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Funding surges as MENA startups gain momentum

DHL eCommerce, the logistics arm of DHL Group, has acquired Saudi-based parcel logistics company AJEX for an undisclosed amount. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 March 2025
Nour El-Shaeri
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Funding surges as MENA startups gain momentum

  • Recent funding rounds highlight region’s growing investor appeal
Updated 01 March 2025
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region continue to attract significant investment, with fintech, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence-driven ventures leading the charge.

Recent funding rounds and acquisitions highlight the region’s growing appeal to investors, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.

Saudi Arabia-based cybersecurity firm CQR raised $3 million in a funding round led by Shorooq. Founded in 2023 by Naser Al-Dossary, the company provides AI-driven, product-based cybersecurity solutions for businesses.

“Cyber threats in OT (operational technology) environments are evolving rapidly and traditional security models are no longer enough,” Al-Dossary said.

“At CQR, we are reengineering cybersecurity for industrial operations — building innovative, product-driven solutions that make OT security accessible, efficient and highly scalable.”

The investment will enable the company to scale operations and enhance its AI capabilities.

Al Madinah Angels launched to boost entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia

A group of investors has launched Al Madinah Angels to support startups as part of Al Madinah Ventures Initiatives.

The network is a collaboration between Value Makers Studio, Madinah Chamber and Numu Angels.

It aims to help founders turn ideas into viable ventures and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

This follows the launch of Al Madinah Ventures late last year, a $10 million investment fund initiated by VMS in collaboration with the Economic Development Center and the Madinah Chamber of Commerce.

DHL eCommerce acquires Saudi logistics company AJEX

DHL eCommerce, the logistics arm of DHL Group, has acquired Saudi-based parcel logistics company AJEX for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 2021 and backed by Ajlan & Bros Holding, AJEX offers express distribution, e-commerce services and freight solutions across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, as well as the US, UK, Turkiye, South Africa and China.

Flow48 raises $69m series A to expand in Saudi Arabia, UAE

UAE-based fintech Flow48 has secured $69 million in a series A funding round comprising debt and equity.

The round was led by Breega, with participation from 212, Speedinvest, Daphni, Endeavor Catalyst, Evolution Ventures and Plus VC.

Founded in 2022 by Idriss Al-Rifai, Flow48 provides small- and medium-sized enterprises with upfront financing by transforming future revenues into immediate capital.

The funding will support its expansion in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In November 2023, the company closed a $25 million pre-series A round. 

At CQR, we are reengineering cybersecurity for industrial operations — building innovative, product-driven solutions that make OT security accessible, efficient and highly scalable.

Naser Al-Dossary, CQR cofounder and CEO

Pinewood.AI acquires Seez in $46.2m deal

UK-based automotive intelligence platform Pinewood.AI has agreed to acquire UAE-founded autotech company Seez for $46.2 million in cash and shares.

The share component is expected to increase over the next three years.

Established in 2016 by Tarek Kabrit and his nephew Andrew Kabrit, Seez provides car dealerships and original equipment manufacturers with software solutions to enhance customer experience and sales.

Last year, the company raised $4.2 million and has since expanded to 16 markets, including Mexico and Australia.

Omnispay secures $1.5m seed round to enhance SME financial solutions

UAE-based fintech omnispay has raised $1.5 million in a seed funding round led by Mercatus Capital Pte., with participation from regional and international investors.

Founded in 2022 by Simanta Das, Vimal Kumar and Praveen Kiran, omnispay provides an all-in-one platform for small- and medium-sized enterprises to manage cash flow through collection, payment and lending services.

The company claims to have signed up more than 1,600 businesses with strong month-on-month growth.

Disrupt.com commits $100m to AI-first startups

UAE-based venture builder Disrupt.com has pledged $100 million to fund AI-first technology ventures globally.

Founded by Aaqib Gadit, Uzair Gadit and Umair Gadit, the firm will focus on AI, cybersecurity, Web 3.0, automotive technology and retail innovation.

To date, Disrupt.com has deployed more than $40 million across its portfolio, including investments in early- and growth-stage companies, as well as an exit valued at $350 million.

Journify raises $4m to expand customer data solutions

UAE-based software as a service provider Journify has secured $4 million in funding led by Silicon Badia, with participation from RZM and other investors.

