven automation in healthcare and insurance sectors. 
HOOTL aims to streamline insurance processes using AI for document verification and claims settlement. 
Their new base in the UAE leverages the country&#8217;s digital innovation and growth potential. 
They plan to strengthen ties with both public and private sectors, including regional universities. 
Previously focused on cybersecurity, they&#8217;re now expanding into broad AI applications.

Oman&#8217;s Idhka Group invested in Lumotive to boost semiconductor innovation and knowledge transfer. 
This is Idhka&#8217;s second investment, aligning with Oman&#8217;s Vision 2040 for advanced technology. 
The goal is establishing a hub of Omani talent, impacting regional and global markets. 
Lumotive aims to expand regionally, focusing on research and advanced technical design. 
The partnership supports Oman&#8217;s digital transformation and sustainable future goals.

WakeCap, a Saudi wearable tech company, secures $28 million for construction innovation. 
This investment will expand their tech services both locally and internationally. 
Their IoT devices enhance safety and efficiency on construction sites. 
Saudi Arabia&#8217;s startup ecosystem is thriving, with a strong venture capital market. 
WakeCap aims to advance data analytics and digital system integration in construction.

Qlik has concluded a major funding round led by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority&#8217;s subsidiary. 
This investment will fuel Qlik&#8217;s expansion in the fast-growing enterprise AI market. 
Qlik recently acquired Upsolver, enhancing its AI-driven solutions like conversational analytics. 
The company seeks to meet rising demand for scalable and accountable artificial intelligence services. 
Backed by big investors, Qlik is poised for a promising future in technology.

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.

ByteEdge secures $1,5 million in funding, led by Japanese firm TRTL Ventures. 
Funds will support product development and extensive scaling across India and beyond. 
Company targets Middle East and US for expansion, citing lack of local video content. 
Their AI-based SaaS transforms text-heavy documents into smartphone-friendly videos. 
ByteEdge plans to raise an additional $3 million to accelerate expansion efforts.

Spotify Premium is now embedded in EA SPORTS FC 25, so players can stream their own music during matches.
A slim banner links EA and Spotify accounts in one click, making music a core layer alongside tactics and competition.
The pilot is limited to Premium users in Saudi Arabia and Australia on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Aligns with Saudi Vision 2030: 67 % of residents game regularly, and the local industry could reach $13 billion by 2030.
Players gain access to 100 million songs and 7 million podcasts, with curated match-day playlists and talk shows.
Activation occurs via an in-game pop-up; FC 25 remains cross-platform, with the pitch doubling as a built-in DJ booth.

NEOM Investment Fund partners with U,S, firm MemryX for edge-AI technology development. 
Their collaboration focuses on MX3, an AI accelerator offering high performance and energy efficiency. 
MX3 is designed for complex edge applications, supporting NEOM’s vision of a connected future. 
The partnership highlights NEOM&#8217;s commitment to AI and sustainable tech advancements. 
Arageek readers and tech enthusiasts will keenly observe this influential partnership.

Endocare, a Dubai-based clinic, closed a new funding round to expand in the Middle East. 
They specialise in obesity management and metabolic health through personalised medical and lifestyle interventions. 
RbetaQ Holding, a German family office, led the investment to support innovative healthcare solutions. 
Dr Ashok Kaul joins the board, bringing expertise in data science and artificial intelligence. 
Endocare&#8217;s expansion aims to meet the rising demand for effective, personalised health strategies in Dubai.

Klivvr launched a &#8220;buy now, pay later&#8221; service, boosting Egypt&#8217;s digital finance landscape. 
This new feature aims at increasing financial inclusion amid rising living costs. 
CEO Nils Bachtler sees it as a milestone in transforming Egypt&#8217;s financial services. 
The service blends into Klivvr&#8217;s ecosystem, empowering users with simple, instant approvals. 
This innovation aligns with broader financial trends and could enhance user convenience.

Meta has launched the Meta AI app for Android and iOS in the MENA region. 
The app consolidates AI interactions, featuring a personal, intuitive and social experience. 
Users can manage devices and share AI prompts for creative interaction. 
Some features available in the US and Canada, like &#8216;full-duplex&#8217; speech, aren&#8217;t yet in MENA. 
The app offers cross-platform integration and customisation for a tailored AI experience.

