DUBAI/MILAN/PARIS: The naming of a new boss at Etihad Airways presents the Gulf carrier with an opportunity to rethink its aggressive expansion strategy after the failure of minority-owned Alitalia underlined the big barriers to global growth. Ray Gammell was appointed interim CEO this week, days after Alitalia sought bankruptcy protection with $3.3 billion of debt. He replaces veteran boss James Hogan.
Hogan’s strategy was to buy up minority stakes in myriad airlines but the struggles of that strategy, most recently with Alitalia, are emblematic of a quandary peculiar to the industry. The path to growth for airlines often lies in gaining access to rivals’ routes. Yet in the EU, which mainly operates as one nation in aviation, foreigners cannot majority-own an airline. At Alitalia, the lack of full control meant that Etihad could not deal effectively with labor problems.
Since 2011, Abu Dhabi’s state-owned Etihad has spent billions of dollars buying minority stakes from Europe to Australia as it races to catch up with regional rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Alitalia was Etihad’s eighth and most high-profile bet. But the €560 million ($609 million) investment lies in tatters, placing Hogan’s wider strategy under the microscope after staff overwhelmingly rejected its latest restructuring plans. Now the future of Etihad’s other leading investment, in Air Berlin, is also in doubt as the Gulf carrier pursues a strategy review that began last year. Like Alitalia, the German carrier has made big losses and it said two weeks ago it was seeking a new partner, which could include a new investor.
An Etihad spokesman said its review was ongoing but declined to comment on how its strategy might change or the impact of Alitalia’s failure on its global plans.
But a senior source at the Gulf carrier said lessons would be learned from the Italian investment and they would play a role in shaping future strategy.
Etihad’s strategy has allowed it to cut costs by pooling items like airplane procurement while offering a larger network; it says it brings together 600 destinations and over 700 aircraft.
Hogan’s “approach to partnerships did not pan out, but a few of his principles are still valid,” said Will Horton, a senior analyst at Australian aviation consultancy CAPA.
Etihad’s efforts to grow through minority stakes have at times been compared to Swissair’s failed “Hunter” strategy of the 1990s. Swissair’s buying binge, often acquiring stakes in ailing airlines, contributed to huge losses which eventually saw it grounded in 2001 and sold to Germany’s Lufthansa in 2005.
Hogan has always rejected the comparison, saying Etihad was doing things differently to Swissair and had demonstrated it could control costs. Etihad and its rivals have demonstrated spectacular growth but are increasingly pressured by a slowing Gulf economy due to relatively low oil prices. They have chosen different strategies to sidestep the regulatory dilemma governing foreign ownership and pursue global expansion.
Qatar Airways, like many other carriers, has entered one of three global alliances. These give some access to other carriers’ traffic rights without breaking ownership rules but allow only limited control over route-planning and costs.
Dubai’s Emirates, by contrast, mainly operates alone — an approach that gives it control of over its network and costs but also means it carries all the risk. The Middle East’s largest airline reported a drop in annual profit on Thursday for the first time in five years.
As the youngest of the three major Middle Eastern carriers, 14-year-old Etihad has looked to catch up and followed a third path of buying into other airlines to expand its reach.
When Hogan rescued Alitalia in 2014 after months of negotiations, he had been encouraged by two reformist prime ministers, Enrico Letta and his successor Matteo Renzi. Letta flew to Abu Dhabi to help clinch the deal.
“When Etihad arrived in 2014, we thought this time it would finally work, that this was it,” said Alitalia pilot Stefano Di Cesare of the Fit-Cisl union. Yet, Italian industry leaders say Etihad underestimated the country’s tangled politics and chronic labor strife.
Italian executives, officials and unions said in interviews with Reuters that alienating Alitalia’s workforce was among a series of missteps that ended Etihad’s Italian dream. Many also say Etihad underestimated the blistering growth of low-cost carriers Ryanair and easyJet. Without a majority stake, Etihad’s influence was limited despite being the largest single investor on 49 percent. And despite the lure of Italy’s important tourism market, it was forced to watch Alitalia’s efficient rivals mop up the benefits.
