Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
UAE startup YAL.ai has raised $12M in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered scam protection platform. Using on-device, self-learning AI, it blocks fraud across calls, SMS, apps, and emails while safeguarding privacy. The funding fuels R&D and partnerships to scale globally against rising telecom fraud.
Impact46 has invested $1M in Saudi-based Sadq to accelerate product development, strengthen compliance, and scale digital-signature solutions. Sadq aims to be a foundational pillar of Saudi Arabia’s digital trust ecosystem, aligning local regulations with global standards of security and usability.
Snoonu has launched its Innovation District and expanded its R&D growth programme with QR750mn investment until 2030. The company aims to employ 1,000 engineers, drive AI and sustainable logistics innovation, and scale across GCC markets, positioning itself as Qatar’s first unicorn and a regional tech leader.
Sadq, a Saudi digital-signature platform, raised $1M from Impact46 to expand product development, strengthen compliance, and scale regionally. Compliant with local regulations and global standards, Sadq aims to become a cornerstone of digital trust infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Sabika, a Sharia-compliant gold and silver investment platform, has raised a six-figure USD round led by M-Empire Angels to expand in Egypt and the Gulf. With 20,000 users and EGP 120M in transactions, the startup will enhance features, add AI tools, and enter Saudi Arabia in 2025.
Figure AI has raised over $1 billion in Series C funding at a $39B valuation, backed by Arcapita, Parkway Venture Capital, Brookfield, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Intel Capital, and others. The company develops humanoid robots for industrial and commercial use, with Brookfield supporting large-scale pilot deployments and AI infrastructure.
Figure AI has raised over $1 billion in Series C funding, reaching a $39 billion valuation. The round, led by Parkway and supported by Brookfield, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Intel, and others, highlights growing global confidence in humanoid robotics. Arcapita’s role underscores regional investors’ leadership in frontier AI technologies.
Fintologya, the Bahrain-based fintech startup, has secured $1M in seed funding to expand across GCC markets. Founded in 2024, the company builds secure, compliant payment infrastructure that empowers banks and fintechs to deliver seamless digital finance products, supporting the region’s push toward modern, inclusive financial systems.
Google is deepening its Africa commitment with $9M in university funding, new subsea cable infrastructure, and free AI Pro subscriptions for students in eight countries. The investments, part of its $1B Africa plan, aim to strengthen education, connectivity, and innovation for the continent’s digital economy.
Rihal has secured $7.5M in the first close of its $15M Series A round led by ITHCA Group. Since its 2021 seed funding, the Omani data services leader has recorded 119% CAGR, expanded across multiple industries, and now aims for international growth powered by this latest investment.