Coinbase to acquire Dubai crypto options exchange Deribit for $2.9B, while Amazon-backed Scale AI to expand in Middle East with Riyadh regional HQ
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Coinbase to acquire Dubai crypto options exchange Deribit for $2.9B
- DIFC targets Chinese securities firms as Hong Kong, New York alternative
- Arab world’s first joint satellite project to launch in June
- MGX introduces AI-powered board observer at first board meeting for 2025
- Itochu portfolio firms to enter Abu Dhabi priority sectors with ADIO partnership
- Saudi-Israel normalization unlikely to feature in Trump's Saudi visit
- Amazon-backed Scale AI to expand in Middle East with Riyadh regional HQ
- PIF digital services firm Elm Company plans acquisition spree
- High fees hindering digital wallet use among small businesses
- MBC Group to open new Diriyah HQ
- Govt to launch Takaful, Karama beneficiaries investment fund
- GAFI to allow service exports startups in free zones
- Egyptian inflation accelerates to 13.9% in April
- Egypt now hosts 170 pharma factories, 11 with international accreditation
- Govt plans 4 new free zones by 2026
- IMF approves $1B in loan disbursements
- Govt proposes 10% tax cut for salaried class
- India, Pakistan reach ceasefire deal, as US offers to mediate
- NCERT cautions on social media use aminst India tensions
- GSP+ status with EU remains under review
Other MENA+ Developments
- Primark to enter GCC retail market with Alshaya partnership
- Talabat profit up nearly 4x on customer loyalty, wider product mix, scale
- Oman’s largest chemical plant to begin production in Q1 2026
- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain sign agreement for medical city project
- Turkey's capital market board sets audit standards for crypto platforms
Southeast Asia Developments
- Indonesia IPOs almost double in YTD 2025
- Asean visitors to Malaysia can now make QR code payments with Touch ’n Go eWallet
- Regional tech giants see BNPL boom amidst ballooning consumer debt
- Vietnam begins US trade talks, calls tariffs 'unreasonable'
- Asia's tariff-hit chip investments expected to recover in next few months
India Developments
- Tata plans to double iPhone enclosure production before September releases
- TRAI recommends 5-year satellite spectrum allocation amidst Starlink launch
- India could become regional data centre hub on lower costs
- US commerce secretary says India trade deal may take time
- US retailers boost India apparel queries