“There is no doubt that the idea to manage the company from Abu Dhabi was a very serious mistake,” Italian Industry Minister Carlo Calenda told Parliament last week.
The Etihad spokesman said Alitalia had been in financial trouble for decades and that its investment was welcomed wholeheartedly in Italy. Etihad believed the new restructuring plan developed by Alitalia’s management would have addressed its problems, he added.
In Germany too, Etihad had seen Air Berlin, its first investment in 2011, as the door to unrestricted access in a market where it has limited traffic rights with its own planes. But that airline has seen losses widen to a record €782 million in 2016. For now, Etihad continues to provide funding. Air Berlin says Etihad has granted another loan facility of €350 million and a letter of support for at least 18 months. But industry sources say Etihad could exit Air Berlin by seeking a deal with German flag carrier Lufthansa, with which Etihad is keen to work.
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said on Friday he had held talks with Abu Dhabi about the future of Air Berlin, but that it was up to the emirate to resolve Air Berlin’s €1.2 billion debt problem, which also prevents Lufthansa buying it.
Other investments such as Air Serbia and Air Seychelles have been more successful. There, Etihad was given hands-on management control and benefited from close diplomatic ties.
Even as the carrier picks up the pieces of its European adventure, Etihad faces its own restructuring that sources close to the company say has seen near-daily redundancies.
This may also weigh on the strategic decision facing Gammell, as he takes up his interim post this week, followed in coming months by a permanent successor to Hogan.
New Etihad boss to rethink strategy after Alitalia dream fails
New Etihad boss to rethink strategy after Alitalia dream fails
Bahrain Airshow concludes with key deals, record aircraft displays
MANAMA: The Bahrain International Airshow 2024 concluded with a flurry of major business deals, including a contract between Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Leonardo to modernize the country’s air traffic radar and surveillance systems.
The agreement is set to enhance Bahrain International Airport’s efficiency and safety through advanced primary and secondary radar technologies.
The seventh edition of the airshow, held on Nov. 13-15 at Sakhir Air Base, set a record with over 125 aircraft displayed, a 25 percent increase from the previous event.
The event saw Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, extending its long-standing collaboration with Amman-based Joramco, boosting maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities.
Other key agreements included a partnership between Infracorp and Mena Aerospace to develop specialized aircraft hangars, aiming to position Bahrain as a regional hub for advanced aviation services.
The event also saw Valo Aviation secure Bahrain’s first business jet operator license, with plans to operate 15 aircraft by 2026, and a strategic cybersecurity alliance between Iron Net and Asterion to bolster critical infrastructure protection.
Aircraft showcases
Debut appearances at the event included the US Department of Defense’s B-52H Stratofortress and flydubai’s latest static display models.
The three-day showcase, inaugurated by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa on behalf of King Hamad, attracted over 40,000 industry professionals and visitors, with attendance projected to exceed 55,000 by its conclusion.
After touring the exhibition, Crown Prince Salman emphasized Bahrain’s focus on priority sectors as a driver of economic diversification, national development, and progress. He highlighted the role of Bahrain’s national talent in sustaining achievements and shaping future aspirations, according to the state news agency.
The Bahrain Crown Prince underscored the importance of strategic sectors in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions and contributing to its comprehensive development journey under the leadership of the monarch. He also reaffirmed Bahrain’s strong tradition of hosting successful international exhibitions and conferences, stressing the importance of maintaining this legacy.
Air displays included performances by the Saudi Hawks, Bahrain’s F-16s, and the US Navy’s P-8 Poseidon, showcasing their capabilities. Static displays featured a range of aircraft, including Gulf Air’s B787-9 and the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17.
