eSIM technology is projected to power 33% of all smartphone connections in the MENA region this year, which is projected to jump to 68% by 2030
MENA
Latest in MENA
MENA
Fastex expands MENA presence with ftNFT Phygital Space and Web3 Meetups
The company said the launch of ftNFT phygital space is also aimed at supporting the UAE’s growing position as a global hub for digital assets
Dubai
MENA Restaurant Community holds meet to discuss innovations in Dubai’s f&b sector
The event explored topics such as digital transformation of work processes and ways to create customer-centred services
MENA
UAE, Saudi Arabia lead the way as MENA M&A deals reach $49.2 billion
The two countries were involved in 152 of 321 deals worth $9.8 billion; Cross-border M&As accounted for 87% of total deals
Dubai
Saudi Arabia dominates IPO activity in MENA region
Saudi Arabia braces for a continued IPO rush after dominating activity in the region during Q1, with several additional companies announcing their intentions to list
BitPanda
Crypto platform Bitpanda opens first regional office in Dubai
The UAE operation will mark the beginning of Bitpanda’s first expansion outside Europe
Funding
Startup funding future bright as sector recovers from 62% plunge in Q1 2024
Projected robust GDP growth, strong government spending and significant investments across key sectors like infrastructure and tourism in many countries in the region to drive PE investments
Economics
Iran-Israel geopolitical tensions raise risks for Middle East economic outlook, but little fallout so far: Reports
The recent flare-up follows rising Iran-Israel hostility over the last two years as Iran has ramped up its nuclear program, which Israel staunchly opposes
MENA
Ramadan shopping: MENA clocks 220% hike in online flower, bouquet sales
Local brands saw a whopping 84% increase in demand during Ramadan 2024, compared to non-festive periods, a new study said
crypto
Revealed: Middle East braces for crypto token project boom amid new platform debut
Companies in real estate, renewable energy, private debt and pre-IPO stocks are said to be among the leading ones which are eyeing raising billions through crypto token launches to fund their projects
Cairo
WEGO: MENA travel bookings up over 11 per cent, discount air fares, top winter destinations
WEGO has revealed winter travel market trends with most popular destinations and reduced air fares
Climate
World Bank to boost MENA climate financing to $10bn as region eyes $13tn GDP
World Bank will increase climate financing actions as MENA region tipped to see GDP growth to $13tn with green growth strategies
Climate
COP28: MENA region can create 10m jobs and boost GDP by 7.2% with climate action
International Labour Organisation shares forecasts on climate action on GDP in MENA region at COP28
Construction
Middle East construction faces $2tn boom and 4.3m new jobs a year if it adopts sustainable approach: report
Adopting sustainable construction technologies can lead to a $2tn surge in the sector and create more than 4m jobs a year
investments
‘Funding winter’ impact: M&A ‘exit’ deals plunge 30% in MENA in H1, 2023
In terms of numbers, the region recorded just 27 exits in the first half of the year
cyptocurrency
UAE crypto market to see major uptick with several ventures gearing up to launch spot bitcoin ETFs
The move comes in the wake of a US court ruling last week, clearing regulatory hurdles for trading of such products
Magnitt
Revealed: MENA predicted to see spike in VC financing in Q4, 2023
Works on some mega venture capital investment deals are said to be currently underway in the region