Author: Mahdeehassan

Between 13-16 October, 18 Palestinian startups participated in the 2024 GITEX Expand North Star Conference in Dubai. This event offered Palestinian entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to gain global exposure, form strategic partnerships, and attract the investment necessary to fuel their growth—and, by extension, contribute to Palestine’s economic recovery. Organised by the Innovative Private Sector Development (IPSD) Program, in collaboration with Intersect and Ibtikar Fund, the Palestinian Pavilion at Expand North Star spotlighted 18 of Palestine’s most innovative startups. These forward-thinking entrepreneurs presented cutting-edge solutions in areas such as AI, e-commerce, and more to an international audience of investors and industry…

Pargo, one of South Africa’s leading e-commerce logistics companies, is excited to announce its expansion into Egypt with the launch of its Collect and Return services, now available at over 500 Pargo Points, including Fawry, Circle-K and Basata stores. In the lead-up to this expansion, Pargo secured $4 million in funding. The funding will accelerate Pargo’s growth in Egypt’s booming e-commerce landscape, further enhancing its logistics network and enabling it to better meet the rising demand for affordable and convenient e-commerce delivery solutions. Pargo’s Unique Solution: Transforming Logistics, Reducing Costs Pargo offers a unique logistics solution that addresses the challenges…

Dubai – 22 OCT 2024 – CNTXT, a leading AI readiness and data solutions company, signed a partnership with AI71, a growing venture that develops AI applications powered by the Technology Innovation Institute’s Falcon AI models, at GITEX Global this week that will enhance the UAE’s AI data landscape. As part of the agreement, CNTXT will become AI71’s preferred data annotation partner. By focusing on critical areas such as data annotation and strategy, data governance and compliance, and AI readiness, CNTXT will help ensure that AI71 is equipped to maximize the value and impact of the data its AI solutions…

Genesys®, a global leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, has unveiled insights from a comprehensive global survey on generational customer service preferences, highlighting how Gen Z in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reshaping customer engagement and workplace dynamics with strong demand for personalized across channels and supportive workplace environments. Ahead of GITEX, the technology event which seeks to redefine the digital economy landscape, which runs in Dubai from October 14-17, the survey provides businesses with valuable insights into the preferences and priorities of young consumers. The findings indicate Gen Z in the Middle East region place greater emphasis…

UMX, a game studio based in Saudi Arabia, has raised $4.5 million from Jetapult, an investment company backed by Accel Partners. Jetapult, an India-based global strategic investment company in the gaming landscape, said the investment was an all-cash transaction. In addition to acquiring equity, Jetapult will provide capital to support the expansion of UMX’s existing portfolio, expand its audiences across global markets, and build games in new genres. Ali Alharbi, founder of Riyadh-based UMX, said in a statement, “This significant investment from Jetapult not only marks a milestone for UMX Studio but also heralds a new era for the Saudi…

Fuelre4m Makes a Significant Impact at Gitex Summit Dubai, 15th October 2024– Fuelre4m, a proud UAE-based British company, has successfully showcased its revolutionary approach to fossil fuel reforming at Gitex Impact. Managing Director Rob Mortimer presented the company’s pioneering solutions, including the world’s first Styrex technology, which addresses one of the globe’s most pressing pollution challenges: expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste. During his impactful presentation, Mortimer highlighted how Fuelre4m is transforming the energy landscape by reengineering fossil fuels through cutting-edge technology. “Our aspiration is clear: we aim to set a new standard of sustainability for industries worldwide. By refining fossil fuels,…

Leading the Refill Revolution for a Greener Future SunKiss is dedicated to minimising plastic waste and fostering a more eco-conscious beauty routine. The company’s Forever refill bottles are crafted for endless relove. With a focus on the “reuse, refill, relove” approach, this initiative motivates consumers to lower their environmental footprint. One of the first suncare brands to offer refills to your door. Dubai, UAE, October 2024 – SunKiss, a leader in innovative suncare, is proud to introduce its Refill Programme, designed to significantly reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable approach to suncare. With SunKiss’s ‘Forever’ Aluminum Bottles, customers…

Abu Dhabi, UAE – CNTXT, a leading data services and solutions company, supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company, embarks on several initiatives to empower Abu Dhabi government as well as UAE startups. CNTXT aims at developing a unified platform powered by AWS to streamline licensing, permitting, inspection, audit, and litigation processes for the Abu Dhabi government, with the potential to expand to other regions and governmental entities in the UAE. Leveraging UAE-grown LLM models, the initiative will contribute to the development of a robust data and AI service platform for government use. AWS will provide support through…

OCTA, a fintech startup focused on revolutionising accounts receivable management for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), today announced the close of its $2.25 million pre-seed round. The round was co-led by Quona Capital and Sadu Capital. The round also saw participation from Sukna Ventures, Plus VC, 500 Global, and notable angel investors, including Pawel Iwanow, Chief Payment Officer at Fresha, and Dom Monhardt, Director of Product Design at Tap Payments. OCTA was founded in early 2024 by Jon Santillan, a returning founder to 500 Global, and Nupur Mitta, ex-BCG, who leveraged their professional experience at Careem—where Jon sold his previous…

Football icons Figo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Iker Casillas, Thierry Henry, and Gerard Piqué join award-winning rapper 2 Chainz for an unforgettable eventNBA legends make special on-court appearances as part of the annual NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 festivities Abu Dhabi, UAE; October 6, 2024 – An exciting fusion of football and basketball legends lit up the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday during the NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi. The highlight of the evening was the exhilarating ‘Clash of the Legends,’ featuring Luís Figo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, and other soccer stars showcasing their skills on the court in front of an enthusiastic…