Dyna.Ai sets its focus on Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector

Dyna.Ai’s immediate goals include embedding AI solutions at the heart of the financial sector and hiring local talent to support operations. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 October 2024
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Dyna.Ai sets its focus on Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector

  • Singaporean AI-powered startup cements its local presence with domestic office

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia’s financial technology sector is attracting a new breed of artificial intelligence startups aiming to take part in the already booming industry.  

With presence in seven countries, Singaporean AI-powered startup Dyna.Ai is moving its focus to the Saudi fintech market as it aims to cement its local presence with a domestic office. 

In an interview with Arab News, Tomas Skoumal, chairman of Dyna.Ai, shared that the company is in the process of registering in the Saudi market.  

“We are already in the process of securing our registration which we hope will be completed within the next quarter. The feedback from our partners in Saudi Arabia has been extremely encouraging, and we are looking forward to having a physical presence very soon,” Skoumal said. 

The company plans to establish a local office in the Kingdom, reflecting its commitment to the region.  

“We will have an office there and we will be hiring locally. Saudi Arabia is a crucial part of our global growth strategy, and we are committed to supporting job creation as well as building long-term partnerships with our clients,” he said.  

“The financial sector faces numerous challenges, and businesses need to accelerate their transformation rapidly by digitizing services to meet the needs of modern customers,” Skoumal explained. 

Dyna.Ai offers solutions that address these challenges by providing end-to-end offerings through products for customer acquisition, marketing, risk management, and operational productivity.  

Skoumal noted that the company’s Result-as-a-Service business model is designed to ensure clients realize tangible benefits from the deployment of their products.  

“We work with traditional banks, digital banks, fintechs, insurtechs, and other sectors providing various AI-powered solutions,” he said. 

Dyna.Ai’s immediate goals include embedding AI solutions at the heart of the financial sector and hiring local talent to support their operations.

Embedding AI in fintech 

“By investing in domestic talent with a commitment to constantly upskill them, we are excited about the opportunities to demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment and sector leadership to the global AI ecosystem,” Skoumal emphasized.  

 The company’s long-term vision involves creating a significant impact on the Saudi financial services sector, which is projected to benefit from AI advancements significantly.  

“Artificial intelligence solutions are expected to create a $320 billion impact on the Middle East, with the largest gains of $135.2 billion expected to be seen in Saudi Arabia,” Skoumal noted. 

Dyna.Ai’s expansion strategy in Saudi Arabia includes a strong local presence and collaboration with governmental bodies. 

We work with traditional banks, digital banks, fintechs, insurtechs, and other sectors providing various AI-powered solutions.

Tomas Skoumal, chairman of Dyna.Ai

Skoumal explained that the company is already in conversation with government-backed institutions and semi-government entities to tailor their solutions for the Kingdom. 

The company’s growth objectives for the next year include launching the office, expanding their product portfolio, and deepening industry expertise in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.  

“To achieve these objectives, we will invest in our local team and collaborate with government, local partners, academic institutions, and research organizations,” Skoumal said.  

Dyna.Ai has also introduced new products specifically tailored for the Saudi market, including Dyna Avatar and Dyna Athena, which are designed to enhance customer interaction and communication in local dialects. 

“The operating environment for AI businesses is constantly changing, and around the world where we operate, we ensure that we are closely working with policymakers to ensure alignment with local regulations,” Skoumal explained.  

He further praised Saudi Arabia’s advanced and welcoming regulations in the fintech sector that allow businesses to operate in a sandbox while testing services and solutions. 

The Saudi market is pivotal for Dyna.Ai’s due to its rapid adoption of innovative AI solutions and its young, tech-savvy population, Skoumal explained.  

“Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting markets for technology businesses in the Middle East. The pace of change and adoption of innovative AI solutions is not just inspiring but extremely exciting,” he said. 

“Further, the Kingdom is home to one of the youngest populations in the region with 63 percent under the age of 30,” Skoumal pointed out.

He added that the Kingdom’s geographic location and its role as the region’s largest economy make it an ideal hub for driving AI adoption in the Middle East. 

FASTFACT

The company’s growth objectives for the next year include launching the office, expanding their product portfolio, and deepening industry expertise in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.

Assessing the current market landscape, Skoumal remarked: “The AI sector around the world, and in Saudi Arabia, is still at an early stage. However, the progress of the technology is fascinating, with incredible advances in very short periods.” 
“AI is expected to create a multi-billion dollar impact on the Saudi economy by 2030, and by investing early in the Kingdom, we believe that we will be well positioned to empower work and enrich lives,” he stated. 
Dyna.Ai aspires to not only provide advanced solutions to the financial sector but also to equip Saudi youth with cutting-edge skills and technology access. Looking at future industry trends, Skoumal highlighted several opportunities.  
“The AI and fintech landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, competitors, and regulatory requirements emerging regularly. We see increasing demand for AI-driven solutions across industries, expansion of AI applications into new areas, and the emergence of new technologies and business models,” he said. 
These trends present significant opportunities for Dyna.Ai. 
“We are continuously investing in the local market, swiftly refining our localized solutions, establishing a more professional local team, and developing collaborative models that align with local requirements. This approach allows us to maximize our grasp on these opportunities,” Skoumal said. 

