Dubai's Freezone passport launches, allowing cross-freezone operations under single license, while PIF-backed ROSHN partners Singapore AI programs to support real estate innovation
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Dubai's Freezone passport launches, allowing cross-freezone operations under single license
- UAE's Autocraft to acquire 350 eVTOLs from China's TCab Tech
- Presight, CBUAE launches JV to deliver AI-enabled solutions for Jaywan, Aani infra
- Gaming tech provider Light & Wonder gets gaming-related vendor licence
- UK approves Abu Dhabi’s minority stake in Telegraph
- PIF-backed ROSHN partners Singapore AI programs to support real estate innovation
- AI infra provider OmniOps launches Kingdom's first sovereign AI platform Bunyan
- KSA, Syria to ink investment deals worth $4B
- Sport Clubs Co bucks IPO slowdown to soar on market debut
- Senegal, ACWA sign deal for West Africa's biggest renewables-powered desalination plant
- EGX in talks with 6-7 temporarily listed firms to launch public offerings
- World Bank proposes Egypt join new global basic health coverage initiative
- Current account deficit improves to $2.1B as remittances grow
- Arab Fund, NBE, EBRD sign $50M deal to support local MSMEs
- Govt targets $11B in chemical, fertilizer exports this year
- BISP partners EasyPaisa, JazzCash to roll out digital payments
- SECP issues Pakistan's first digital-only license to a non-life insurer
- Trade up 20% to $10.1B in FY25, with potential further growth in energy, tech collaboration
- US govt says Pakistan to attend bilateral talks in Washington
- NITB begins restructuring to reposition as central player in Pakistan's digital governance
Other MENA+ Developments
- Saudi Arabia, Syria to sign $4B in deals at Damascus investment forum
- Qatar in discussions to host 2036 Olympics
- Oman launches supervision program for startups
- Kuwait studies setting up new $165B investment firm
- UAE expected to see 3-5 IPOs by end-2025
Southeast Asia Developments
- US agrees to 19% tariff with Philippines, Indonesia
- National University of Singapore launches $116M fund for deep tech startups
- Indonesia to finish work on first national AI strategy to support FDI
- Philippine digital bank deposits cross $1.8B for first time
- GrabPay Philippines begins allowing crypto topups
India Developments
- India-US interim trade deal prospects reportedly dim ahead of August 1 deadline
- PayPal plans cross-border platform with UPI link
- SBI cautions that aggressive tax enforcement could undermine GST formalization
- Legacy family businesses see lack of interest from younger gen
- Hashed Emergent releases model crypto law, proposes crypto regulatory authority
