OpenAI's Altman, MGX to discuss fundraising in Abu Dhabi, while Saudi spending on mobile apps up 11% YoY last year
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- OpenAI's Altman, MGX to discuss fundraising in Abu Dhabi
- Foreign trade hits record $817B in 2024
- Judicial system tests AI-powered system for some decisions
- UAE becomes Zimbabwe’s biggest export market
- e&, DE-CIX partner to build UAE-India internet corridor
- Spending on mobile apps up 11% YoY last year
- Consumer spending to remain resilient this year
- Savola unit Panda to expand retail presence with over 20 new stores
- DeepFest 2025 set to spotlight AI developments
- Government-owned SVC invests $1B, supports 54 funds to date
- Elsewedy Electric launches region’s biggest telecom cables plant
- Govt exploring initiative to benefit 5,000 startups
- Egypt set to produce mRNA vaccines with tech transfer deal
- Crude oil production to be raised by 18% by June
- IMF deal, demand for bond sales signal economic recovery
- New national framework planned to boost mining investment
- Inaugural ‘Made in Pakistan’ expo launched in Jeddah
- Govt signs MoU with KSA to tackle financial crimes
- Business Facilitation Center to come soon in Islamabad
- Pakistan, China discuss CPEC 2.0, ink cooperation deals
Other MENA+ Developments
- Opec oil output slumps for 2nd consecutive month
- UAE, KSA lead regional M&As as value surges 52% last year
- Retailers face growing competition as grocery market prioritizes value
- Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund exceed $1T in AUM
- QIA backs 1st VC under $1B Fund of Funds program
Southeast Asia Developments
- Singapore bourse expects more listings this year as momentum grows
- Singapore-based Telcoin to launch US’ 1st digital asset bank
- Philippine business groups oppose bill proposing daily wage hike
- Vietnam pushes ahead with legislative reforms to boost investments
- Malaysia introduces major tax incentives for Johor-Singapore SEZ
India Developments
- OpenAI, India hold talks exploring cooperation amid global AI race
- Govt employees urged to avoid AI tools including ChatGPT, DeepSeek
- Startups call on Altman to make OpenAI affordable for developers
- GCCs set to add up to 450,000 jobs this year
- Fintech platforms face scaling challenges amid lending slowdown