Business fundamentals 
Regarding profitability, Skoumal stated: “We have strong unit economics and robust fundamentals. At the moment our focus is on growth, and deploying our solutions with clients. As with the enterprise technology sector, profitability will be achieved as we grow, and our global expansion is a crucial part of this.” 
The motivation behind founding Dyna.Ai stemmed from Skoumal’s extensive experience in the global financial sector.  
“Financial institutions are generally slow to adopt modern technology due to concerns over security, regulations, deployment, and other factors,” he noted.  
While Dyna.Ai is well-capitalized and focused on growth, expansion, and local hiring, Skoumal emphasized that the company is continuously looking for opportunities to innovate and refine its solutions.  
“We are extremely proud of the fact that 50 percent of our workforce is dedicated to research and development efforts, which means we are able to constantly innovate while bringing new solutions and updates to market very quickly,” he highlighted.


CMA approves new rules to spur Saudi investment fund sector

Updated 09 July 2025
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CMA approves new rules to spur Saudi investment fund sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority has announced a package of regulatory enhancements aimed at strengthening the investment fund environment in the Kingdom, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.

The reforms, which involve amendments to the Investment Funds Regulations, Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations, and the glossary of terms used across CMA regulations, are designed to advance the regulatory framework governing investment funds.

The goal is to elevate the competitiveness of the asset management industry by identifying development opportunities, adopting international best practices, and enhancing transparency and governance.

The reforms reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to deepen its capital markets and attract more local and international investment, in line with Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.

According to a CMA board decision, the updated rules will help expand and develop the investment fund and REIT sectors, increase transparency for unitholders, and improve investor protection through more robust governance standards.

Key reforms

One of the major changes includes broadening the categories of entities allowed to distribute investment fund units. Under the new rules, fund units may now be distributed via licensed investment platforms and e-money institutions approved by the Saudi Central Bank, including through their websites and mobile apps.

Additional reforms cover the procedures for fund termination and the removal of fund managers, as well as new guidelines for voluntary withdrawal by managers of both public and private funds.

A key requirement is obtaining CMA approval for such withdrawals, and ensuring that the outgoing fund manager transfers all management responsibilities to a successor within 60 days. This is aimed at safeguarding investor rights and ensuring a smooth transition process.

REIT flexibility in parallel market

In a move to expand investment opportunities and increase potential returns for investors, the CMA will now allow traded real estate investment funds listed on the parallel market to invest in real estate development projects at the time of fund establishment.

These investments will not be bound by the standard asset allocation ratios and restrictions previously outlined in the Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations.


Egypt’s annual urban consumer inflation at 14.9 percent in June, stats agency says

Updated 09 July 2025
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Egypt’s annual urban consumer inflation at 14.9 percent in June, stats agency says

  • Urban food and beverage prices were down 1.2%

DUBAI: Egypt’s annual urban consumer price inflation slowed to 14.9 percent in June from 16.8 percent in May, data from statistics agency CAPMAS showed on Wednesday.

The drop in inflation is steeper than the median forecast of 15 analysts polled by Reuters, which had seen annual urban consumer inflation last month at 16.2 percent.

Urban food and beverage prices were down 1.2 percent overall compared to May 2025 but were up by 6.9 percent against June 2024, according to CAPMAS.

Urban inflation on a monthly basis inched down in June by 0.1 percent compared to May, as meat and poultry prices were down by 3.8 percent, fruits by 2.1 percent and vegetables by 1 percent, while the prices of bread and cereals were up by 0.3 percent and seafood by 0.8 percent.

Egypt’s annual inflation has plunged from a record high of 38 percent in September 2023, helped by an $8 billion financial support package agreed with the International Monetary Fund in March 2024. 


Most Gulf markets close higher shrugging off Trump’s tariff news

Updated 09 July 2025
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Most Gulf markets close higher shrugging off Trump’s tariff news

  • Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index eased 0.1%
  • Abu Dhabi index added 0.4%

LONDON: Most stock markets in the Gulf reversed early losses to close higher on Wednesday as investors appeared unfazed by the latest tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. 

Trump ramped up his trade offensive on Tuesday, announcing a 50 percent tariff on copper and renewed long-threatened levies on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. He also reiterated plans to slap 10 percent tariffs on imports from Brazil, India, and other BRICS countries. 

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index eased 0.1 percent, dragged down by a 3.1 percent slide in utilities heavyweight ACWA Power and a 0.9 percent decrease in oil giant Saudi Aramco.

