Author: Arabian Media staff

UAE startups in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector are the latest top picks for venture capitalists (VCs) and private equities (PEs), who are pumping in top dollars into such ventures, betting big on the active governmental support to the sector and the current buzz on the sector globally, investment experts said. Growth-stage ventures in the health and fintech sectors are among the other preferred options for both regional and global investors. The region is also attracting higher levels of funding on the back of the rising influx of entrepreneurs and global talents amidst increased availability of “capital looking for a…

Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), has unveiled a dynamic performance update for 2024 at its Annual General Meeting, highlighting more than $1.65bn in capital commitments and strategic support for more than 190 portfolio companies. The announcement cements DFDF’s position as a key driver of innovation, talent development, and venture capital growth aligned with the emirate’s Economic Agenda (D33). Throughout 2024, dubbed the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, DFDF accelerated its mission to foster long-term value through responsible innovation and community-focused investment. The Fund’s impact extended beyond capital, playing a pivotal role in advancing public-private partnerships that align government priorities with startup-led…

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its dominance in the Middle East and North Africa’s venture capital landscape, securing the top spot in H1 2025 with a total VC funding of $860m (SR3.2bn) — already surpassing the Kingdom’s full-year VC total for 2024. The “H1 2025 MENA Venture Investment Report” from venture data platform MAGNiTT revealed that Saudi Arabia accounted for 56 per cent of total capital deployed across the MENA region, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the region’s startup and innovation economy. The Kingdom also saw a record-breaking 114 VC deals during the first six months of the year, signalling…

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone has launched a limited-time summer promotion aimed at global publishing and creative entrepreneurs, offering a fast-tracked business setup with substantial cost and time savings—available only until the end of July. The initiative is designed to attract content creators, publishers, designers, translators, and media businesses seeking to enter the UAE and wider regional markets. Upon approval, the business licence is issued instantly, and the residency visa is processed in just five working days—a major draw for international founders looking to launch operations quickly. Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City, said: “Sharjah’s vision has always…

Dubai-based carrier Emirates and IHG Hotels & Resorts have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint collaborations on programmes designed to meet the travel needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across global markets. The signing ceremony was attended by Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management; Matthew Jones, VP-USA, Emirates; Ashraf Baytam, Senior Manager Global Business Travel, Emirates; and Ryan Plemmons, Vice President, Global Sales Strategy, IHG Hotels & Resorts. The partnership will see the Dubai-based carrier and IHG explore ways to reach and engage with SMEs through value-added benefits and rewards…

Abu Dhabi is cementing its position as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI), driven by world-class infrastructure, progressive legislation, and a thriving investment climate. The emirate’s flagship global tech ecosystem, Hub71, attracted 13 new AI-focused start-ups in the first half of 2025, bringing its total to 53 companies specialising in AI innovation. The latest cohort represents top entrepreneurial talent from around the world, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a destination for high-value tech investment. AI firms in Abu Dhabi Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, saidthe platform plays a critical role in scaling these businesses by offering mentorship, facilitating…

The 2025 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) has kicked off in Saudi Arabia with unprecedented global participation, receiving more than 10,000 project submissions from entrepreneurs across 169 countries — double last year’s total. The global finals will take place in Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at), in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). The event highlights the Kingdom’s growing reputation as an international hub for innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. 2025 Entrepreneurship World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The competition showcases a broad spectrum of solutions to global…

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has revealed that it supported 308 high-potential digital startups to establish and grow their businesses in the emirate during the first half of 2025, marking a 39 per cent increase compared to the 221 companies supported in the same period last year. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said: “We are committed to developing an integrated digital business environment that provides the foundations for success for talents and digital companies, and supports their expansion from Dubai…

Expand North Star, the world’s largest event for startups and investors, will celebrate its 10th edition from October 12-15 at Dubai Harbour — after last year welcoming 65 unicorn companies with a combined market value exceeding $400bn. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the event marks a decade of advancing the emirate’s position as a global capital of the digital economy and a top destination for innovators, investors, and pioneering tech enterprises, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Since its launch in 2016, Expand North Star has seen explosive…

Dubai Chambers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Development Bank (EDB) to enhance support for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing greater access to financing and tailored banking solutions. The agreement includes funding for new and existing projects, as well as capital expenditure requirements, while also supporting the establishment of new businesses in Dubai. It further enables the opening of bank accounts for local firms and multinational companies, including SMEs, easing the setup process in the emirate. Dubai startup banking support Under the MoU, Dubai Chambers and EDB will cooperate on initiatives to strengthen competitiveness,…