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Metric, a UAE fintech company, secures a significant seven-figure seed funding round. 
This funding will boost AI-driven finance solutions and expand services across the Gulf and Asia. 
Metric&#8217;s marketplace offers financial tools like business debit cards to SMEs. 
Their AI assistant &#8220;Max&#8221; provides tailored financial guidance as a virtual advisor. 
Metric aims to grow in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan markets.

The fintech sector secured over $1 billion in funding during Q1 2025 in the MENA region.
Total startup investments reached $1,5 billion, according to a report by Wamda.
Sectors like insurtech and e-commerce attracted less funding, while interest in SaaS declined for the second consecutive month.
Investors are favoring practical tech solutions that directly impact consumers’ daily lives.
The data indicates a clear shift in investment trends, with increased competition expected in fintech and proptech sectors.

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.

ViAct secured $7,3 million in Series A funding led by Venturewave Capital. 
Funding will enhance AI models for predicting risks in high-safety sectors like construction. 
Expansion plans include entering Saudi Arabia&#8217;s growing tech-savvy construction market. 
Additional recruitment in AI, engineering, and sustainability will support this growth. 
The investment will upgrade technology for better workplace safety and sustainability initiatives.

BridgeWise, an AI-driven investment platform, has expanded to the Middle East. 
They secured an operating licence from the Dubai International Financial Centre. 
Emirates NBD bank invested in their Series A funding, boosting their expansion. 
BridgeWise&#8217;s AI provides clear explanations to help users make better financial decisions. 
Dubai&#8217;s position as a financial innovation hub supports BridgeWise&#8217;s ambitious growth plans.

Comfi has partnered with Wafeq to integrate invoice financing for UAE small businesses. 
Wafeq users can access up to AED 2 million in liquidity without disrupting business processes. 
Comfi committed $5 million for invoice financing on Wafeq&#8217;s platform to support UAE SMEs. 
Future plans include &#8220;Pay Later&#8221; options, enabling clients to buy on credit risk-free. 
The partnership simplifies financial operations, easing cash flow challenges for SMEs.

Arab National Bank (anb) has launched its first FinTech accelerator programme in Saudi Arabia. 
Partnering with Plug and Play, anb aims to nurture startups with mentorship and funding. 
This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance its financial technology sector. 
The initiative supports start-ups, empowering them to scale up in a competitive global market. 
Exciting success stories are anticipated from this accelerator, transforming the financial landscape.

Moroccan startup VOVE ID gains fresh funding from the Baobab Network to aid expansion. 
The investment supports growth plans in the Middle East and Africa, enhancing its team and technology. 
VOVE ID offers AI-powered identity verification tools for streamlined and compliant client onboarding. 
Their &#8220;pay-as-you-go&#8221; model makes high-quality KYC services accessible to startups and SMEs. 
This innovation aids both VOVE ID&#8217;s growth and empowers small businesses with advanced security.

ITHCA Group and Yango have acquired the Omani ride-hailing app, Otaxi. 
Otaxi, launched in 2018, modernised taxi services with an easy-to-use app. 
Yango, part of Russia&#8217;s Yandex, has a strong global ride-sharing presence. 
The acquisition aims to extend Otaxi&#8217;s market reach in a rapidly growing sector. 
This move reflects increasing global investment in Gulf region start-ups.

Visa has invested in fintech startups Konnect and PayTic after their accelerator programme participation. 
Konnect, from Tunisia, offers instant payment solutions with shareable links via popular apps. 
PayTic, a Moroccan firm, enhances back-end payment operations and risk management. 
Visa&#8217;s accelerator scheme supports African fintech growth, including some female-led companies. 
The company plans to invest $1 billion in Africa&#8217;s digital future by 2027.

Kilow, a Saudi health tech startup, has launched an Arabic-language app for weight loss. 
Founded by Fahed Al Essa, the app focuses on health tracking, coaching, and medical support. 
Kilow&#8217;s platform is tailored to Saudi cultural habits, offering practical and sensible solutions. 
The service includes initial free medical consultations and personalised monthly plans. 
Future plans include AI-driven features and regional expansion beyond Saudi Arabia.

The Aurora Tech Awards 2025 celebrated innovative women-led startups in Cairo. 
Over 2,000 teams applied from 116 countries, narrowing down to ten finalists. 
Founders pitched to investors, offering cash prizes and vital networking opportunities. 
Local support grew as inDrive partnered with Entlaq for nurturing startups. 
Top prize went to Nigeria&#8217;s Solape Akinpelu for HerVest, promoting financial inclusion for women.

Flat6Labs and Tamwilcom are joining forces to boost startup growth in Morocco. 
The partnership, supported by IFC, offers mentorship, technical guidance, and funding to young businesses. 
Strategic sectors targeted include agri-tech, fintech, digital health, AI, and green-tech. 
The initiative aims to build strong business models and attract investor confidence. 
This collaboration enhances Morocco’s investment climate and supports private sector innovation.