Founded in 2023 by Taoufik El-Jamali and Amine Chouki, Journify helps businesses maximize the value of their customer data. The investment will support its expansion efforts.

Fawry invests $1.6m in three Egyptian fintech startups

Egypt-based fintech giant Fawry has invested $1.6 million to acquire a 56.6 percent equity stake in Virtual CFO and 51 percent stakes in both Dirac Systems and Code Zone. Founded in 2008, Fawry is Egypt’s largest e-payment platform, providing electronic bill payments, mobile top-ups and business services.

These investments align with its strategy to expand its business solutions ecosystem, Fawry Business.

Egypt’s fintech sector sees 5.5x growth in 5 years

Egypt’s fintech sector has grown 5.5 times over the past five years, driven by digital payments, lending and business to business marketplaces, according to a report by Entlaq, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the Dutch Embassy in Egypt.

Government initiatives and the Fintech & Innovation Strategy have accelerated financial inclusion and digital transformation.

However, regulatory complexities, digital literacy gaps and cybersecurity risks remain key challenges.

Basata increases stake in Jordan’s MadfoatCom to 25 percent

Egypt-based fintech Basata has raised its stake in Jordanian e-payment firm MadfoatCom to 25 percent.

The acquisition is part of Basata’s strategy to enhance digital financial inclusion and strengthen Jordan’s digital payments infrastructure.

Basata, formerly known as Ebtikar, was formed in 2009 through the merger of Masary and Bee and specializes in bill payments, mobile money and supply chain solutions.

MadfoatCom, founded in 2011 by Nasser Saleh, provides an online, real-time bill presentment and payment system.

Lola raises $1.3m to expand food tech business in GCC

Bahrain-based food tech startup Lola has secured $1.3 million in a pre-seed funding round from Plus VC, Vision Ventures and angel investors.

Founded in 2023 by Othman Janahi, Lola provides customizable cake ordering services in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The investment will support its expansion into Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Lillia secures $1.7m grant to expand AI-powered health tech platform

Qatar-based health tech startup Lillia has raised a $1.7 million grant from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council.

Founded in 2020 by Sujit Chakrabarty, Lillia was created through the 2024 merger of Qatar-based Droobi Health LLC and India-based Smit.fit.

Its AI-powered platform helps healthcare providers, insurers, corporations and public sector entities manage chronic diseases.

Lillia plans to expand across MENA and Southeast Asia in the next two years.

Cashfree Payments secures $53m to expand in MENA

India-based payments solutions provider Cashfree Payments has raised $53 million in a funding round led by South Korean digital entertainment company KRAFTON, with participation from Apis Partners.

The investment will support Cashfree’s expansion in the UAE and the broader MENA region, strengthening its position in the digital payments market.

Cashfree currently operates in the Middle East through a strategic partnership with UAE-based payments firm Telr, which it invested in three years ago.

With the new funding, the company aims to scale its offerings to businesses across the region, leveraging its expertise in India’s fintech sector, where it processes $80 billion in annual transactions.

Topics: Start-up of the Week MENA startups

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Pakistan may import crude oil from US to lower tariff burden — official

Updated 16 April 2025
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Pakistan may import crude oil from US to lower tariff burden — official

