Dubai’s VARA tightens Rulebooks to boost crypto oversight, while MCIT launches new incubator to back 20 AI startups
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- E-commerce market hits $8.8B, seen exceeding $13.8B by 2029
- G42 partners WWT to establish AI accelerator Forge42
- Dubai’s VARA tightens Rulebooks to boost crypto oversight
- ADNOC inks $1.64B deals to make critical industrial equipment
- NWTN to develop AI industrial park in KEZAD
- Low-cost airline Flynas attracts $109B in orders for $1.1B IPO
- PIF to suspend Swiss financial market investments due to Credit Suisse fallout
- World's largest green hydrogen project in NEOM faces challenges in finding buyers
- Delivery orders up 22% YoY to hit 79M in Q1 2025
- MCIT launches new incubator to back 20 AI startups
- Bonyan for Development to offer 33% stake on EGX in Q2
- Egypt eyes opening of Chinese bank to support SCZone firms
- NTRA introduces new measures to regulate telemarketers and tackle spam
- Sumitomo sets up new plant to boost auto parts exports
- CBE sees GDP growth reaching 4.3% this FY, up from 2.4%
- Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) formed to oversee crypto regulation
- Investment ratio at 13.8% of GDP, below 14.2% goal
- More luxury items to come under 25% sales tax in upcoming budget
- National Tariff Policy 2025-30 faces pushback from industry groups
- Per capita income up 9.75% to reach record high in FY25
Other MENA+ Developments
- Aramco, ADNOC, e& continue to lead as regional brand leaders
- DP World to boost global logistics presence with $2.5B investment
- Invest Qatar partners Tencent’s Level Infinite for gaming sector boost
- iQIYI launches in MENA with WATCH IT partnership
- Kuwait Investment Authority reiterates commitment to US investment
Southeast Asia Developments
- Robinhood to onboard Foodpanda Thailand customers after exit
- Indonesia partners Google for AI program targeting 100 startups
- Singapore maintains GDP growth target despite tariff hit
- Delivery firm Lalamove launches ride-hailing services in Vietnam
- Malaysia to unveil new semiconductor incentives in July
