UAE - WORLDEF

Yalla Secures UAE Central Bank Approval to Expand Digital Payments

Yalla Financial Solutions has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) for a Retail Payment Services (RPS) Category II licence, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion and positioning the company to broaden its digital payments offering in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing fintech markets.

The approval, granted under the CBUAE’s Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes Regulation, allows Yalla to move closer to launching regulated payment services in the UAE once it fulfils the remaining regulatory requirements and secures its final licence.

Strengthening payment infrastructure

Following final regulatory approval, Yalla plans to expand its payment capabilities for consumers, merchants and enterprises across the UAE. The company aims to provide faster, more secure and locally compliant payment services while supporting the country’s ambitions to become a global hub for digital finance.

According to the company, the future portfolio will include:

Payment gateway services
Payment aggregation
Online and in-store merchant payment acceptance
QR code payments
SoftPOS solutions
Payment orchestration
Tokenisation services
Recurring payment capabilities
Value-added payment services

CEO highlights UAE fintech ambitions

Waleed Sadek, CEO and Founder of Yalla Financial Solutions, described the approval as an important milestone for the company.

He said the decision reflects Yalla’s commitment to building secure, innovative and compliant payment infrastructure while supporting the UAE’s vision of becoming one of the world’s leading digital economies. Sadek added that the company will continue working closely with the central bank to complete the remaining licensing requirements before launching its expanded services.

Supporting digital commerce

Yalla currently operates across Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, offering digital payment solutions for consumers, merchants and financial institutions. The company said the UAE approval aligns with its broader strategy of investing in next-generation payment infrastructure, accelerating digital commerce and improving financial inclusion across the region.

The move comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its regulatory framework for digital payments, encouraging innovation while ensuring payment providers meet strict compliance and security standards. The country’s central bank has recently approved several fintech initiatives aimed at expanding the local digital payments ecosystem.

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UAE and Canada Conclude CEPA Negotiations

The United Arab Emirates and Canada have announced the successful conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA. Once the agreement enters into force, it is expected to reduce customs tariffs, remove bureaucratic barriers, and expand market access for businesses in both countries.

The conclusion of the negotiations was announced during UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi’s visit to Canada. Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by a delegation of Emirati officials and business leaders. The announcement was made jointly with Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu.

Fastest Negotiation in the CEPA Programme

The UAE-Canada CEPA negotiations became the fastest agreement completed by the UAE since the programme was launched in September 2021. Canada also stated that the talks, which began last month, were the fastest trade agreement negotiations ever completed by the country.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately US$4.2 billion in 2025, representing a 21 percent increase compared with the previous year. Following ratification and entry into force, the agreement is expected to increase this volume and accelerate private-sector cooperation.

New Market Access for E-Commerce and Technology Companies

The CEPA is expected to create new trade and investment opportunities in areas including clean energy, advanced technology, data centres, aviation, agri-food, seafood, and critical minerals. The agreement is also projected to facilitate billions of dollars in trade flows into projects involving ports, mines, LNG facilities, and data centres.

Lower tariffs and simplified administrative procedures are also expected to support the cross-border operations of e-commerce and retail companies. For technology businesses, data centres, digital infrastructure, and advanced technology investments stand out as key areas under the agreement.

“We Are Opening New Horizons for the Business Community”

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the agreement reflects the depth of the strategic relationship between the two countries and their shared determination to build a stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable economic partnership. He added that the CEPA would open new opportunities for business communities in both countries and expand investment and cooperation across priority sectors.

Maninder Sidhu said the agreement would allow Canadian companies to use the UAE as a regional commercial hub to grow their exports. He also stated that the CEPA would encourage investment from the UAE in projects supporting Canada’s long-term economic goals.

The new agreement will complement the existing Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between the two countries. Since the launch of its CEPA programme in September 2021, the UAE has secured agreements with 38 countries.

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

Syria’s Startup Ecosystem Reaches Milestone as Labby Secures $10 Million

Syria’s emerging startup ecosystem has reached a historic milestone after Damascus-based super app Labby secured $10 million in funding from a consortium of investors from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The investment is being described by Syrian officials as the country’s first direct foreign investment in a technology startup, signaling renewed regional confidence in Syria’s digital economy.

Founded in 2024 by Mohammad Fawaz, Labby has rapidly positioned itself as one of Syria’s most ambitious technology companies by building an integrated digital platform designed to simplify everyday consumer services.

Building Syria’s First Super App

Labby operates as a super app, bringing together multiple services within a single platform. Its ecosystem currently includes:

Ride-hailing
Food delivery
E-commerce
Digital payments
Additional on-demand services

The company aims to make digital transactions more accessible while expanding technology-enabled services for consumers across Syria.

Funding to Accelerate Expansion

The newly raised capital will be used to:

Accelerate product development
Expand digital service offerings
Strengthen technology infrastructure
Grow operations across Syria
Invest in talent acquisition and innovation

The funding is expected to help Labby scale its platform while supporting the country’s broader digital transformation initiatives.

