UAE - WORLDEF

Shopify Payments Launched in the UAE: Global Payment Options Offered Through a Single Infrastructure

Shopify has launched its own payment infrastructure, Shopify Payments, in the United Arab Emirates under an early access programme. The new system enables eligible e-commerce businesses to manage payment and order processes directly through their store admin panel. While the service is currently available to selected merchants, businesses on the Advanced and Plus plans are among the groups eligible for access.

Shopify Payments Supports Visa, Mastercard and Shop Pay

With the infrastructure launched in the UAE, online stores can accept payments via Visa, Mastercard and Maestro credit or debit cards. Accelerated payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay are also enabled automatically. The system can only be used for online sales; POS payments at physical retail locations require third-party payment processors and external card terminals. The platform also uses encryption and security methods such as fraud detection and 3D Secure to protect customer data.

A UAE Company and an IBAN Starting with AE Are Required

E-commerce businesses wishing to join the system must have a valid company registration number in the UAE. Supported business types include sole establishments, free zone sole establishments, LLCs and Free Zone LLC structures. The account receiving payments must be held with a UAE-based bank, denominated in AED and enabled for money transfers. The IBAN must begin with “AE.” Depending on the type of company, identity and business verification documents such as a trade licence, memorandum of association, proof of bank account, Emirates ID or passport may also be requested.

Payment Processes Are Managed Through the E-Commerce Panel

Shopify allows merchants to track payment transactions and order management through the same admin panel. In the UAE, the minimum payout settlement period is stated as five business days, while the minimum payout amount is AED 20. Eligible businesses can also benefit from multi-currency payouts in USD under certain conditions. (Shopify Payments)

Artificial Intelligence and Retail Tools Are Also Part of the Ecosystem

The company’s e-commerce infrastructure includes artificial intelligence-powered tools in addition to payment systems. While Shopify Magic uses artificial intelligence in processes such as product descriptions, email content, image generation and store management, Sidekick is offered as a commerce assistant that supports merchants with content creation and operational tasks.

With the new payment infrastructure in the UAE, Shopify has started offering online retail businesses card payments and accelerated payment options within its own e-commerce management system. Shopify Payments is still in the early access stage in the country and remains available only to eligible merchants. (Shopify Payments)

MRM MENAT Partners with Shopify for Middle East E-Commerce

UAE Introduces 24-Hour Rule Against Counterfeit Products in E-Commerce

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new implementation rules directly affecting the retail and e-commerce sectors as part of its efforts to combat commercial fraud. Under the new regulations, the sale of products identified as counterfeit, adulterated, spoiled, or non-compliant with regulations will be stopped immediately, and the products must be withdrawn from stores, markets, and warehouses within no more than 24 hours of notification by the competent authorities.

UAE Also Brings E-Commerce Platforms Within the Scope of the Regulation

The regulation in the UAE covers not only physical retail but also online sales channels. Supermarkets, pharmacies, retailers, and e-commerce sellers will be subject to the same obligations. Suppliers will be required to notify the points of sale to which the problematic products were distributed and provide authorities with documentation confirming that the products have been withdrawn. The Ministry will also be able to contact e-commerce platforms directly and request the removal of the relevant products or the display of clear warnings to consumers.

Consumers Will Be Notified Within 48 Hours

A public announcement regarding the product withdrawal must be published in Arabic and English within no more than 48 hours. This period may be shortened further for products that pose risks to human or animal health, safety, or the environment. If a supplier fails to meet the 24-hour obligation, the competent authorities may directly withdraw the products from the market within the following 48 hours and recover the resulting costs from the supplier.

Digital Market Monitoring with Artificial Intelligence

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced that artificial intelligence and smart monitoring systems have also begun to be used in the fight against commercial fraud. These systems support the detection of potential violations in e-commerce by monitoring open sources and electronic platforms. The Ministry is also tracking the prices of essential goods through digital price-monitoring systems.