The Saudi Hawks team showcased green, red, and white trails in a nod to the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The Royal Saudi Air Force’s Typhoon, piloted by Maj. Faris bin Ali Al-Zahrani, demonstrated its capabilities with a series of maneuvers and high-speed passes.
Organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation, the Royal Bahrain Air Force, and Farnborough International, the event underscored Bahrain’s position as a global aviation hub.
Sustainability and innovation
Sustainability dominated discussions at the Airport and Airlines Forum, where executives from Gulf Air Group, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce explored the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and net-zero technologies. Regulatory support and innovation were highlighted as essential to making SAF commercially viable.
Mohammad Al-Khuraisi, vice president of strategy and business intelligence at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, stated that the agency’s participation in the Bahrain International Airshow highlights Saudi Arabia’s achievements in aviation, showcases the key pillars of the Kingdom’s aviation strategy, and presents future investment opportunities.
Ali Rajab, GACA’s executive vice president of Air Transport and International Cooperation, emphasized that the authority’s presence at the event underscores new regulations aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the aviation sector.
Rajab added that the Saudi aviation strategy, which targets $100 billion in investment and aims to increase annual passenger numbers to 330 million, serves as the foundation for these advancements.
Defense forums showcased advancements in combat technology, including autonomous systems, AI-driven cybersecurity, and electronic warfare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector.
Aviation milestones
Bahrain International Airport was recognized as the world’s first to receive the prestigious IATA Environmental Assessment Certification, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader sustainability goals.
Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency also announced an initiative to train 100 students in satellite image analysis and space science, part of its STEM-focused educational efforts.
Growing reputation
At a press conference, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed, chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, expressed pride in the air show’s success in attracting leading global companies and organizations.
“This is by far the most successful international air show hosted in Bahrain in terms of connectivity, engagement, and diversity,” said Sheikh Abdullah.
He added: “Bahrain is a strategic hub for the aviation industry, and this year, we are celebrating 75 years of aviation. Bahrain has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering regional growth and innovation.”
The chairman emphasized that the numerous agreements and deals signed during the event reflect Bahrain’s growing global stature, with the strong turnout of exhibitors, participants, and visitors further cementing the Kingdom’s reputation as a hub for excellence and innovation.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing success in hosting major international events, positioning it as a preferred destination for business and innovation.
“This year’s edition of the airshow has already welcomed 40,000 international and regional aerospace professionals, delegates, and visitors, with expectations to surpass 55,000 by the end of the day.”
He also noted that the air show serves as a key driver for the aviation sector, aligning with Bahrain’s vision for technological advancement and creative growth.
With 177 organizations participating and 80 percent of exhibitors being international, the event underscored Bahrain’s commitment to its Economic Vision 2030 by fostering investment, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.
Sustainable technologies, innovations discussed at COP29 to mitigate climate change
BAKU: Azerbaijan, an oil-producing country and host of the COP29 UN climate change conference, is focusing on green innovation and development, showcasing its efforts at the global gathering in Baku.
“We are collaborating with international companies and research institutions to ensure that COP29 showcases cutting-edge technologies in renewable energy, water management and carbon capture,” said Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 president.
Although Azerbaijan remains reliant on fossil fuels, it is working with international organizations and educational institutions to ensure that COP29 is not only about policies and funding, but also a platform for presenting environmental innovations.
“Our focus is on delivering a conference that fosters practical solutions, showcases Azerbaijan’s leadership in the energy transition, and reinforces our commitment to a sustainable and resilient future,” said Babayev.
According to an article by Elkhan Nuriyev, a global energy associate at the Brussels Energy Club and senior expert on Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia at L&M Political Risk and Strategy Advisory in Vienna, published on the Ceeenergy News website: “The government has advocated for stronger commitments to enhancing financial mechanisms for green projects worldwide. A standout project is the ‘Green Energy Hub,’ a multi-faceted initiative focused on harnessing renewable energy sources. This hub includes large-scale solar farms, wind turbines and hydropower facilities, serving as a key export resource.”
