The agreement aims to open new avenues for cooperation in vital sectors and enhance economic empowerment for women in both regions
StartUp
Funding
Pakistan’s COLABS raises $2mn pre-series funding, eyes Saudi Arabia and MENA expansion
The funding round was led by Shorooq Partners, with participation from Saudi-based Waad Investment
DIFC
Dubai to give 100,000 startups a $100m boost with Ignyte digital platform: Sheikh Hamdan
Dubai digital platform Ignyte will deliver $100m of perks to startups and entrepreneurs
abu dhabi start-ups
UAE is GCC startup hub 5,600 new firms registered in Q2;Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah woo entrepreneurs
UAE startup ecosystem is thriving as new companies attracted by investment environment and flexible legislation
business incubator
UAE announces TradeTech incubator as it supports logistics, AI and finance startups
UAE Ministry of State for Foreign Trade launches incubator to support innovative trade startups
Debt financing
MENAP fintech Abhi secures $15mn debt financing led by Shorooq Partners, Amplify Growth Partnership
The new funding will allow it to scale its operations and further expand its earned wage access to serve the blue- and white-collar working populations in the country
Dubai startups
Expand North Star 2024 in Dubai attracts 65 unicorns with $400bn valuation
Dubai startup event attracts unicorn companies with combined valuation of more than $400bn
digital business
Dubai woos digital startups as it looks to triple number of app developers, targets £27.2bn boost
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is supporting startups and fostering growth as it presents highlights at Expand North Star 2024
UAE entrepreneurs
UAE attracting entrepreneurs with Golden Visa offers, competitive tax rates, over 60 amended laws and free zones: Minister
UAE attracting more entrepreneurs as SMEs account for 95 per cent of companies operating in the country
Dubai startups
in5 Dubai startup funding passes $2.1bn
Dubai startup incubator in5 has seen massive funding for businesses in the technology, media, design, and science sectors
entrepreneurship
UAE’s FasterCapital announces enhanced fundraising support for startups
From October 14 to 20, startups that apply to the Raise Capital programme will receive priority access to FasterCapital’s investor network
Dubai
Dubai Chamber unveils new comprehensive startup guide for entrepreneurs
The guide provides an overview of Dubai’s startup ecosystem, including legal requirements, business setup options, and funding opportunities
Dubai
iACCEL GBI brings 7 innovative startups to Expand North Star 2024 in Dubai
The accelerator will bring together founders, investors, and tech leaders from around the world, providing a platform for startups to secure business deals
Bond funding
Saudi and UAE lead MENA startup funding with $328m raised in September; top sectors and companies revealed
Saudi and UAE show continued interest in startup funding in MENA region, nearly 97 per cent awarded to male founders
Dubai
Green Vision Consultants reports tenfold revenue growth since 2020, fuelled by Dubai SME support
The firm, which began as a small local enterprise focusing on Dubai-based projects, has evolved into a regional player with operations spanning the GCC, Middle East, and Asia. It now boasts a workforce of over 15 professionals, offering specialised multi-disciplinary design consultancy services
LinkedIn
LinkedIn announces 10 best Saudi startups
LinkedIn publishes annual Top Startups in Saudi Arabia list
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, ETHER unveil 6 homegrown brands by Emirati female entrepreneurs
The initiative is part of a strategic partnership between the two entities designed to empower women in the retail sector