A Turning Point for Syria’s Startup Landscape

Beyond Labby itself, the investment represents a significant step for Syria’s startup ecosystem. Regional investors backing a locally developed technology company may encourage additional cross-border investments and contribute to rebuilding confidence in the country’s innovation sector.

The announcement also aligns with Syria’s recent efforts to strengthen its digital economy through initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, technology infrastructure, and startup development.

Outlook

Labby’s $10 million funding round demonstrates growing interest from regional investors in Syria’s technology sector. As the company expands its super app and digital services, the investment could pave the way for more venture capital activity, helping accelerate innovation and digital transformation across the country.

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UAE E-Commerce Grows as Average Order Value Reaches $111

The e-commerce market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued to grow in the first half of 2026 despite a broader contraction across the Gulf region. As consumers made fewer but higher-value purchases, the country’s gross merchandise value increased by 2 percent year on year, while e-commerce volume across the Gulf Cooperation Council declined by 9 percent. The average e-commerce order value in the UAE rose from $97 to $111.

The research, conducted by UAE-based gifting marketplace Udora and Admitad, is based on data from more than 2.5 million online orders placed across Gulf countries. According to the study, digital shopping has become an increasingly important part of everyday consumer habits in the UAE, particularly in the home and lifestyle categories.

UAE E-Commerce Orders Decline as Average Order Value Rises

Although the number of e-commerce orders in the UAE declined by 9 percent during the first six months of the year, the average order value increased from $97 to $111. The data showed that rather than abandoning shopping altogether, consumers shifted toward more planned and higher-value purchases.

Categories linked to everyday consumption stood out in terms of growth. Sales of home products increased by 18 percent, food and delivery services by 15 percent, and sports and entertainment products by 11 percent. Fashion remained the largest category, accounting for 20.6 percent of total online purchases. It was followed by home products, automotive products, and electronics.

Mobile Shopping Share Reaches 53 Percent

Orders placed via smartphones increased by 20.5 percent year on year. As a result, mobile devices accounted for 53 percent of total e-commerce orders. The expansion of delivery services, increased use of cashless payments, and the growing number of super apps supported the rise in mobile shopping.

Discounts and promotions also played an influential role in purchasing decisions. Coupons or promotional codes were used in more than half of all transactions, while the average value of discounted orders rose from $89 to $122. Electronics, fashion, and automotive were among the categories that benefited most from promotional campaigns.

Digital Content Influences Purchasing Decisions

Admitad CEO Anna Gidirim said consumers have become more selective about where and when they spend their money. Gidirim noted that customers are not abandoning online shopping; instead, they continue to use digital channels as part of their daily lives by making larger and more planned purchases. According to the research, 15 percent of consumers are influenced by online media and content websites when making purchasing decisions, while 13 percent are influenced by social media content.

The UAE’s First National Payment Card, Jaywan, Launched

Dtec Partners with JetBrains to Accelerate AI Innovation Across UAE Startups

Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), an initiative of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has announced a strategic partnership with JetBrains to strengthen the UAE’s startup ecosystem by providing emerging technology companies with advanced AI-powered software development tools and technical expertise. The agreement was signed during Dtec’s Agentic AI Innovators Forum in Dubai.

JetBrains Brings AI-Powered Development Tools to Startups

Through the collaboration, startups within the Dtec community will gain access to JetBrains’ Incubator and Accelerator Partner Program, which has supported more than 55,000 startups globally, including unicorns such as Bolt, Canva, and Deel. Eligible companies will also receive complimentary access to JetBrains’ professional integrated development environments (IDEs) and AI-assisted coding solutions.

Selected startups can receive up to 10 commercial subscriptions to JetBrains’ intelligent developer tools free for six months, followed by a 50% discount for up to five years on key software solutions, including advanced AI packages. The initiative is designed to help founders automate repetitive coding tasks, improve software quality, and accelerate product development.

Training and Technical Support to Foster Innovation

Beyond software access, JetBrains will organize specialized workshops and technical training sessions covering AI adoption, developer best practices, and emerging software engineering trends. The educational component aims to help startup teams maximize the value of AI-assisted development while strengthening local technical capabilities.

Supporting Dubai’s Digital Economy Vision

Based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dtec has helped launch more than 1,000 startups and contributed to the creation of over 4,000 jobs by providing entrepreneurs with infrastructure, mentorship, investment opportunities, and global partnerships. The new collaboration supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position the emirate as a leading global hub for digital innovation and the future economy.

Building a Stronger AI Startup Ecosystem

According to Dtec and JetBrains, the partnership extends beyond providing software licenses by creating a stronger developer ecosystem through knowledge sharing, practical guidance, and access to global expertise. As AI adoption continues to accelerate across the Middle East, both organizations aim to help UAE startups build innovative, globally competitive technology products more efficiently

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The UAE’s First National Payment Card, Jaywan, Launched

The United Arab Emirates has launched the nationwide distribution process for Jaywan, the country’s first national payment card system. The cards, which will be introduced gradually by banks, licensed financial institutions, and exchange houses, will be usable in physical stores, on e-commerce platforms, at ATMs, and in compatible digital wallets.