189 Violations Detected in More Than 10,000 Inspections

In the first quarter of 2026, 10,023 inspections targeting commercial fraud were conducted across the UAE, and 189 violations were identified. While some seized products are expected to be sent to their country of origin or export within 30 days, products ordered to be destroyed must generally be disposed of within 15 business days following a court or relevant committee decision. The new framework aims to limit the circulation of counterfeit products in the UAE retail and e-commerce market, protect consumers and brand rights, and strengthen oversight in digital commerce.

UAE Launches Amazon Creators Foundry to Help Creators Build E-Commerce Brands

The UAE is taking another step toward strengthening its fast-growing creator economy with the launch of the Amazon Creators Foundry, a new programme designed to help content creators transform their audiences into scalable e-commerce businesses.

Created through a strategic partnership between Creators HQ and Amazon Ads, the initiative will support selected UAE-based creators in launching and growing their own consumer brands through Amazon.ae.

The programme was first announced during the 1 Billion Followers Summit and is described as a pioneering initiative in the Middle East, bringing together the creator economy, digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce.

Supporting Creators Beyond Content

Twenty creators will be selected to participate in the programme. Successful applicants will receive support to launch products on Amazon.ae while gaining access to tools and resources designed to help them build sustainable businesses.

Participants will also be able to explore international selling opportunities, potentially expanding their brands into markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

The initiative reflects a growing shift in the creator economy, where influencers and digital content creators are increasingly moving beyond advertising partnerships and developing their own products and brands.

End-to-End E-Commerce Support

Selected creators will receive a range of services aimed at supporting their e-commerce journey from product launch to growth.

The programme includes dedicated account management, customised Amazon storefronts, search-optimised product listings and onboarding support for Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA).

Participants will also receive advertising support and mentorship from Amazon executives, along with workshops focused on digital marketing, brand building and online retail strategies.

According to the programme details, creators may also gain access to significant advertising incentives, including support through Amazon DSP and Sponsored Ads programmes.

Turning Influence Into Sustainable Businesses

The Amazon Creators Foundry is part of the UAE’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for digital creators and entrepreneurs.

The initiative aims to provide creators with the infrastructure, partnerships and commercial tools needed to turn creative influence into long-term business opportunities.

By connecting creators directly with Amazon’s e-commerce ecosystem, the programme could help participants develop independent revenue streams and build consumer brands with the potential to reach international markets.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants are required to be based in the UAE and have an existing retail presence. They must also have a minimum audience of 100,000 followers and either hold, or be willing to obtain, a Dubai e-commerce trade licence.

The programme is another example of how the lines between content creation and online retail continue to blur. As creators build stronger communities and influence consumer purchasing decisions, platforms and governments are increasingly investing in systems that help them become business owners as well.

For the UAE, the Amazon Creators Foundry represents another move toward building a digital economy where creators are not only producing content but also developing globally scalable brands.

Source: Gulf Business

Arab Digital Transformation Accelerates as AI Reshapes Regional Economy

Arab League officials and digital economy leaders discussed AI preparedness, cross-border digital integration and investment initiatives aimed at turning technology adoption into measurable economic growth.

Arab digital transformation is entering a more ambitious phase as regional institutions look to artificial intelligence, data, digital trade and technology investment to strengthen economic growth and competitiveness.

Senior representatives of the League of Arab States and the Arab Federation for Digital Economy met in Cairo to discuss how Arab economies can respond to the rapid technological changes being driven by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

The discussions focused on the implications of AI for investment, technology production, the data economy, human capital and the future of regional economic cooperation.

Participants also stressed that the next stage of Arab digital transformation should focus less on broad strategies and more on practical projects that deliver measurable economic and social results.

AI Creates New Priorities for Arab Digital Transformation

Artificial intelligence is expected to reshape labor markets, education, production, services, trade and investment across the Arab region.

The meeting examined how governments can prepare for these changes while ensuring that technological transformation contributes directly to economic development.

One of the central themes was the need to connect digital strategy with implementation.

Regional officials discussed more effective models for joint Arab action that combine policy, investment, technology projects and international partnerships.

The objective is to translate individual countries’ digital priorities into initiatives that can be implemented, measured and potentially scaled across the region.

This approach could become increasingly important as governments attempt to balance investment in emerging technologies with challenges surrounding skills development, regulation and access to capital.

