Tawasul Transport, in partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), has introduced the first digital payment system for taxis in Abu Dhabi, utilizing AE Coin, a stablecoin linked to the UAE dirham. This initiative represents a global first, as it deploys a government-regulated stable digital currency specifically for public transport fares. The launch was executed...
Vietnam’s Techsmart Telecom has formalized a significant agreement involving telecoms, blockchain, fintech, and cybersecurity. This partnership includes three key collaborators: The Institute of Information Technology and CyberSecurity (IITCS), the UAE-based Venom Foundation, and Abu Dhabi’s GS Fund Technology and Investment. The initiative aims to develop a sovereign digital finance ecosystem, which will incorporate a national...
Emirates NBD, a prominent financial services brand in the UAE, has launched the fourth cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI) program. This initiative is designed to support the next generation of Emirati fintech founders. The program is supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub, global payments leader Visa, and technology...
Qatar-based PayLater, recognized as one of the first companies to obtain a buy now, pay later (BNPL) license from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), has successfully secured a strategic investment from the UAE-based fintech investor, LuLu Alternative Investments (LuLu AI). This investment, the amount of which has not been disclosed, marks LuLu AI’s first foray...
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...
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s leading innovator in FinTech and electronic financial transactions services, has announced the launch of the second cohort of its Ruwaad BENEFIT Leadership Program. This new cohort builds upon the success and impact of the inaugural cohort that took place last year. The Ruwaad BENEFIT Leadership Program is designed as a comprehensive, four-month...
Indian tech firm Zoho has entered into a partnership with UAE-based fintech company areeba to enhance digital services for businesses across the Middle East. This agreement was formalized at Seamless Dubai 2025 and includes a significant investment of $5 million in wallet credits, allowing areeba’s customers to access Zoho’s suite of more than 55 cloud-based...
Mashreq, a prominent financial institution in the MENA region, has unveiled its next-generation API Marketplace. This dynamic platform is designed to provide corporate clients, developers, and fintechs with seamless access to Mashreq’s suite of APIs. These Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) facilitate smooth data exchange between different systems, transforming how businesses manage payments, receivables, and liquidity...
Crossfin, a South African fintech investment team, has initiated its global expansion by investing in UAE-based Unitey Digital Holdings. This investment is made through Crossfin’s newly established investment arm in Singapore, marking a significant step in targeting new markets in the Middle East and Asia. Anton Gaylard, co-founder and CXO of Crossfin, stated that since...
Mashreq Bank, a prominent financial institution in the MENA region, is focusing on digitalization to enhance customer experiences and drive business growth. According to Mashreq group CEO Ahmed Abdelaal, the banking industry is set to face significant disruptions driven by geopolitical instability, changes in customer expectations, and technological advancements. He emphasizes that Mashreq is adopting...