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UAE’s EIGHTClouds has secured $20M to enhance its F&B and hospitality sectors, reflecting the Arab world's rise as a startup hub amid global uncertainties. The UAE leads globally in entrepreneurship for the fourth year, supported by reforms and a projected 4.7% GDP growth in 2025. Other Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, are also making significant strides in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Qatar-based ShipBee has secured $235K in pre-seed funding to develop an AI-powered logistics ecosystem amid a burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape in the Arab world. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor highlights six Arab nations among the top startup ecosystems for 2024/2025, with the UAE leading globally for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. These countries are benefiting from strategic reforms and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and economic diversification.
Emotional triggers are increasingly influencing purchase decisions in the MENA region, particularly during Eid Al Adha, with campaigns that evoke feelings boosting sales by up to 70%. The online gifting market is projected to grow from $1.8bn to $6.38bn by 2030, driven by a tech-savvy population and mobile commerce, which accounted for 47% of online purchases in the UAE in 2024. Key gifting trends include a preference for electronics and home goods, with floral gifts, especially peonies, seeing significant sales increases.
Qatar-based logistics startup ShipBee has raised USD 235K in pre-seed funding to enhance its AI-powered logistics platform and expand across the GCC and MENA regions. Founded in March 2024, ShipBee offers a unified logistics service, including apps and SaaS tools, aiming to transform the logistics landscape in alignment with Qatar's Vision 2030. The funding will support technological development and the implementation of new AI solutions to streamline shipping and delivery for businesses and consumers.
Saudi Arabia is set to place multi-billion-dollar orders for Airbus aircraft as part of its strategy to diversify its aviation partnerships and enhance its presence in the rapidly growing Gulf aviation sector. State-owned AviLease is in talks to acquire around 30 Airbus A320neo jets and is also considering Airbus A350 freighters. Meanwhile, Riyadh Air is leaning towards the Airbus A350 for its wide-body fleet, potentially ordering up to 50 aircraft, while maintaining a balance with Boeing following recent significant orders.
Emirates airline will resume flights to Damascus starting July 16, aiming to enhance connectivity and support Syria's economic recovery. This move will benefit the Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe, and the GCC, allowing them to reconnect with their roots and contribute to development efforts.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have announced a three-month financial support initiative for Syrian state employees, following a visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to Damascus. This support aims to bolster Syria's economic recovery and comes after both countries previously contributed to settling Syria's $15 million arrears to the World Bank. The visit also included discussions on cooperation in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, coinciding with the recent lifting of economic sanctions on Syria by the US and the EU.
The recent lifting of Western sanctions on Syria has sparked cautious optimism among Syrians, signaling potential economic recovery and improved living conditions. Professionals like graphic designers, who have faced immense challenges under sanctions, now envision a future with better access to technology and financial systems. However, significant hurdles remain, including a crippled banking system and the need for comprehensive reforms to fully realize these opportunities.
In April, Japan imported 27.10 million barrels of Saudi oil, accounting for 36.3% of its total crude imports of 74.77 million barrels. The Arab nations contributed significantly, with the UAE supplying 34 million barrels, while Japan's imports from Iran and Russia remain banned, leading to sourcing from the USA and other countries.
Scaler has appointed Abhinav Vijayvargiya as its new CFO, succeeding Tapan Jindal. With 14 years of finance leadership experience, including roles at Swiggy and Khatabook, Vijayvargiya's expertise aligns with Scaler's focus on sustainable growth amid a shifting edtech landscape. The company has also acquired four startups to enhance its technical offerings, reflecting a strategic move to strengthen its position in the competitive market.
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Arab nations emerge as top startup ecosystems amid global uncertainty
19:00 04.06.2025
Arab nations rise as startup hubs amid global uncertainty and regional growth
16:45 04.06.2025
emotional commerce drives online gifting surge during eid al adha
12:50 04.06.2025
Qatar's ShipBee secures funding to enhance AI logistics platform and expand
09:46 04.06.2025
Saudi Arabia diversifies aviation fleet with multi-billion dollar Airbus orders
11:13 02.06.2025
emirates airline to resume flights to damascus starting july 16
09:40 02.06.2025
Saudi Arabia and Qatar announce financial support for Syrian state workers
09:37 02.06.2025
lifting of sanctions sparks cautious optimism for syrian recovery and stability
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21:47 31.05.2025
Japan's April oil imports heavily reliant on Saudi and UAE supplies
20:00 30.05.2025
Scaler appoints new CFO as it navigates edtech industry transformation
07:00 30.05.2025
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