In addition, an agreement was signed four years ago between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy and Masdar, a UAE clean energy company, to establish the country’s first solar energy facility — the 230-megawatt Garadagh Solar Power Plant.
The project covers 550 hectares and features 570,000 bifacial photovoltaic panels, which capture both direct sunlight and the reflection of sunlight from the ground.
Masdar is not the only company involved in renewable energy technologies in Azerbaijan. Earlier this year, ACWA Power, a leader in the energy transition and a pioneer in green hydrogen, partnered with Azerbaijan’s national oil company, SOCAR, to develop projects that will accelerate renewable energy in the country.
According to ACWA Power’s website, the private company is “currently constructing Azerbaijan’s and the region’s largest 240 MW wind power plant in the Absheron-Khizi region at an investment cost of $345 million.”
As governments increasingly prioritize sustainability, the integration of innovative technologies is becoming a key demand for fostering both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Saudi Arabia is also prioritizing sustainable development through its Vision 2030.
According to the Kingdom’s national source for government services and information, which outlines the Sustainable Development Goals of Saudi Vision 2030, “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia endeavors to tackle the issues of poverty, inequality, climate change, prosperity, peace, justice, education, health, social protection and the availability of employment opportunities, and, recognizing the intersecting nature of these issues, ensures they are all included in its national strategy.”
In addition, many other technologies have been developed worldwide to combat climate change, including an innovative solution launched 2017 to develop renewable energy: solar-powered trains.
According to an article by Justyna Matuszak on the Know-How website, this type of green transportation can run for an entire day without needing to recharge. The railway also releases 75 percent of the energy it generates into the ground, as reported by the BBC.
Bladeless wind energy is another technology designed in 2012 by the Spanish startup Vortex Bladeless.
It features is an elastic rod that secures the company’s three-meter tall bladeless turbine vertically into the ground. According to the previously mentioned report, the turbine sways with the wind speed, generating energy from the resulting vibrations.
Due to its design, it is suitable for use in cities or residential areas as it does not require as much space as a traditional wind turbine.
Another new sustainable technology is 3D-printed solar energy trees. Developed by researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the technology, as described in the Know-How report by Matuszak, is a prototype tree that collects solar energy, heat and kinetic energy from its surroundings, whether indoors or outdoors, to generate electricity for small appliances.
By embracing modern sustainable innovations and fostering joint partnerships between the public and private sectors, tackling climate change may become more achievable.
The urgency of climate finance: Is the world ready to commit?
BAKU: As global leaders gather in Baku for the COP29 UN climate change conference, the focus on climate finance has never been more pressing. This year’s conference theme, “Accelerating Climate Action for Sustainable Development,” suggests that climate action must advance economic stability as well as address environmental concerns.
Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan’s lead negotiator for COP29, has said that “trillions of dollars” are needed to fund the fight against climate change — a significant increase from the longstanding annual target of $100 billion, which itself remains unmet. Vulnerable nations are especially affected by this shortfall, lacking the resources to build resilience against climate impacts.
The need for equitable financing
Delegates from developing regions, including African representatives, have called for climate finance to reflect the distinct economic realities faced by less developed countries.
Shaimaa Al-Sheiby, senior director of strategic planning at OPEC, spoke to Arab News about the importance of ensuring that climate finance meets the needs of developing economies
“In many countries, it’s difficult for governments to sustain economic progress without accessible financing,” Al-Sheiby said. She advocated for wealthier nations and financial institutions to play a greater role in “de-risking” investments in developing markets to attract private capital for renewable projects.
Yusuf Idris Amoke, a Nigerian climate adviser, said: “The Global South is on the receiving end of climate impacts while contributing far less to emissions.”
For these countries, the push to phase out fossil fuels often clashes with immediate economic needs, especially given that alternatives are limited and expensive.
