Middle East Venture Capital Hits Record $2.77B, Outpacing Global Markets
Prime Highlights: Venture capital in the Middle East hit a record $2.77 billionin the first nine months of 2025, up 152% from last year. The UAE and Saudi Arabialed the surge,…
Scale AI Alum Raises $9M to Build AI Infrastructure for Critical Industries in MENA
Prime Highlights: Former Scale AI executive Bilal Abu-Ghazalehhas launched 1001, a new startup focused on modernizing major industries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The company has raised…
Saudi Arabia’s Kafalah Program Boosts SME Financing to SR14 Billion in Q3 2025
Prime Highlights Kafalah issued 5,447 guarantees in Q3 2025, raising SME funding by 8% year-on-year to SR14 billion, reinforcing its role in economic development. The program continues to support Vision…
UAE Labor Force Hits Record 9.4 Million, Unemployment Drops to 1.9%
Prime Highlight The UAE's labor force grew significantly in 2024, with an economic participation rate rising to 81.4%, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to create more job opportunities and strengthen…
Tensor Introduces Fully Autonomous Robocar in Dubai, Plans UAE Launch in 2026
Prime Highlights: US-based Tensor Auto has launched the Tensor Robocar, the world’s first fully autonomous personal vehicle that requires no driver, licence, or insurance. The Robocar uses AI to handle…
MENA Bond Sales Hit Record $125.9B as M&A Activity Soars in 2025
Prime Highlights: Bond sales in the MENA region surged 20%in the first nine months of 2025, reaching a record $125.9 billion. Mergers and acquisitions in the region jumped 166%, with…
Dubai Becomes World’s Largest Licensed Crypto Market with $680 Billion Transactions
Prime Highlights: Dubai has become the world’s largest licensed virtual assets market, with transaction volumes reaching AED 2.5 trillion ($680 billion) since the start of 2025. The Dubai Financial Sector…
MENA Business Travel Rises 30% in Q3 2025, Short Trips Lead Growth
Prime Highlights Business travel in the MENA region surged 30% in Q3 2025, driven by a strong rebound in September bookings after earlier disruptions. UAE-based Tumodo says short trips dominate…
Neuberger Berman Expands Middle East Business with New MENA Equities Team
Prime Highlights Neuberger Berman has strengthened its Middle East operations by appointing a dedicated MENA equities teamled by industry veteran Walid Mourad, aiming to deepen client engagement and local investment…
UAE Launches the Gulf’s First AI Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi to Strengthen AI and Digital Innovation
Prime Highlights: The UAE launches its first AI Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi, aiming to build homegrown AI technology and support local talent. The centre will drive innovation in…