Arab Digital Economy Vision Remains Central

Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, presented the Federation’s work across digital economy development, investment, education, food security, and international cooperation.

He also reviewed the Arab Digital Economy Vision, an initiative developed with support from the United Arab Emirates.

The strategy is intended to help Arab economies strengthen their ability to benefit from digital transformation, technology, and data.

The initiative has developed into a broader regional framework and has been adopted at the Arab Summit level.

Its priorities include improving digital infrastructure, strengthening digital capabilities, and creating economic environments that allow technology to generate greater value.

Digital Economy Index Measures Regional Progress

The meeting also discussed the Arab Digital Economy Index, which has been developed to measure the performance of Arab countries across different areas of the digital economy.

The index is designed to identify gaps, priorities, and areas where additional government or private-sector investment may be required.

Such measurement tools could become increasingly important as policymakers seek to understand why some countries can generate greater economic value from digital technologies than others.

Rather than focusing solely on technology adoption, governments are increasingly looking at indicators such as digital skills, investment capacity, business participation, and economic outcomes.

This shift could help Arab digital transformation strategies become more targeted and measurable.

Madar Platform Targets Digital Investment

Another initiative discussed during the meeting was Madar – Arab Platform for Digital Projects.

The platform aims to showcase investment opportunities and development projects across Arab countries while connecting them with companies, investors and international institutions.

Its broader objective is to attract capital, technology, and international expertise to projects identified as priorities by individual Arab economies.

The Federation is also seeking to use its international partnerships to create new channels between Arab countries and global investors, technology companies and markets.

This includes developing financing and partnership models that encourage greater participation from both foreign investors and the private sector.

Cross-Border Digital Integration Takes Priority

Interoperability between Arab digital systems and platforms was another major topic.

Participants discussed the importance of enabling digital infrastructure across countries to communicate more effectively.

Greater interoperability could support cross-border data exchange, digital services and regional trade.

It could also reduce friction for businesses operating across multiple Arab markets.

For E-commerce companies in particular, stronger regional digital integration could improve digital payments, logistics, identity verification, customs procedures, and cross-border services.

The Arab region currently consists of multiple markets with different regulations, digital infrastructures and levels of technological development.

Improved interoperability could therefore become an important component of deeper regional economic integration.

Skills Development Will Be Critical

Technology infrastructure alone will not determine whether Arab economies benefit from the AI era.

Digital education and workforce development were also identified as important priorities.

The Arab Federation for Digital Economy is developing education and training initiatives intended to connect digital skills more closely with labour market requirements.

As AI adoption expands, this issue is expected to become increasingly urgent.

Companies will require employees capable not only of using new technologies but also of integrating them into business operations, decision-making and customer services.

Governments will also face pressure to adapt education systems as demand changes for different technical and professional skills.

Digital Projects Must Produce Measurable Value

A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the need to move from strategy to implementation.

Al Khouri said the coming period should focus on converting existing visions and initiatives into practical projects and partnerships.

The emphasis is increasingly on linking the digital economy directly to growth, development, and economic value creation.

Professor Dr. Ahmed Mustafa Al-Sherbini, Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, similarly highlighted the importance of turning the Federation’s projects into programs that can be expanded across the region.

The success of digital initiatives, he said, ultimately depends on whether they produce measurable economic and social outcomes.

Arab Digital Transformation Enters the AI Era

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is changing the definition of digital readiness.

For Arab economies, simply expanding connectivity or increasing technology adoption may no longer be enough.

Countries will increasingly need to demonstrate that digital investment improves productivity, supports businesses, strengthens trade and creates new economic opportunities.

Collaboration between governments, businesses and international institutions could therefore become one of the defining elements of the next stage of Arab digital transformation.

The region’s challenge will be to translate ambitious digital strategies into scalable projects that deliver tangible economic results.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, the ability of Arab countries to integrate technology, skills, investment and regional cooperation will play an increasingly important role in determining their competitiveness.

OpenAI Localizes AI Processing in the UAE

OpenAI has launched its “Inference Residency” service in the United Arab Emirates. With the new implementation, eligible customers’ AI model inference operations can be carried out on GPUs located within the country’s borders. The UAE has thus become the third region, after the United States and Europe, to offer “inference residency” for ChatGPT.