“Financing third world countries or the Global South is key,” Amoke added, saying that transitioning without robust financial support is neither equitable nor feasible.
Voluntary carbon markets and climate solutions
Voluntary carbon markets have been gaining traction as a flexible solution for reducing emissions, especially in regions where compulsory systems have struggled to achieve significant results.
These markets encourage companies to take part in climate initiatives by creating financial incentives, which, as Al-Sheiby said, are essential for involving the private sector.
“Private capital is very shy,” she added, saying that risk-reduction strategies could help attract these funds to where they are most needed.
The success of voluntary markets, however, depends on strong regulatory support, transparency and accountability.
Global initiatives and South-South collaboration
The COP29 Presidency has launched the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade, a collaborative platform designed to align climate finance and trade with sustainable development priorities. By convening leaders from developed countries and the Global South, the initiative aims to foster equitable climate solutions.
In Africa, Saudi Arabia’s “Empowering Africa Initiative” exemplifies South-South collaboration. Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has signed agreements with Ethiopia, Chad, Senegal and other countries to promote energy equity as well as accelerate the continent’s energy transition. These agreements are set to harness Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, including its 10 terawatts of solar capacity.
Abid Malik, ACWA Power’s geo head for Central Asia, highlighted the importance of fostering local expertise during an interview with Arab News. “Our projects in Africa don’t just bring renewable energy; they create jobs, enhance technical skills and empower local communities to take charge of their energy futures,” he said.
The intersection of climate finance and conflict recovery
The recently announced Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief and Recovery highlights the role of climate action in stabilizing conflict-affected regions. “Climate-induced challenges such as water scarcity and food insecurity are catalysts for conflict,” said Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 president. “Peace-sensitive climate action is crucial for the most vulnerable.”
Gilles Carbonnier, vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighted the environmental fallout in conflict zones like Gaza. “In places like Gaza, where infrastructure has been decimated, renewable energy offers a lifeline,” he told Arab News. “Solar microgrids in refugee camps are providing critical electricity for healthcare and other essential services.”
Charting a path forward
The commitments announced at COP29 reflect a growing recognition of the interconnected challenges of climate finance, energy equity and conflict recovery. With asset owners controlling $10 trillion pledging to accelerate private capital deployment and initiatives like BICFIT gaining momentum, the foundations for transformative change are being established.
For vulnerable nations, these efforts offer a glimmer of hope. However, achieving a just transition will require sustained political will and a reimagining of global financing systems. As COP29 unfolds, the world is watching to see if the pledges made in Baku will translate into tangible action.
Saudi Fund for Development marks 50 years with efforts in emerging economies
RIYADH: As the world is being divided by geopolitical tensions and wars, Saudi Arabia’s development fund is extending a helping hand to emerging nations through soft loans and grants.
Established in 1974, the Saudi Fund for Development has supported more than 800 projects worth $20 billion in over 100 countries.
As it celebrates 50 years since it was founded, the fund’s offerings for developing nations show no signs of slowing down.
Here are the highlights of its activities in the first nine months of 2024.
Water project to Benin
In February, SFD signed a memorandum of understanding with Benin to allocate a $5 million grant to support the implementation of the fifth phase of the Saudi Program for Drilling of Wells and Rural Development.
According to a press statement, the water project is expected to overcome the effects of drought in 37 villages across the West African nation.
“The project will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the infrastructure sector, provide access to water and food security, maintain public health, and reduce environmental pollution, to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 6, clean water and sanitation,” said SFD.
The fund’s development cooperation with Benin started in 2008, with it providing soft loans to finance six development projects and programs worth more than $145 million in the country over the past sixteen years.
Supporting Turkiye’s education sector
In February, SFD signed a $55 million loan agreement with Turkiye to rehabilitate five public schools covering an area of approximately 55,000 sq. meters.
