Fintech

UAE formalizes electronic invoicing model to modernize tax reporting

UAE Ministry of Finance issues Electronic Invoicing Guidelines to support the national e invoicing rollout, advancing digital tax compliance and business automation across the country.

UAE sets governance framework for AI use in Finance

UAE Central Bank issues new guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in financial services, outlining governance, risk management and compliance standards for regulated entities.

Central Bank of Oman moves to regulate BNPL sector with new licensing rules

The Central Bank of Oman issues new regulations governing Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, establishing a formal framework for licensing, consumer protection, and fintech oversight in the Sultanate.

Saudi fintech Madfu bags $25.5M to accelerate BNPL growth

Saudi BNPL startup Madfu has raised $25.5 million to expand its fintech footprint across the Kingdom, accelerating growth in digital payments and consumer finance under Vision 2030.

Saudi payments startup CASHIN closes $16M series A

Saudi fintech CASHIN has raised $16 million in a Series A round led by Impact46, as it scales its digital cash management and payment infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.

Singapore's Ascentium acquires UAE corporate services provider Clara

Singapore-based business services platform Ascentium has acquired Clara, a UAE-based regtech and corporate service provider, in a deal that expands Ascentium's presence across the Middle East's regulated financial hubs. Founded in 2018, Clara operates as the largest licensed corporate service provider in Abu Dhabi Global Market, serving startups, venture capitalists, and government entities through its proprietary compliance platform.

SiFi raises $20M series A to scale Saudi spend management platform

Saudi fintech Simplified Financial Solutions (SiFi) secures $20 million in Series A funding led by Ra’ed Ventures to scale its AI powered spend management platform, serving over 3,500 organizations across the Kingdom.

Infinity Value Capital leads $2M round for UAE’s Omnispay SME finance platform

UAE based fintech Omnispay secures $2 million in pre series A funding led by Infinity Value Capital Group to scale its AI driven SME finance platform, expand embedded lending, and accelerate GCC expansion.

InvestSky raises $4M seed round and expands Into Saudi Arabia

UAE based fintech InvestSky enters Saudi Arabia after a $4 million seed round and CMA approval, partnering with anb Capital to expand social first retail investing across the Kingdom and the wider MENA region.

Flow Ventures creates Flow Angels to bridge funding gaps in Palestinian ecosystem

Palestinian investment platform Flow Ventures launches Flow Angels, an organized angel investor network expected to mobilize up to $2 million in early‑stage capital through syndicated investments for Palestinian led startups in 2026.

Jarir receives SAMA approval to establish SAR 50 Million Micro-Consumer finance firm

Jarir secures preliminary SAMA approval to establish Rifd Integrated Co., a SAR 50 million micro-consumer finance company, partnering with Aman Egypt to expand financial services in Saudi Arabia.

SkipCash raises $4M Series A to expand smart payments across GCC

Qatarbased fintech SkipCash raises $4M Series A to scale Tap to Phone smart payment solutions and expand across the GCC.

Qatar offers three-year fee waiver to lure startups at Web Summit

Qatar waives QFC registration fees for three years and deploys $18M to 15 startups as Web Summit Qatar draws 25,000 attendees.

Qatar doubles down on Startups with $2 Billion fund Injection at Web Summit 2026

Sovereign wealth fund expands venture program as Qatar pursues tech dominance alongside Saudi Arabia, UAE

Web Summit announces Qatar 2027 with 50% off tickets

Pay Later closes $10M seed funding to expand flexible payments in Qatar

Qatari fintech startup Pay Later has closed a $10 million seed funding round to expand its buy now pay later and embedded finance solutions across the GCC, reflecting rising investment in flexible payment technologies in the region.

Saudi Social app Declic closes $1M Seed Round to expand across the Gulf

Declic, the Saudi social app backed by 500 Global and Misk, just closed a $1 million seed round to expand across the Gulf.

NowPay Raises $20M, Launches Saudi JV to Scale Payroll Platform

NowPay secured $20 million to expand its earned wage access and payroll tools across MENA, launching NowAccess in Saudi with Tas'heel.

How Startups Can Win Big at Web Summit Qatar 2026

Web Summit Qatar 2026 offers early stage startups opportunities to connect with investors, mentors, and media. Here’s how ALPHA participants can maximise visibility, pitch effectively, and turn conversations into meaningful business outcomes.