The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) has successfully secured over $1.65 billion in capital commitments while supporting more than 190 startups. This achievement marks a significant milestone in DFDF’s mission to enhance the innovation ecosystem in the emirate of Dubai. The announcement was made during DFDF’s Annual General Meeting, where it was also noted that...
Startups across the Middle East and North Africa are experiencing a surge in capital investment, strategic acquisitions, and regional expansion, highlighting the increasing momentum in the area’s innovation ecosystem. This week, various startups secured funding and achieved key regulatory milestones, positioning themselves for growth in a highly competitive and rapidly changing market landscape. Credit: Arab...
The UAE has introduced a significant initiative called ‘UAE Future 50’, which aims to highlight 50 promising Emirati startups that are set to shape the future economy. The initiative was launched in Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Crown Prince of Dubai and...
Saudi Arabia has been recognized as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the world, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 released by StartupBlink. The country achieved an impressive growth rate exceeding 200%, making it the only nation in the global top 100 to reach such a milestone. This achievement has also earned Saudi Arabia...
Eureka! GCC, a prominent business model competition in Asia, is set to return to Dubai with an expanded platform for its 2025 edition. This year’s competition has attracted over 300 startup registrations from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond, showcasing the region’s growing entrepreneurial spirit. The event will culminate in a Grand Finale...
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has announced that it facilitated the establishment and expansion of 127 digital startups in the emirate during the first quarter of 2025. This impressive figure represents a significant 135 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Chamber emphasized that this growth highlights its continuous commitment to...
The Futuremakers Women in Tech UAE Accelerator is now inviting applications from female entrepreneurs based in the UAE for its seventh cohort. This initiative is part of Standard Chartered’s broader Futuremakers program, which focuses on fostering economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people. The accelerator operates in partnership with the UAE-based impact platform Companies Creating Change...
Dubai-based business advisory firm Terex Ventures successfully wrapped up its Official Demo Day Series at Zentral, World Trade Center (WTC), Dubai. The event attracted a global network of venture capitalists, angel investors, and family offices from the UAE, India, Europe, and beyond. This Demo Day focused on high-impact startups that are addressing real-world challenges in...
Cafu, a fuel-delivery service based in Dubai, is exploring the possibility of raising funds by selling a stake in the business for the first time. This information comes from individuals familiar with the situation who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions. Founded in 2018 by Rashid Al Ghurair, a member of...
stc Bahrain has announced the opening of applications for its InspireU accelerator program, aimed at supporting local startups with funding, training, and resources to help them scale their innovative ideas into successful regional ventures. This initiative is part of stc Bahrain’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent within the country. The InspireU program, which is overseen...