The project will equip these schools with the necessary equipment and resources to protect them against earthquake damage, ensuring the continuity of their quality and efficiency, according to a statement.
Over the past four decades, SFD has financed nine development projects and programs in Turkiye, worth over $300 million, in multiple sectors including energy, health, agriculture, and education.
Empowering transport sector in Tunisia
Earlier this year, the fund signed a development loan agreement worth $55 million to renew and develop the railway network for phosphate transportation in Tunisia.
According to a press statement, the project will help renew approximately 190 km of the system, support increasing the capacity for transporting phosphate, and contribute toward Tunisia’s economic growth by creating direct and indirect job opportunities.
Loan to support clean energy growth in Pakistan
In March, SFD signed two development loan agreements totaling to $101 million to finance the establishment of the Shounter Hydropower and the the Jagran-IV Hydropower Projects in Pakistan.
A loan worth $66 million is intended to construct the 48-megawatt Shounter Hydropower station and connect it to the country’s national electricity grid.
This project also involves dam construction, water diversion and purification structures, powerhouse development and discharge tunnel construction.
The second loan, amounting to $35 million, will help establish the Jagran-IV Hydropower Project, which is set to have a capacity of 22 MW. This project entails the construction of dam, powerhouse, water diversion and purification building, as well as the provision of generators, transformers, necessary equipment, and transmission lines.
“These two agreements mark a continuation of efforts to boost clean energy projects in Pakistan, addressing challenges posed by conventional energy and its associated financial costs,” said SFD.
It added: “Additionally, they underscore the significance of clean energy and its contribution to fostering vital opportunities for sustainable development, aiming to support social development, stimulate economic growth, and meet population basic needs.”
In 2023, SFD financed oil derivatives worth $1 billion for Pakistan, when the South Asian nation was facing a tough economic situation amid dwindling forex reserves and rapidly depreciating national currency.
Supporting energy sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis
In April, SFD signed another development loan agreement worth $40 million to bolster the energy sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
According to a press statement, the loan centers on the financing of the expansion of the Needsmust Power Plant Project in the island nation. The project entails the establishment of a state-of-the-art dual-fuel power generation station with a capacity of 18 MW.
“This initiative is poised to significantly enhance the country’s energy production capabilities, contributing to a flexible hybrid power generation platform. It emphasizes efficiency improvements, utilization of clean fuel, and a pivotal step toward sustainable energy practices,” said SFD.
Aid to disaster-affected communities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
To support the disaster-affected communities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the SFD in April signed a $50 million developmental loan agreement with the Caribbean nation.
According to a press statement, the agreement aims to finance the construction and rehabilitation of buildings and facilities affected by natural disasters in the country.
“The goal is to enhance the sustainability and resilience of these structures to withstand future disasters and climate change effects. The project encompasses furnishing and equipping buildings with necessary equipment, including the establishment of four health care facilities, construction of primary and secondary schools, government buildings, and rehabilitation of damaged houses by volcano, among other infrastructure works,” said SFD.
SFD enters El Salvador and Nicaragua
In June, SFD forayed into El Salvador and Nicaragua by signing developmental loan agreements with these nations.
The fund signed a $83 million deal with El Salvador to fund a water treatment and biogas power generation project in the Central American country.
“The project will treat wastewater that currently flows into the Acelhuate River, while also producing biogas for renewable electricity generation. Expected to benefit over 1.2 million people, it will significantly increase El Salvador’s renewable energy capacity, and contribute to environmental sustainability,” said SFD.
#Infographic | A first developmental step; for effective sustainable development #SFD Signed the first development loan agreement worth $103 million; to support the health sector in the Republic of #Nicaragua.#ProsperTogether pic.twitter.com/UqisoTrZPp
— الصندوق السعودي للتنمية (@SaudiFund_Dev) June 7, 2024
In the same month, the fund signed another developmental loan agreement worth $103 million with Nicaragua to finance the development of the Carlos Centeno Departmental Hospital in the Central American nation.