In the UAE, Dubai’s main index gained 0.7 percent, hitting a fresh 17-year high, lifted by a 3.6 percent rise in Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corp. 

Emirates has signed a preliminary agreement with Crypto.com to accept payments through its platform. 

The UAE continues to grow as a regional hub for crypto firms, with several enabling crypto payments for real estate, tuition, and transport. 

Abu Dhabi index added 0.4 percent, posting its sixth straight session of gains. 

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. advanced 6.4 percent following regulatory approval to open a branch in India. 

Qatar’s benchmark index closed flat. 

Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index, which traded after a session’s break, finished 0.4 percent higher, with Commercial International Bank rising 0.6 percent higher. 

Egypt’s stock exchange suspended trading on Tuesday, citing ongoing disruptions affecting brokerage firms’ ability to communicate efficiently across the trading system, after a fire broke out on Monday in a telecoms data center in Cairo. 


Blacklane and EVIQ partner to expand EV charging network in Saudi Arabia 

Updated 09 July 2025
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Blacklane and EVIQ partner to expand EV charging network in Saudi Arabia 

  • Initiative aims to support development of sustainable infrastructure, focusing on clean technologies
  • Deal includes development of dedicated charging stations for vehicle fleets

JEDDAH: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is set to expand across Saudi Arabia following a strategic partnership between Blacklane and EVIQ, accelerating the Kingdom’s shift toward clean and sustainable mobility. 

Under the agreement, EVIQ — a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Electricity Co. — will collaborate with the international chauffeur-driven transport firm to support the expansion of the Kingdom’s EV charging network across key cities and mobility hubs, according to a press release. 

The initiative aims to support the development of sustainable infrastructure in line with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on clean technologies and environmental responsibility. It also supports the Kingdom’s goal to transition 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 — a target it aims to reach ahead of schedule

Mohammed Bakr Gazzaz, CEO of EVIQ, said: “By integrating national charging infrastructure with premium fleet operations, we aim to reinforce the foundation for a scalable, future-ready transport ecosystem aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.” 

The deal includes the development of dedicated charging stations for vehicle fleets, most notably an integrated charging center at Blacklane’s new regional headquarters for the Gulf region in Riyadh. 

“As we rapidly scale operations across the nation, we’re thrilled to have EVIQ on-board to actively support our expanding electric fleet. Together we are setting new benchmarks for sustainable innovation and success,” said Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane. 

Blacklane will incorporate EVIQ’s public charging network into its operations in Saudi Arabia to support its growing electric vehicle fleet. Both companies also plan to explore opportunities for system integration aimed at improving network functionality and user accessibility. 

The partnership follows Blacklane’s recent introduction of Lucid electric vehicles into its Saudi fleet, as part of efforts to expand its EV offerings. EVIQ’s fast-charging network supports the company’s goal of enhancing its electric mobility services in the Kingdom, the release added. 

As part of the partnership, the companies will co-develop training programs under Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy, focusing on EV charging best practices to support service quality, safety, and sustainability. 

Blacklane’s expansion in Saudi Arabia is backed by TASARU Mobility Investments, a wholly owned investment arm of PIF.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slightly dips to 11,278; Nomu gains

Updated 09 July 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slightly dips to 11,278; Nomu gains

  • Parallel market Nomu gained 104.43 points to close at 27,448.22
  • MSCI Tadawul Index edged down 0.27% to 1,445.25

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dropped marginally on Wednesday, shedding 16.34 points or 0.14 percent to close at 11,277.73. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.48 billion ($1.46 billion), with 140 of the listed stocks advancing and 109 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu, gained 104.43 points to close at 27,448.22.

The MSCI Tadawul Index edged down by 0.27 percent to 1,445.25.

The best-performing stock on the main market was Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. The firm’s share price increased by 8.62 percent to SR26.70. 

The share price of Saudi Real Estate Co. also rose by 7.68 percent to SR20.89. 

Retal Urban Development Co. also saw its share price advance by 6.62 percent to SR16.10. 

On the announcements front, Alinma Bank said that it completed the issuance of US dollar-denominated sukuk worth $500 million, under its Trust Certificate Issuance Program. 

According to a press statement, the sukuk issue is expected to settle on July 15. 

The share price of Alinma Bank declined by 1.19 percent to SR26.68. 

Jahez International Co. for Information System Technology announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 76.56 percent stake in Snoonu Corporation Holding LLC, a Qatari-based technology and logistics firm that operates an e-commerce and on-demand delivery platform. 

In a press statement, the company revealed that it will acquire 8.14 million shares, representing 75 percent of Snoonu’s share capital, from existing shareholders for $225 million. 

Jahez will also subscribe to 723,960 newly issued shares in Snoonu, representing 1.56 percent of the stake, for $20 million. 

The share price of Jahez edged up by 1.11 percent to SR27.44.