Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain’s Tamkeen will lead the Kingdom’s Pavilion at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, showcasing 14 startups and SMEs to global investors and partners, advancing Bahrain’s innovation ecosystem and ICT sector growth.
Egypt’s Minister of ICT Amr Talaat announced that tech startup investments have risen sevenfold since 2020, fueled by innovation-friendly reforms and global investor interest. Programs like Creativa and Start IT, along with the upgraded EgyptInnovate platform, are helping position Egypt as a leading regional hub for innovation.
Dubai will mark the 10th anniversary of Expand North Star from October 12–15, 2025. The event has become a global launchpad for startups, enabling billions in funding, fostering international expansion, and positioning Dubai as a capital of the digital economy and a gateway for innovation worldwide.
Citadel Pathfinder and P@SHA have signed an MoU to prepare Pakistani startups for the Davos Startup Challenge 2026. The collaboration combines mentorship, training, and global industry networks to showcase Pakistan’s digital talent to top investors, boosting the country’s visibility in the global tech ecosystem.
Avanz Capital Egypt has joined Algebra Ventures’ second fund as a Limited Partner via a landmark secondary transaction, underscoring confidence in Egypt’s VC ecosystem. The partnership strengthens support for tech startups in Egypt and Africa, enabling greater capital inflows and deeper collaboration to fuel entrepreneurial growth.
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy showcased its Business in Dubai platform at Seoul’s Try Everything 2025, arranging 86 meetings and supporting seven Dubai startups. It also promoted Expand North Star 2025 in Dubai, where South Korean participation has more than doubled, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a global hub for startups and investors.
StartUp Bahrain will host its fifth StartUp Bahrain Weekend on October 9–11, 2025, at AUBH. The 54-hour startup marathon will unite 250 participants to build ventures, pitch ideas, and compete for BD 1,000 in prizes, while fostering collaboration, mentorship, and exposure for Bahrain’s startup ecosystem.
MENA startup funding hit $783M in July 2025, surpassing last year’s total in just seven months. Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominated with two unicorns—Ninja and XPANCEO—while Iraq and Morocco surprised with breakout deals. Deeptech and e-commerce led sector growth, but the gender funding gap remains severe.
Saudi’s Gathern raised $72M in Series B funding led by PIF-owned Sanabil Investments, reaching a $266M valuation. The platform manages 72,000 units across 200+ Saudi cities, contributing SAR 2B to the local economy. The funds will drive regional expansion, inbound tourism, long-term stays, and AI solutions, with a Tadawul listing on the horizon.
Tunisia hosts BIGTECH Africa Expo 2025, Africa’s premier innovation and AI event, attracting startups, investors, and experts to boost the continent’s digital transformation and global tech stature.