According to a press statement, the fund will be used to construct a 25,000-sq.-meter hospital with a capacity of 300 beds, serving the surrounding regions.
The facility will also include specialized clinics for surgery, comprehensive child immunization, training and qualification of medical personnel, emergency departments, and a full range of integrated health care services.
Supporting socio-economic growth in Dominica
In September, SFD signed a developmental loan agreement worth $41 million with Dominica to enhance socio-economic growth in the country.
The agreement aims to rehabilitate seven main streets in Roseau, which will help improve road connectivity, reduce congestion, enhance safety and access to basic services, as well as facilitate the smoother movement of people and goods, according to a press statement.
#Video | The signing ceremony for the first development loan agreement worth $41 million, provided by #SFD to finance the Infrastructure Rehabilitation project in the capital, Roseau, of the Commonwealth of #Dominica.#ProsperTogether#SFD50 pic.twitter.com/rxLkdQWMJ6
— الصندوق السعودي للتنمية (@SaudiFund_Dev) September 15, 2024
The loan will also contribute to commercial and residential development and create numerous job opportunities.
In the same month, SFD also signed a deal worth $25 million to co-finance the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the Solomon Islands.
The financing initiative aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development in the Oceanian nation.
Startup Wrap — Proptech leads startup investment in region as sector sees funding drop
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s real estate tech platform Ejari secured the largest startup investment across the Middle East and North Africa in October as the region faced a funding slowdown.
The firm benefited from a $14.65 million seed financing round led by PFG and BECO Capital, underscoring the importance of early-stage investments.
This success came against a backdrop of a funding fall for the MENA region, which saw $134 million secured across 56 deals.
This represented a 52 percent month-on-month decline and a 13 percent decrease from the same period last year, indicating ongoing challenges in the region’s investment climate, according to Wamda’s monthly report.
Debt financing played a notable role, accounting for $28.4 million, or 21 percent of the total amount.
UAE-based startups led the region, raising $61.8 million across 15 deals, while Saudi Arabia followed closely with $50 million raised across 21 transactions.
Kuwait’s position was boosted by property technology firm Sakan’s $12 million round, contributing to a total of $13.5 million secured by Kuwaiti entrepreneurs.
The Egyptian startup scene struggled, with only eight startups raising a combined $1.6 million, highlighting a sharp downturn.
Meanwhile, Tunisian and Qatari startups performed comparatively well, securing $3 million and $2.7 million, respectively.
Fintech, which had dominated the region’s funding landscape earlier in the year, fell to second place in October.
Proptech took the lead, attracting $38 million over five deals.
The e-commerce sector raised $14.6 million, while education technology startups secured $11 million across seven deals.
Investor preference leaned toward early-stage startups, with seed funding accounting for $40 million, or 30 percent of the total raised.
Series A investments reached $20 million across three deals, and pre-seed funding contributed $15.5 million. Notably, nine startups secured $25.8 million without disclosing their stage.
The business-to-consumer model was the favored choice, garnering $83.8 million across 19 startups, while business-to-business ventures attracted $42.4 million over 27 deals.
Ten startups operating a hybrid model received nearly $8 million.
Female-founded firms saw an encouraging rise, collectively raising $10.5 million across four transactions.
However, male-founded startups continued to dominate, securing $115 million across 31 deals.
Saudi open banking startup Lean closes $67.5m in series B round
Lean Technologies, a Saudi-based open banking platform, has raised $67.5 million in a series B funding round led by US-based General Catalyst.
This round marks one of the largest equity investments by a US venture capital firm in Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector. Other participants included Bain Capital Ventures, Duquesne Family Office, and Arbor Ventures.
Founded in 2019 by Hisham Al-Falih, Ashu Gupta, and Aditya Sarkar, Lean provides businesses with access to bank data and payment solutions.