Model Inference with OpenAI Will Take Place Within the UAE

Unlike the existing “Data Residency” implementation, Inference Residency determines not only where data is stored, but also where the GPU operations through which the AI model processes customer content are carried out. To benefit from the service, data residency must also be enabled in the same region. While eligible ChatGPT Enterprise and Edu customers can use this option, regional processing support is also available for certain API services in the UAE.

E-Commerce and Retail Companies Will Also Be Able to Benefit

OpenAI’s new infrastructure also allows e-commerce and retail companies that meet the eligibility requirements to run supported AI workloads in the UAE. Customer content covered by the service includes prompts, files, conversations, and embeddings data generated from this content. The local GPU processing option is available not only to sectors with specific data-location requirements, such as finance, healthcare, education, and government, but also to e-commerce and retail businesses using artificial intelligence.

GPT-5.2 and Feature Limitations on ChatGPT

According to OpenAI’s official information, GPT-5.2 is currently available in ChatGPT workspaces configured with inference residency in the UAE. Image generation, built-in search, ChatGPT Work, and enhanced memory are not supported, while standard saved memories can continue to be used. In addition, some non-GPU processes, such as authentication, routing, and analytics, may be carried out outside the region.

AI Adoption Is Accelerating in the UAE

Farouk El Hamzawi, Head of Enterprise for OpenAI MENA, stated that organizations in the UAE are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence and that the government’s long-term technology vision is supporting this process. El Hamzawi said that with the Inference Residency service, eligible customers are given greater control over where their AI workloads are run, while stronger regional assurances are provided to organizations scaling their use of artificial intelligence.

BRICS Trade Ministers Discuss Digital Trade and Global Value Chains

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Jaipur, India. Under India’s chairmanship, the meeting addressed the preservation of the multilateral trading system, inclusive trade, the empowerment of SMEs, digital transformation, and the reshaping of global value chains.

UAE Emphasizes Multilateral Trade

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by Abdulla Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to India. Al Zeyoudi held bilateral meetings with senior officials from India, China, Egypt, Indonesia, South Africa, and Russia. The discussions focused on increasing trade and investment, cooperation in priority sectors, and strengthening private sector participation.

Al Zeyoudi stated that cooperation among emerging economies has become increasingly important at a time of rising uncertainty in global trade. Noting that the UAE supports an open and predictable trading environment, the Minister said they are committed to turning the engagements in Jaipur into tangible outcomes for businesses and communities. No agreement was reached on a joint declaration at the end of the meeting. (BRICS)

Trade with BRICS Countries Exceeds $312 Billion

Non-oil foreign trade between the UAE and the group’s member countries increased by 28.5 percent year-on-year in 2025, rising from $243 billion to more than $312 billion. The members accounted for approximately 31 percent of the UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade, while representing 34 percent of the country’s imports, 23 percent of its non-oil exports, and 28 percent of its re-exports. (BRICS)

Digital Trade and Logistics with India on the Agenda

During the meeting between Al Zeyoudi and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, the progress of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022, was reviewed. The parties discussed new opportunities for cooperation in trade in services, digital trade, logistics, and food security. Non-oil trade between India and the UAE increased by 17.3 percent in 2025, reaching $76.2 billion. (BRICS)

UAE’s CEPA Target Is $1.1 Trillion

Under the UAE’s CEPA program, 38 agreements have been concluded with economies across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas since September 2021, of which 18 have entered into force. The program aims to increase the country’s non-oil foreign trade to $1.1 trillion by 2031. The group today consists of 10 countries and represents approximately 40 percent of the world’s population and around 25 percent of global GDP.

At the meeting, the UAE also expressed its concerns over Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, calling for the protection of freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and for the unconditional reopening of the strait.

What have the past two years of UAE-Turkiye CEPA trade taught us?

Cybez Takes Its E-Commerce Model from India to the UAE Market

India-based e-commerce marketing and consulting company Cybez has officially launched its operations in the United Arab Emirates. With its new office opened in Sharjah, the company aims to bring the e-commerce growth model it developed in India and the United States to D2C brands, retailers, and startups in the Gulf region.