  • Countries are scrambling to find ways to lower US tariff burdens, which include buying more American oil
  • High-level Pakistani delegation is scheduled to travel to US to discuss American tariffs, trade imbalance
Updated 16 April 2025
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Pakistan’s government is mulling “very good options” which range from importing crude oil from the United States (US) to abolishing tariffs on American imports, an official privy to the matter said on Wednesday, as Islamabad attempts to offset a trade imbalance that has triggered higher tariffs from Washington.
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports to the US and higher duties on dozens of other countries. Pakistan faces a 29 percent tariff due to a trade surplus with the US of about $3.6 billion, although that is subject to the 90-day pause Trump announced last week.
The US is the largest buyer of Pakistan’s textile goods, importing goods worth $5.43 billion last year through June, according to State Bank of Pakistan. In return, cash-strapped Pakistan imported $1.88 billion worth of American goods, resulting in the trade imbalance.
Countries are scrambling to find ways to lower their US tariff burdens, and Pakistan is no different. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said last week Islamabad will send a high-level delegation to Washington to discuss the American tariffs.
“There have been talks of Pakistan potentially importing oil, soya been (oil) and cotton from the US. That’s already it,” an official who spoke to Arab News on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media, said.
The finance ministry did not respond to Arab News’ request for a comment till the filing of this report.
The official said the Pakistani delegation will inquire about the expectations of the American government regarding trade, which could include abolishing duties or non-tariff barriers against US products.
“Or they may ask us to buy more cotton from them,” the official said. 
A senior official from Pakistan’s commerce ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity as well, said the discussions were at an “immature stage” and further meetings would be held to finalize them. 
“What decisions are taken, what we offer to them, all options are being examined,” he said. “Everything is on the cards but what is finalized, that cannot be said right now.”
Pakistan spends about $17 billion annually on oil imports, most of which come from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is also counted among the largest buyers of cotton, which it uses as raw material for its huge textile industry. Most of Pakistan’s cotton imports come from the US.
As per official data, Pakistan spent more than half a billion dollars ($578 million) last year on the import of 204,890 tons of raw cotton and 119,845 tons of soya bean oil after the local harvest was found to be in poor quality.
In 2023, Pakistan began buying discounted Russian crude oil banned from European markets due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Muhammad Waqas Ghani, head of research at the Karachi-based JS Global Capital Ltd., said Pakistan faces limitations in diversifying its product slate when it comes to Russian crude oil.
He said this was because Russian crude oil yields a higher output of furnace oil. a less desirable fuel in the country’s evolving energy mix. 
“Importing US crude could offer access to a wider range of crude grades, better aligned with Pakistan’s long-term goal of phasing out furnace oil,” Ghani explained. “This move would also open doors for improved trade terms and potentially pave the way for tariff relief which is our primary objective for now.”
‘OTHER VERY GOOD OPTIONS’
Pakistan’s cotton production has been hit hard by low quality of seeds and climate-induced calamities such as floods caused by excessive rains.
“Apart from that (US oil import) there are other very good options which are being discussed,” the official said. 
However, he confirmed that none of these options had been finalized yet as the delegation would want to meet the American officials and gauge Washington’s expectations.
“Let’s listen to them first,” he said. 
Pakistan’s financial experts and independent think tanks have advised Islamabad to establish trade agreements with emerging economies such as Africa or the Central Asian Republics (CARs) or reinforce existing partnerships with China or the Middle East. 
Financial experts have also called upon the country to use America’s imposition of tariffs as an opportunity and diversity its exports market to other regions to mitigate potential losses.

Topics: Pakistan US Ties Pakistan economy Pakistan oil refinery US tariffs Trump tariffs

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up 0.15% to close at 11,634

Updated 16 April 2025
Nadin Hassan
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up 0.15% to close at 11,634

Updated 16 April 2025
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed Wednesday’s trading session in positive territory, rising 17.61 points to reach 11,634.42, an increase of 0.15 percent.

The total trading turnover on the main index stood at SR5.79 billion ($1.54 billion), with 109 stocks advancing while 131 declined.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also posted gains, climbing 6.2 points, or 0.42 percent, to end the day at 1,479.9.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, recorded a slight dip, falling 57.73 points—or 0.2 percent—to close at 29,083.57. Thirty stocks advanced on the parallel market, while 42 closed lower.

Lazurde Company for Jewelry led the gains on the main index with a sharp rise of 10 percent, closing at SR14.08. Saudi Industrial Export Co. followed, increasing 9.69 percent to SR2.49. Shares of Mobile Telecommunication Company Saudi Arabia advanced 5.65 percent to SR13.08.

Saudi Real Estate Co. also recorded a notable uptick, with its shares climbing 4.88 percent to SR23.20, while Takween Advanced Industries Co. rose 4.78 percent to close at SR9.20.

On the other end of the spectrum, Al Mawarid Manpower Co. was the day’s worst performer on TASI, with its shares dropping 4.93 percent to SR142.60. City Cement Co. fell 4.56 percent to SR20.10, and Umm Al-Qura Cement Co. declined 3.96 percent to SR17.94.

On the Nomu market, Watani Iron Steel Co. emerged as the top gainer, with its share price climbing 7.14 percent to SR2.40. Hedab Alkhaleej Trading Co. and Knowledge Tower Trading Co. also performed well, with their shares increasing by 5.61 percent and 4.62 percent to close at SR43.30 and SR13.60, respectively.

