Startups

MENA Startups Burn Through 40% More Marketing Budget Than Global Peers

New research reveals MENA startups spend 40% more on customer acquisition than global peers while achieving lower conversion rates. The inefficiency has contributed to over 340 startup closures in 18 months.

Mobility startup Weego secures $1.1 million to expand MaaS platform

Mobility startup Weego raises $1.1 million led by Azur Innovation Fund to expand its MaaS platform and strengthen enterprise transportation solutions across African markets.

Qatar based iQtech lands investment to grow AI powered XR medical training

Qatar healthtech startup iQtech raises its first funding round from Selexi and Yuniro to scale EsculapioVR, an AI powered XR platform for medical training.

What founders get wrong about localizing products for the Middle East beyond translation

Founders often mistake localization for mere translation when building products for the Middle East, overlooking critical aspects like local payment preferences, cultural nuances, and complex regulatory landscapes. This oversight can lead to significant adoption challenges and hinder market penetration in the region's diverse and rapidly growing tech ecosystem.

How MENA and Pakistani Founders Can Actually Win When AI Is Not Your Differentiator

MENA and Pakistani founders are rushing to build AI companies without understanding what creates lasting competitive advantage. Success requires combining AI with domain expertise, unique data, and defensible moats rather than competing solely on technology implementation.h

King Saud University enters the startup game with Riyadh Valley

King Saud University's investment arm has partnered with SparkLabs to establish a venture fund and four-month accelerator program launching in April. The move marks a significant shift in how major Gulf research institutions approach commercialization of academic research and represents a direct challenge to private venture firms dominating early-stage funding in Saudi Arabia.

Dubai Future District Fund invests in Immensa to boost advanced manufacturing

Immensa secures backing from the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) to expand its digital supply chain platform, reinforcing regional investment in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Breadfast secures major funding round amid growth in Egypt’s e-commerce sector

Breadfast has raised $50 million in a pre series C round backed by regional and global investors, strengthening its expansion plans across Egypt and beyond as competition intensifies in MENA’s grocery delivery market.

Saudi tech firm Solidrange bags $2.4M series A funding

Saudi startup Solidrange has raised $2.4 million in a series A investment round as it scales its technology driven solutions across the Kingdom’s growing digital economy.

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.

Saudi Startup Jazr.io raises $213K to automate F&B financial operations

Saudi startup Jazr.io secures $213K in pre seed funding to scale its AI powered accounting and inventory platform designed for restaurants and cafés across the Kingdom.

UAE startup ThrowMeNot secures $550K pre seed to tackle food waste

UAE based startup ThrowMeNot secures $550,000 in pre seed funding led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mana Al Maktoum to scale its food waste reduction marketplace and expand across the MENA region.

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

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.

Angel Investors back Qarah in multi million dollar financing round

Qarah app has closed a multi million dollar investment round led by angel investors to scale its digital platform, as consumer facing technology startups continue to attract early stage capital in the MENA region.

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.

NTDP collaborates with FII institute to scale high-impact startups

NTDP and the FII Institute join forces to scale impact-driven startups in Saudi Arabia, offering capital, mentorship, and global networks.