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.
UAE
News and stories from the ever-growing startup ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – the startups, investors, whopping funding rounds, and everything in between.
Meet Ayesha Shaik – UAE’s “First Phonics Teacher”: From Year-1 Classroom to a Public Literacy Movement
Ayesha Shaik, known as the UAE’s “First Phonics Teacher,” has grown from a Year-1 educator into a prominent advocate for literacy, teacher development, and inclusive learning, building a community-driven movement across the region.
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.
Huda Beauty ends partnership with Love Island star Huda Mustafa after viral livestream backlash
Huda Beauty has cut ties with Love Island star Huda Mustafa after a viral livestream backlash. The brand says the incident “does not reflect its values.”
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.
Dubai’s fintech UPFRONT raises $10 Million Pre-Seed to tackle SMB cash flow challenges
Dubai fintech UPFRONT raises $10 million pre-seed to solve SMB cash flow inefficiencies in MENA, led by Palm Ventures and SABAH.fund.
Foodics and Lean Technologies partner to empower restaurants with Open Banking and Cashflow Intelligence
Foodics partners with Lean Technologies to bring Open Banking and cashflow insights to Saudi restaurants, boosting financial visibility and growth.
UAE-based Armoir Secures $500K Seed to Disrupt Premium Luggage Sector
UAE-based Armoir bags $500K seed funding to expand into Europe & MENA, targeting the premium luggage market projected to hit US$75B by 2031.
UAE’s CE-Ventures Joins $100 Million Funding Round for U.S. Nuclear Startup Aalo Atomics
The UAE’s CE-Ventures has joined global investors in Aalo Atomics’ $100M Series B, backing modular nuclear technology aimed at powering the AI-driven energy future.
Dubai’s Prop-AI Raises $1.5 Mn in Pre-Seed Funding to Expand Its AI-Powered Real Estate Investment Platform
Prop-AI, the AI-powered platform revolutionizing how people discover, evaluate, and purchase real estate, last week closed its pre-seed funding round.
Reliance launches Campa Cola Brand in the UAE, Scores IPL Sponsorship
Reliance has launched its iconic soft drink brand, Campa Cola in the UAE; and scored a sponsorship deal of ₹200 crore for the upcoming IPL T-20.
[Exclusive] How Dubai’s NEO Technology is Trailblazing a New Era in Digital Advertising Using Artificial Intelligence
Discover how Dubai's NEO Technology leverages AI-driven programmatic advertising to deliver targeted campaigns, revolutionizing digital marketing across the globe.