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AWS partners with Manara to launch a regional tech training initiative.
$3,6 million will be invested over the next two years.
2,500 software engineers across MENA will be trained in cloud and AI skills.
Participants will receive AWS certifications, mentorship, and career support.
The goal is to bridge the tech skills gap and drive digital innovation in the region.
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Qatar will invest $7,5 billion in Egypt, highlighting stronger bilateral economic ties. 
Leaders emphasised enhancing cooperation and integration to achieve mutual economic goals. 
They jointly expressed support for Palestine and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. 
Support for peaceful resolutions in regional conflicts was reaffirmed by both countries. 
Qatar backed Egypt&#8217;s culture by endorsing Dr Khaled El Enany for UNESCO.

HRA Experience secured a €35 million investment from an Abu Dhabi-based private investor. 
The funding supports the launch of platforms like HRA Airlines and HRA Exchange. 
CEO Adem Kiraz sees the investment as validation of HRA&#8217;s globally relevant vision. 
HRA aims to revolutionise travel and spending, particularly for crypto enthusiasts. 
Their platforms blend blockchain with real-world travel, enhancing accessibility and simplicity.

Majid Al Futtaim is investing approximately $293 million in a new development in West Cairo. 
The project includes thirteen buildings, a hotel, and serviced hotel apartments in 6th of October City. 
Expected returns are over 30%, with sales projected to start by 2030. 
Majid Al Futtaim&#8217;s total investments in Egypt now approach $2,5 billion. 
This development showcases their confidence in Egypt&#8217;s economic potential and commitment to the region.

BKN301 secured $23,8 million to accelerate global expansion, especially into the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 
Investors like CDP Venture Capital SGR and Azimut Libera Impresa SGR participated in the funding. 
CEO Stefano Mucchioli sees this as investor confidence in their scalable business model. 
The fintech aims for a 36% CAGR in EBITDA by 2028, focusing on digital payment solutions. 
BKN301&#8217;s &#8220;BaaS Orchestrator&#8221; offers services like payment processing and AI-driven open banking.

Dnata is investing $110 million to increase global cargo capacity by 2025. 
The Dubai facility will handle 400,000 tonnes annually with future expansion capabilities. 
A $70 million Amsterdam hub will process 850,000 tonnes and feature smart tech enhancements. 
The $15 million Erbil facility will boost Iraq cargo capacity by 300% by July 2025. 
All facilities will use automation and eco-friendly designs for improved efficiency and sustainability.

Trafigura secures a large $235 million financing deal to expand shipping in the UAE. 
The funding, backed by First Abu Dhabi Bank, enhances crude, petroleum, and commodity logistics. 
This highlights the UAE’s strategic role in global trade and commodity supply chains. 
It supports Trafigura&#8217;s adaptation to shifting markets, driven by growing global energy needs. 
Such agreements bolster trade efficiency and strengthen diplomatic and economic connections.

AIREV secured investment from Venturewave Capital during its recent Series A funding round. 
The funds will aid the global expansion of AIREV&#8217;s AI operating system, On-Demand. 
On-Demand allows users to craft AI applications using large language models and various tools. 
AIREV collaborates with industry giants like G42, Panchea, and AIdeology. 
The startup also developed School Hack, an AI educational platform popular with students.

Sadeq, specialising in digital signatures, raised 5,5 million Saudi Riyals. 
The funding was led by Fund X by Unifonic, with strategic investment from Unifonic. 
Co-founder Salem Al-Badawi noted it will enhance their technical infrastructure and scale the platform. 
Sadeq is set to incorporate advanced technologies, ensuring it remains ahead in digital authentication. 
The investment indicates confidence in Sadeq’s vision and the attractiveness of digital solutions in Saudi Arabia.

TruBuild raised $1 million in seed funding to develop its AI-driven construction platform. 
The funding was led by Wa&#8217;ed Ventures and Dar Ventures, with additional investors. 
The platform aims to reduce unexpected construction costs and inefficiencies significantly. 
Funds will enhance the product, hire talent, and support domestic and international expansion. 
TruBuild plans to streamline project evaluations, potentially speeding processes by 80 percent.

Trend Micro is enhancing cybersecurity in Qatar, aligning with the nation&#8217;s Vision 2030 goals. 
Their new North Gulf hub in Qatar offers top cybersecurity expertise to various sectors. 
CyberGate internships aim to train Qatar&#8217;s next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 
Innovative platforms, like Trend Vision One with AI and XDR, tackle sophisticated cyber threats. 
The Zero Day Initiative actively discovers hidden security flaws before malicious actors do.

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.