Abu Dhabi's AI sector expansion, KSA's leap as mining destination, talabat's MENA growth, Singapore's digital banks still unprofitable, India continues US trade talks
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Abu Dhabi added 150 AI firms to reach 673 in H1, driven by strategic investment and cross-sector demand
- AIQ to work with SLB for agentic AI solution EnergyAi
- 1,100 new firms join DMCC in H1, bringing total members to nearly 26,000
- Ruya Community Islamic Bank to launch digital platform for entrepreneurs with Peko
- Mastercard, IFZA, Global Tax Assistant introduce AI-driven corporate services
- KSA climbs to 23rd in Mining Investment Attractiveness Index, up from 104th in 2013
- CMA launches consultation on public listing of financing investment funds
- E-commerce platform Shahbandr to offer BNPL with Tamara partnership
- stc becomes first operator globally to achieve 2.4 Tbps optical speed with Huawei trial
- Madinah municipality, DeepMinds launch new venture studio
- Govt greenlights four new public freezones
- EFG Foundation launches Egypt's first applied tech school specializing in agritech
- Govt to tender new gas concession in Red Sea
- Hyundai's Genesis launches in Egypt, entering African luxury EV market
- FRA chairman gets term renewed for another year
- Govt to cut super tax for manufacturing sector to 5% over four years
- Central Depository Company integrates RAAST quick payment system
- Corporate law to be overhauled in line with international standards
- Japanese fintech Soramitsu now working with SBP to launch CBDC pilot
- Nasdaq-listed smart mobility firm NWTN to make new energy commercial vehicles in Lahore
Other MENA+ Developments
- India concludes Oman FTA negotiations
- Yalla Group beats growth outlook as it plans new game launches
- talabat projects 27-29% GMV growth in 2025 on higher order frequencies, customer acquisition
- Etihad Rail in discussions to invest in Kenya freight operations
- Dar Global acquires DIFC firm to enter financial services sector
Southeast Asia Developments
- Indonesian govt proposes new sovereign AI fund
- Profitability remains elusive for Singapore digital banks
- Thailand plans new stimulus measures to counteract US tariffs
- VinFast to focus on Asian markets with pivot to regional manufacturing
- New Singapore committee to support broad AI adoption among businesses
India Developments
- India to continue US trade talks despite tariff hike
- MeitY revives plans for national data centre policy, begins meeting stakeholders
- JioFinance App begins offering tax planning, filing module
- P2P lenders ask RBI for regulatory relief amidst collapse in AUM
- Govt pushes private telcos to adopt local gear
