Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone and CoinMENA agree to develop crypto and blockchain hub, while Saudi Central Bank announces public consultation on draft insurance fintech rules
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- Dubai signs accord with undisclosed value to build infrastructure including for logistics and industry in controversial Kashmir region, Indian government says
- Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone and CoinMENA conclude agreement to develop crypto and blockchain hub
- DEWA initiative to offer free charging for non-commercial EVs expands to over 530 Dubai charging points
- Ajman Free Zone launches AI and robotics hub
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre launches space tech startup incubator
- MENA fast food franchise operator Alamar Foods planning IPO
- Saudi Venture Capital Company announces “Investment in Accelerator Funds and Startup Studios" program
- Central Bank announces public consultation on draft insurance fintech rules
- SMEs have raised $267mn in crowdfunding this year so far, Saudi Capital Market Authority says
- Bid prices for latest round of Saudi solar power projects surge on silicon supply crunch
- Egyptian Competition Authority warns businesses with over $6.4mn in yearly revenues that they are required to notify it for M&A transactions
- Bond funds coming under pressure to divest from markets with human rights concerns, including Egypt
- Telecom Egypt partners with Nokia to deploy Egypt's first IoT infrastructure
- Egypt is a key market for MENA 5G rollout, Ericsson says
- Etisalat Misr could acquire or establish electronic payments company in order to exploit its QR code payment services license
- Q1 FDI slips as Chinese investments shrink 50% to rank second behind US'
- Government in midst of developing National Science and Technology Innovation policy
- Jazz signs PTA license renewal agreement with enhanced terms and conditions for coverage and service quality
- Second phase of CPEC to include agritech co-operation
- Mobile wallet Easypaisa launches fraud awareness campaign as banking scams become more prevalent
Other MENA+ Developments
- Nine-month MENA M&As grow 17% to reach $68.6bn but M&A involving MENA targets stalls, Refinitiv data shows
- Willis Towers Watson to acquire Egyptian and Kuwaiti insurance brokerages along with Saudi license in MENA expansion
- Israel to resume Free Trade Agreement talks with India next month
- Azimut and Gellify launch $50mn MENA VC fund targeting disruptive startups
- Bahrain telecom regulator to begin registering local businesses and institutions for .bh domain name
Southeast Asia Developments
- Shopee plans France expansion in race to expand globally
- Kasikornbank tech arm launches "venture builder" focused on decentralized finance
- Electronics among Vietnam sectors facing 50% worker shortage following easing of lockdowns in major cities
- Malaysia's Sunway Malls to rollout e-commerce platform
- Bank Islam calls for tax incentives for microfinancing activities in Malaysia's upcoming budget