Cybez to Focus on E-Commerce Brands in the UAE

Founded by Atul Jain, with Preeti Garg among its co-founders, the company offers solutions directly focused on e-commerce growth, unlike general digital marketing services. Its UAE operations will be carried out under “Cybez Worldwide FZC.” According to the company’s statement, the team has more than 40 years of combined experience in research, strategic planning, performance marketing, AI-powered SEO, website development, and conversion rate optimization.

Cybez states that it has completed 350 projects across 15 different sectors and served 150 clients to date. These sectors include fashion, lifestyle, food and beverage, health, and cosmetics. The company also has an office in Houston, United States.

AI-Powered SEO and Performance Marketing Stand Out

The services to be offered in the UAE include Shopify-based e-commerce website development, AI-powered SEO, Google and Meta advertising, performance marketing, customer retention, conversion rate optimization, marketplace marketing, competitive analysis, and digital audit services. The company follows a structure focused on increasing online traffic, converting visitors into customers, and retaining existing customers.

200 Percent Revenue Growth for D2C Brands

According to case studies shared by the company, premium footwear brand Rosso Brunello’s revenue increased by 200 percent through performance marketing efforts. In the same study, ROAS increased by 48.5 percent, while cost per acquisition decreased by 37 percent. Another client’s revenue nearly tripled within five months, while orders increased by 600 percent and a ROAS of more than 4x was achieved. In another project, the conversion rate increased from 0.77 percent to 1.16 percent within one week.

The brands Cybez has worked with include names such as Uniqlo, Sarita Handa, Raymond, Noise, Park Avenue, Lotus Herbals, and Callaway Golf. With its new UAE operation, the company plans to bring this experience to e-commerce and retail brands in the region.

Tourists in the UAE Can Receive VAT Refunds on Noon Purchases

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its digital VAT refund system for tourists to e-commerce. Visitors in the country can now request VAT refunds for eligible online purchases made through Noon. The initiative was launched through a collaboration between the Federal Tax Authority and Planet, the authorized operator of the tourist tax refund system.

Tourist VAT Refunds for Noon Added to the System

Under the new regulation, online orders placed by tourists while they are in the UAE and meeting the required conditions have been included in the digital refund system. The Federal Tax Authority described the inclusion of e-commerce purchases in the system as the first initiative of its kind worldwide. The authority stated that more online marketplaces and retailers are planned to be added to the system in the coming period.

Tourist VAT Refund Network Reaches 19,340 Stores

According to data from the Federal Tax Authority, the number of retail outlets connected to the system increased by 5.9 percent year-on-year to approximately 19,340 as of the end of June 2026. This figure stood at 18,260 during the same period of 2025.

A total of 449 new stores joined the system in the first six months of 2026, compared with 697 stores added during the same period last year. The total number of stores included in the system over the past two and a half years reached 2,983.

Number of Self-Service Kiosks Rises to 100

The number of self-service kiosks where tourists can complete their transactions increased from 93 to 100. Accordingly, the annual increase in the number of kiosks was recorded at 7.5 percent. While 23 new kiosks were introduced over the past two and a half years, the devices were installed at departure points across the country, as well as in shopping malls and hotels. (Noon)

Refund Transactions Can Be Completed Within Minutes

Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, stated that the system operates through fully digital processes. Al Mulla said tourists can receive their digital invoices, submit their applications to the system before leaving the country, and complete their refund transactions within minutes through the kiosks. (Noon)

Citizens of India, Russia, Türkiye, China, and the United States were among the visitors who used the service the most in 2026. The updated version of the Planet application also began supporting 12 languages, including English. The UAE’s official dirham symbol was also added to the application.

Noon Secures $500 Million Investment Ahead of Potential IPO

Google Tools Generated AED 21.8 Billion in UAE Economic Activity, New Report Finds

Google’s ecosystem of products and services generated an estimated AED 21.8 billion in economic activity across the United Arab Emirates in 2024, according to a new study by research consultancy Public First. The findings highlight the expanding role of Google’s digital platforms and AI-powered technologies in supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, developers and content creators throughout the country.