Dataiku introduces AI Agents with Dataiku for streamlined creation and management of AI agents. 
Roughly 20% of customers use their platform to integrate Generative AI into workflows. 
The platform addresses challenges of chaotic AI setups, emphasising control and governance. 
It offers both no-code and full-code options, plus tools for ongoing monitoring and optimisation. 
The platform ensures seamless integration with existing data environments to enhance ROI.

Dreame Technology unveils advanced smart home products like the X50 UC and H15 Pro. 
The first flagship store opens at Dubai Hills Mall, boosting regional presence. 
Products offer features like autonomous floor cleaning, appealing to tech enthusiasts. 
Initial technical glitches marred the launch, but troubleshooting tips are available. 
Dreame&#8217;s investment in Dubai could significantly influence technological adoption in homes region-wide.

Ruya Bank introduces Shari’ah-compliant crypto investments, a first in Islamic banking.
Partnership with Fuze ensures secure, ethical access to digital assets.
Services integrated into Ruya’s mobile app for user convenience.
UAE&#8217;s virtual asset market saw a 42% growth, totaling over $30 billion by June 2024.
Focus on long-term wealth building aligns with Islamic financial principles.​

Dubai&#8217;s du partners with Microsoft to build a hyperscale data centre worth 2 billion dirhams. 
The project aligns with du&#8217;s vision of making the UAE a global digital hub. 
The centre will enhance data processing, storage, and cloud solutions in the region. 
Specific timeline and tech details are yet undisclosed, marking a major commitment to digital transformation.

Oman&#8217;s telecom sector flourished in 2024, with significant rises in mobile and broadband usage. 
Smart device connections surged 72%, driven by the &#8220;Internet of Things,&#8221; reaching 1,15 million. 
Telecom revenues increased 4%, with substantial reinvestments in infrastructure, surpassing global averages. 
Broadband now reaches 90% of households, and 97% of public schools have high-speed access. 
Oman&#8217;s postal services also grew, with domestic deliveries rising to 3,2 million parcels.

Rise of Fearless seeks $700,000 to expand their mobile game and integrate blockchain technology. 
The funds will enhance gameplay, allowing players to own digital assets through decentralised tech. 
Built around African culture, the game aims to educate and entertain with local history. 
Africa&#8217;s gaming market is rapidly growing, projected to reach $3,72 billion by 2029. 
Blockchain gaming offers new financial opportunities, especially in regions with limited banking access.

Fuze received a Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes licence from the UAE Central Bank. 
This licence boosts Fuze&#8217;s capabilities in digital and AI-enhanced payment solutions. 
The move aligns with the UAE&#8217;s strategy to increase the digital economy&#8217;s GDP contribution. 
Fuze aims to be a leader in offering flexible, user-friendly, and compliant payment services. 
Despite its recent founding, Fuze is recognized as a &#8216;Future 100&#8217; company in the region.

Khazna Data Centers is expanding in the UAE with new AI-focused facilities in Abu Dhabi. 
The centres aim for LEED Gold certification, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. 
CEO Alnaqbi highlights rising demand for advanced infrastructure due to AI industry growth. 
Scheduled for completion by 2026, the centres will greatly enhance cloud hosting capacities. 
Innovative cooling systems and energy management tools will boost efficiency and uptime.

EDCO&#8217;s net profit for 2024 soared to JD15 million, up from JD10,55 million. 
Total assets increased to JD972 million, marking a significant growth year for the company. 
Shareholders approved a capital boost and got additional shares from retained earnings. 
EDCO embraced digital transformation with SAPS/4HANA and launched new customer service apps. 
The company aims to lead with smart utility networks, supporting Jordan&#8217;s economy and sectors.

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.

Presight partners with MBZUAI to boost AI startups and entrepreneurship in the UAE. 
The collaboration offers startups technical support, while providing students with training and job opportunities. 
MBZUAI experts will deliver technical consulting and organise networking events to foster innovation. 
This initiative aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi&#8217;s reputation as a global hub for AI innovation. 
It aligns with the UAE&#8217;s National AI Strategy for 2031, advancing the country&#8217;s AI sector ambitions.

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