The company, regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market, claims it has processed over $2 billion in transactions through its account-to-account payment offerings, serving clients like e&, DAMAC, and Careem.
In Saudi Arabia, Lean’s launch of data services under the Saudi Central Bank’s regulatory sandbox has facilitated nearly 1 million bank account verifications, supporting clients in sectors such as insurance, lending, and e-commerce, including companies like Tawuniya, Abdul Latif Jameel Finance, and Salla, as well as Tabby, and Tamara.
Al-Falih, CEO of Lean Technologies, stated that the funding will be used to expand Lean’s product offerings and support its growth strategy across the Middle East.
“Our aim is to enhance the financial ecosystem by providing accessible solutions that meet the needs of businesses and consumers alike,” Al-Falih said.
Neeraj Arora, managing director at General Catalyst, said: “Lean has demonstrated a strong commitment to solving local market needs and has earned significant customer loyalty. We see Lean as a key player in building the infrastructure needed for the region’s fintech growth.”
The new funding is expected to bolster Lean’s pay-by-bank and open banking solutions, allowing the company to scale operations and deepen its market presence in the region.
UnifyApps secures $20m to fuel ME expansion
UAE-based Software-as-a-Service solutions provider UnifyApps has closed a $20 million series A funding round led by Iconiq Growth, with participation from Elevation Capital.
The round brings UnifyApps’ total funding to $31 million since its inception in 2023. The company, co-founded by Pavitar Singh, Abhishek Khurana, focuses on automating enterprise workflows across multiple applications.
“UnifyApps understands that you need a holistic approach to achieve trusted, effective AI agents,” said Matt Jacobson, general partner at Iconiq Growth.
“By aligning every data source and application to an enterprise use, they are enabling AI to actually understand and orchestrate work,” he added.
Pavitar Singh, CEO of UnifyApps, emphasized the strategic value of the new partnership: “UnifyApps is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with Iconiq Growth. Their deep network and partnership will be instrumental in our next stage of growth as we bring our AI agent platform to enterprises everywhere.”
UAE’s Epik Foods raises $15.5m
Epik Foods, a UAE-based food and beverage group, has raised $15.5 million in private capital funding from Ruya Private Capital I, LP, a fund managed by Ruya Partners.
The funding will be used for acquisitions, working capital, and supporting the company’s expansion plans, particularly into Saudi Arabia, as well as strengthening its presence in the UAE.
Established by Khaled Fadly and Ranya Basyuni, Epik Foods was formed in 2023 following a merger of three F&B entities – KR&CO, Sweetheart Kitchen, and Happy Platters Kitchens – in partnership with Gulf Islamic Investments, a Shariah-compliant global investment firm which manages over $4.5 billion in assets.
Epik Foods currently oversees a portfolio of 60 food and beverage brands operating across 50 locations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with an additional 20 outlets slated to open as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.
Efreshli advances interior design tech with new funding round
Egyptian interior design startup Efreshli has raised an undisclosed amount in its latest seed round, led by Algebra Ventures.
The round also saw participation from 500 Startups, Dar Ventures, and various angel investors.
Founded in 2019 by Heba El-Gabaly, Efreshli leverages virtual decor tools to help customers visualize room setups before making purchases.
CEO El-Gabaly expressed optimism about the company’s growth trajectory, saying: “I’m excited about this significant milestone for Efreshli. With new funding and with Dina El-Haddad joining as co-founder and CPO (chief product officer), we can accelerate our tech-driven growth and take Efreshli to new heights.”
El-Haddad added: “I’m thrilled to be part of Efreshli’s journey to revolutionize the home furnishing experience. Efreshli’s future is more than just furniture; it’s about building an entire ecosystem. With innovations like Efreshli Pro, we’re connecting the dots for everyone, from customers to designers.”
The new funding will be directed toward enhancing Efreshli’s offerings and expanding its product line, reinforcing its mission to make interior design accessible across the region.