Other notable gainers included Nofoth Food Products Co. and Knowledge Net Co.

On the losing side, Jana Medical Co. posted the steepest decline on Nomu, with shares dropping 8.53 percent to SR19.30. Almuneef Co. for Trade, Industry, Agriculture and Contracting fell 8.02 percent to SR7.45, while Horizon Educational Co. slipped 7.67 percent to SR83.

Topics: TASI NOMU MSCI stocks shares

Saudi Arabia sees 333% surge in private hospitality licenses amid tourism boom

Updated 16 April 2025
Reem Walid  
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Saudi Arabia sees 333% surge in private hospitality licenses amid tourism boom

Updated 16 April 2025
Reem Walid  

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia issued 8,357 licenses for private hospitality facilities in 2024, marking a 333 percent year-on-year surge as the Kingdom ramps up efforts to build a globally competitive tourism sector. 

The latest data, released by the Ministry of Tourism, reflects soaring investor interest in the hospitality segment and the government’s push to expand capacity across accommodation types, particularly individually owned, furnished units licensed to serve paying guests, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

This surge in permits aligns with a nearly fourfold increase in tourism license applications since Saudi Arabia secured the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, according to Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, who made the remarks during an event earlier this month. 

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to draw 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade and is investing heavily in mega-tourism and hospitality projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea destination, and Diriyah Gate. 

Mohammed Al-Rasasmah, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism, said that “the increasing growth in the number of licenses issued for private tourism hospitality facilities confirms the ministry's keenness to enable individual investors in the hospitality sector to obtain the necessary ministry license to operate, within the framework of the ministry's keenness to ensure the improvement of services provided,” the SPA reported. 

“He pointed out that these efforts come within the framework of the "Our Guests Are a Priority" campaign; which aims to enhance hospitality facilities' commitment to licensing and classification standards, and ensure their compliance with the requirements and requirements set by the Tourism System and its regulations,” it added.  

Earlier this month, the ministry reported an 89 percent increase in licensed hospitality facilities across Saudi Arabia, reaching 4,425 units by the end 2024. The rise reflects mounting demand from domestic and international travelers as the Kingdom accelerates tourism development under Vision 2030. 

Makkah accounted for 1,030 of these licensed facilities — an 80 percent annual jump — making it the leading region for the number of certified accommodations and rooms. The ministry said the uptick supports its commitment to improving the visitor experience, especially for Umrah pilgrims. 

In a post on X at the time, Al-Rasasimah described the surge as “remarkable,” adding that it reflects efforts “to support the sector’s growth and enhance its investment attractiveness.” 

The ministry emphasized that the regulation of private hospitality providers is not only intended to enhance competitiveness but also to protect guest rights and uphold service standards, particularly in high-demand areas like Makkah and Madinah. 

Topics: saudi tourism Travel 2034 FIFA World Cup

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GCC banks poised to weather global trade turbulence: S&P report

Updated 16 April 2025
Miguel Hadchity
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GCC banks poised to weather global trade turbulence: S&P report

Updated 16 April 2025
Miguel Hadchity

RIYADH: Despite rising global trade tensions and heightened market volatility, banks across the Gulf Cooperation Council are expected to remain resilient, according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings.

In its analysis titled “GCC banks can cope with the fallout from intensifying trade tensions,” the ratings agency pointed to the region’s strong financial fundamentals as a key buffer against economic uncertainty stemming from evolving US tariff policies and global investor jitters.

S&P highlighted investor risk aversion and market volatility as the most immediate threats, but noted that Gulf banks are well-positioned to absorb potential shocks. “GCC banks appear to be in a good position to withstand these threats,” the report stated, citing robust liquidity levels, solid profitability, and healthy capitalization as major strengths.

While the direct impact of trade tensions on GCC economies is expected to be limited—due in part to their relatively low export exposure to the US — the report warned of more significant indirect effects. In particular, a sustained decline in oil prices could weigh on fiscal spending and economic sentiment across the region. S&P has revised its assumed oil price forecast for 2025 to $65 per barrel.

“A prolonged period of lower oil prices could lead to reduced government spending, dampen business confidence, and potentially trigger an uptick in non-performing loans,” the report noted.

