StarzPlay CEO Maaz Sheikh outlines strategy to grow viewership
StarzPlay CEO Maaz Sheikh outlines how exclusive sports rights, Arabic originals and AI-driven personalisation are shaping the streaming platform’s growth across the MENA region.
MENA
Stay updated on the latest developments in startups, business, and technology across the MENA region. Get breaking news, in-depth reporting, and expert analysis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging trends.
Algeria’s Traveltech Startup VOLZ Raises $5 Million in Landmark Funding Round
The funding round was backed by a consortium of private investors led by Tell Group, with participation from Groupe GIBA - Babahoum Industrial Group, marking the first exit for the Algerian Startup Fund.
Bollywood’s Dhurandhar Banned in Gulf Countries, Casting Shadow on Overseas Run
Dhurandhar's international momentum has stalled in the Middle East. The ban raises questions about political narratives and overseas censorship.
The Voice of Hind Rajab: Kaouther Ben Hania’s Film Earns Golden Globe Nomination
Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab earns a Golden Globe nomination, expanding global attention on the film’s emotional retelling of a five-year-old Palestinian girl’s final moments and its acclaimed festival journey.
Trump Criticises Paramount’s $108 Billion Hostile Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery as Jared Kushner Emerges Among Backers
Donald Trump has criticised Paramount’s $108 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery as Jared Kushner and Gulf sovereign funds emerge as key backers of Paramount, adding new political friction to an already heated takeover battle with Netflix.
Luma AI Raises $900 Million Led by HUMAIN to Power 2GW AI Supercluster in Saudi Arabia
Luma AI has raised $900M in Series C funding led by HUMAIN to accelerate its multimodal world models, with Saudi Arabia’s 2GW Project Halo supercluster set to power the company’s next stage of large-scale AI training.
Saudi proptech Ghanem secures $7.1 million from Al-Romaih Group
Saudi proptech startup Ghanem has raised $7.1 million from Al-Romaih Group to expand its fractional real estate investment platform, enhance its technology, and accelerate product development under REGA’s regulatory sandbox.
Indian Firms’ Membership in Abu Dhabi Chamber Soars 38.4%
Registrations of Indian companies with the Abu Dhabi Chamber have surged at a 38.4% CAGR since 2019, reaching 17,457 active members by September 2025 — underscoring Abu Dhabi’s rising appeal as a business hub.
Saudi’s WakeCap acquires Brazil’s Trackfy to expand into Latin America
WakeCap has acquired Brazil-based Trackfy to accelerate its expansion into Latin America and extend its project intelligence platform beyond construction into industrial operations, strengthening its position at the intersection of AI, IoT, and global infrastructure growth.
Reboot Coding Institute Trains 400+ Bahraini Youth in Cybersecurity at AICS 2025
Bahrain’s leading tech and talent accelerator strengthens the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem with advanced AI and cloud defense training at the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition.
SBI Enters Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs to Drive Data and AI-Led Innovation
Global consultancy SBI has entered Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs, strengthening its presence in the region’s booming AI and data sector. The Riyadh office marks a key step in supporting Vision 2030 and driving innovation-led transformation.
Ms. Rachel Honors Gaza’s Children With Heartfelt Dress at Glamour Women of the Year 2025
At Glamour’s 2025 Women of the Year Awards, Ms. Rachel honored Gaza’s children with an embroidered dress and a heartfelt message on empathy, justice, and compassion that moved the audience to a standing ovation.