The report estimates that Google Search, Google Ads, YouTube, Google Cloud and Google Play collectively contributed economic value equivalent to around 1% of the UAE’s GDP, demonstrating how digital technologies have become an increasingly important pillar of the nation’s non-oil economy.

AI Adoption Accelerates Across UAE Businesses

The study found that 91% of UAE businesses already use at least one artificial intelligence tool in their operations, while 87% believe AI represents a significant economic opportunity. Businesses are increasingly deploying AI to improve productivity, automate repetitive tasks, enhance customer service and streamline decision-making.

Google said its AI portfolio, including Gemini and AI-powered capabilities across Search, Workspace and Cloud, is helping organisations work more efficiently while enabling businesses of all sizes to reach customers through digital channels.

SMEs and Digital Creators Benefit

Small and medium-sized enterprises continue to be among the biggest beneficiaries of Google’s ecosystem. Search and Google Ads help companies attract new customers, while YouTube provides creators with monetisation opportunities and broader audience reach. Developers also benefit from Google Play, which supports app distribution and digital entrepreneurship.

The report also highlights Google’s long-term investment in digital skills across the region. Since 2018, the company’s training initiatives have reached more than 430,000 people in the UAE, helping professionals and entrepreneurs build digital marketing and AI capabilities.

Supporting the UAE’s Digital Economy Vision

The findings align with the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Government initiatives promoting AI adoption, cloud computing and digital infrastructure have encouraged businesses to embrace emerging technologies at an accelerated pace.

As AI adoption continues to grow across sectors, Google expects its products and services to play an increasingly important role in supporting productivity, innovation and long-term economic diversification in the UAE.

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Saudi Arabia Leads as MENA Startups Raise $96.1 Million in Two Weeks

Fintech dominates regional funding while Saudi Arabia and the UAE attract the largest share of venture capital

Middle East and North Africa (MENA) startups secured $96.1 million across 22 funding rounds during the second half of July 2026, highlighting continued investor confidence despite a more selective venture capital environment. Saudi Arabia emerged as the leading destination for capital, driven by strong fintech investment and ongoing government-backed innovation initiatives.

The funding activity reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the region’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, with fintech continuing to dominate investor interest. The Kingdom has benefited from regulatory reforms, digital transformation initiatives under Vision 2030, and increased participation from regional venture capital firms.

Saudi fintech remains the investment hotspot

Financial technology companies accounted for the largest share of funding during the reporting period, reflecting sustained demand for digital payment platforms, embedded finance, lending solutions and enterprise financial services.

Saudi Arabia captured the highest investment volume among MENA markets, while the UAE continued to maintain strong startup activity across fintech, AI and enterprise software. Egypt also recorded investment rounds, particularly in technology-enabled financial services and digital commerce.

Investors increasingly favoured startups demonstrating clear revenue growth, scalable business models and strong regulatory alignment, particularly within highly regulated sectors such as financial services.

AI and enterprise software continue attracting capital

Beyond fintech, artificial intelligence, SaaS platforms, logistics technology and digital infrastructure remained attractive sectors for investors.

The recent funding rounds indicate that venture capital firms are prioritising technologies capable of improving operational efficiency, automation and enterprise productivity as businesses across the region accelerate digital transformation.

Early-stage startups continued to receive the majority of investments, although investors maintained a cautious approach by concentrating capital in businesses with proven market traction.

Investment climate remains resilient

While regional venture funding has moderated compared with record levels seen in previous years, investor appetite remains healthy for startups operating in strategic sectors supported by government digital economy programmes.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to benefit from expanding venture ecosystems, sovereign-backed investment initiatives and an increasing number of international investors entering the region.

Recent industry data also shows fintech remains MENA’s largest funded sector during 2026, underlining the region’s ongoing transition towards digital financial services and cashless economies.

As capital becomes increasingly selective, startups with strong fundamentals, sustainable revenue models and regional expansion strategies are expected to remain the primary beneficiaries of venture investment throughout the remainder of 2026.

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