Bahrain’s startup ecosystem has generated USD 1.2 billion from July 2021 to December 2023, with fintech leading the way. Key players like Tamkeen, Bahrain FinTech Bay, and Central Bank of Bahrain support this growth. Tech startups such as Calo and Unipal continue to attract investment, signaling strong growth for 2025.
Middle Eastern companies are driving smarter trade through digital solutions. Oman’s IGC launched a Gas Applications Portal to streamline natural gas requests, while Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group partnered with Indra Group to develop smart port solutions, digitalising logistics and trade operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The UAE has been ranked as the global digital leader in Airgain’s Emerging Digital Powerhouse Index, leading the world in fast, affordable internet, tech-savvy population, and 5G connectivity. This ranking underscores the UAE’s growing role in the knowledge economy, setting the stage for innovation-driven growth across industries.
RakBank has partnered with Bitpanda Technology Solutions to launch a platform allowing UAE residents to manage digital assets efficiently. Pending regulatory approval, this collaboration aims to transform the UAE’s digital financial landscape, providing RakBank customers with access to a wide range of digital assets and fostering sector growth.
Huawei hosted the closing ceremony of the 2024–2025 Regional Final of the Huawei ICT Competition in Amman, Jordan. The event celebrated student achievements, highlighted the importance of academia-industry collaboration, and announced three Jordanian students advancing to the Global Final in China. Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to supporting digital talent.
Gulf Business Machines (GBM) has partnered with Splunk to enhance digital solutions in the Gulf region, covering the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced data analytics and cybersecurity capabilities, empowering businesses to optimize performance and strengthen their digital resilience amid ongoing transformations.
In 2024, Algeria’s FGAR funded 386 SMEs with a total of USD 427 million, creating over 8,000 jobs. The fund provided loans and financial guarantees across various sectors and regions, supporting business growth. Additionally, it recently expanded loan offerings to include both investment and operating loans.
Algeria is set to launch a mobile payment system in January 2025, aiming to advance digital transformation and financial inclusion.
du has launched a 48-hour immersive digital experience, showcasing the UAE’s untapped beauty through the lens of content creators. Powered by du’s 5G connectivity, the initiative features activities like dune bashing and ziplining, aiming to break the TikTok livestream record while highlighting du as a lifestyle enabler.
Mustapha Meloui, President of the Moroccan Observatory for Digital Sovereignty, highlighted Morocco’s strides toward becoming a leading “Digital Nation” in Africa, backed by strong ICT metrics and national programs. The upcoming “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy aims to position Morocco as a premier digital hub on the continent.