To gauge the sector’s resilience, S&P conducted stress tests modeling severe scenarios, including sharp capital outflows and a surge in NPLs. Even under a worst-case scenario—where NPLs increase by 50 percent—the top 45 banks in the GCC would face cumulative losses of $30.3 billion, significantly lower than their combined projected net income of $60 billion in 2024.

The findings reinforce the region’s financial stability amid global economic headwinds, underlining the strength of its banking sector even in the face of mounting external pressures.

“Even in our worst-case scenario, we still expect the shock to affect banks’ profitability rather than their solvency,” the report noted.  

Qatari banks were identified as more vulnerable due to their net external debt position, but strong government support mitigates risks. In contrast, UAE banks exhibit the highest resilience, thanks to their robust net external asset position.  

The report also pointed to regulators’ proactive measures as a critical factor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, forbearance policies helped banks navigate uncertainty, and similar actions are expected if trade tensions escalate further.   

While challenges loom, GCC banks enter this period of uncertainty from a position of strength. “Banks continue to display strong capitalization, with an average Tier 1 capital ratio of 17.2 percent at year-end 2024,” S&P noted.

The combination of solid fundamentals and potential regulatory backstops suggests the sector is prepared to weather the storm. 

Topics: banking GCC tariffs war

Riyadh, Jakarta hold talks to strengthen ties in mining sector

Updated 16 April 2025
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
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Riyadh, Jakarta hold talks to strengthen ties in mining sector

Updated 16 April 2025
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

JEDDAH: Economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are set to deepen as the Kingdom’s top minister visits Jakarta to explore investment opportunities and enhance cooperation in the mining and industrial sectors. 

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef is leading a high-level delegation to Indonesia from April 15 to 17, aiming to strengthen bilateral business relations and forge strategic partnerships across mining, food, pharmaceuticals, and auto parts industries, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

This comes as the Kingdom aims to position mining as a foundational pillar of its industrial economy, with its mineral wealth estimated at SR9.4 trillion ($2.4 trillion). 

In a post on his X account, Alkhorayef said: “At the start of my visit to Indonesia, I met with the Special Presidential Envoy for Energy and Environmental Affairs to discuss cooperation in mining and explore opportunities to strengthen bilateral partnerships.”  

His meeting with Special Envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo focused on enhancing collaboration in the mining sector. The Indonesian official highlighted promising prospects in the production of strategic minerals, including nickel and copper, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Industry. 

Alkhorayef emphasized the alignment of Saudi-Indonesian priorities, citing the mining sector’s key role in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification under Vision 2030. 

The Saudi minister also held a meeting with Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir.

“During the two meetings, we discussed ways to enhance industrial cooperation and expand partnerships between private sector entities in the two countries, in addition to reviewing investment opportunities and the Kingdom’s goals to become an industrial and logistics hub in the region.” Alkhorayef said.

As part of his trip, Alkhorayef also visited PT Vale Indonesia Tbk and Mining Industry Indonesia, or MIND ID, to learn about their pioneering efforts in mineral exploration and mining. 

During these visits, he held discussions with senior executives on ways to boost cooperation in strategic minerals — particularly nickel, cobalt, and copper — while promoting sustainable practices and outlining Saudi Arabia’s National Mining Strategy and investor-friendly ecosystem. 

The talks also focused on strengthening private sector collaboration, attracting investment, and sharing expertise in critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. 

Technology and innovation were highlighted as key drivers of growth in the mining sector, aligned with broader sustainable development goals. 

At MIND ID, both sides discussed best practices in mining operations and explored potential partnerships to develop strategic minerals sustainably. 

Conversations with PT Vale underscored the importance of innovation and technology in shaping the future of mining. 

Alkhorayef noted that Indonesia’s mining achievements align closely with Saudi Arabia’s mining strategy, which aims to unlock domestic mineral resources, localize value chains, and position the Kingdom as a global hub for mining investment and innovation. 

Indonesia ranks among the world’s top producers of strategic minerals, including nickel, cobalt, copper, tin, and gold. In 2023, the mining sector contributed 11.9 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, underscoring its critical role in the national economy. 

The country continues to attract international investment focused on developing downstream industries and reinforcing global mineral supply chains — goals that mirror Saudi Arabia’s own strategy to localize value chains and maximize its mineral wealth, the ministry’s statement added. 

Topics: Mining Industries

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