The official launch of Jaywan was carried out by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE. The system is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE.

Banks Offer Debit and Prepaid Cards

First Abu Dhabi Bank has launched the Jaywan debit card for eligible account holders. The card can be used for shopping at stores and local e-commerce sites in the UAE, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and accessing compatible digital wallets.

Commercial Bank of Dubai is also introducing prepaid Jaywan cards for retail customers. The cards, which can be used by loading funds onto them, will support contactless shopping, online payments, ATM transactions, and tokenization technology, which replaces card details with a digital identity in mobile wallets.

Retail and Financial Inclusion Targeted

Jaywan cards may be offered in debit, prepaid, and credit card formats. International use will depend on the type of card and the partner payment network. Al Etihad Payments is working with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay on co-branded cards.

Cardholders are also expected to receive benefits in travel, retail, hospitality, and lifestyle categories. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed stated that Jaywan supports the goal of building a more efficient, resilient, and competitive financial sector, while advancing innovation and financial inclusion.

Jaywan Can Be Used for Online Shopping

Network International has expanded the acceptance of Jaywan cards to its e-commerce payment infrastructure. Through the integration, cardholders will be able to make payments at thousands of online stores served by the company in the UAE. Businesses that accept Jaywan transactions through Network International’s payment gateway will not be charged an additional fee. The company had previously added the card to its payment network for physical stores.

Pinar Alpay, Group Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Network International, stated that online payment support was the natural next step in the work carried out with Al Etihad Payments. Alpay said the integration would provide card users with a consistent payment experience across physical and digital channels.

Majid Al Futtaim Unveils Premium Carrefour Market Concept as UAE Grocery Retail Evolves

DUBAI, UAE – Majid Al Futtaim has launched its first premium Carrefour Market concept in the United Arab Emirates, introducing a redesigned supermarket format that reflects changing consumer preferences for fresh food, convenience, and premium grocery experiences.

The new store, located at Jumeirah Park Centre in Dubai, is the first Carrefour Market in the country to adopt the retailer’s premium concept. The opening forms part of Majid Al Futtaim’s broader strategy to modernize its grocery business and respond to increasing demand for differentiated neighborhood retail formats.

The company, which operates Carrefour under an exclusive franchise agreement across several Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets, said the new concept could serve as a model for future Carrefour Market locations in the UAE.

Food-First Layout Expands Fresh Categories

The flagship supermarket spans more than 2,200 square metres and introduces what the retailer describes as a “food-first” design, allocating a larger share of floor space to fresh and prepared food categories.

Fresh produce, bakery, delicatessen, ready-to-eat meals, and other food offerings now occupy approximately 38% of the store’s retail area, compared with around 25% in traditional Carrefour Market outlets.

The redesigned layout also incorporates wider aisles, updated merchandising, and dedicated zones intended to simplify navigation while accommodating a broader product assortment.

The shift mirrors wider changes across the grocery sector, where retailers are increasing investment in fresh food and convenience offerings as shoppers make more frequent, smaller purchases and seek higher-quality products closer to home.

Broader Product Assortment

The premium concept introduces more than 900 additional products, including over 300 imported items sourced from international markets.

Majid Al Futtaim has also expanded several merchandise categories, including health and wellness products, beauty, premium pet care, and ready-made meals, reflecting evolving consumer purchasing habits and demand for more specialized grocery selections.

Carrefour Adds Its First BakeHouse Café in the UAE

Among the most notable additions is Carrefour’s first BakeHouse Café in the UAE, integrating a café into the supermarket environment for the first time.

The concept offers freshly baked bread, pastries, specialty coffee, sandwiches, and light meals, reflecting a broader industry trend in which supermarkets are expanding foodservice operations to diversify revenue streams and increase customer dwell time.

Retail analysts have increasingly pointed to foodservice integration as a competitive advantage for supermarkets facing growing competition from quick-commerce platforms, online grocery providers, and specialty food retailers.

Investment Reflects Changing Consumer Expectations

The launch comes as grocery retailers across the Gulf accelerate investments in premium formats, digital services, and in-store experiences to strengthen customer loyalty.

Consumers in the UAE are placing greater emphasis on freshness, convenience, imported products, and experiential shopping, encouraging supermarket operators to move beyond traditional retail models.

For Majid Al Futtaim, the premium Carrefour Market represents another step in repositioning neighborhood supermarkets to compete with both premium grocery chains and rapidly expanding e-commerce platforms.

Senior executives from Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai Holding attended the opening of the new store, underscoring the project’s strategic importance within the company’s retail portfolio.

Premium Grocery Formats Gain Momentum Across the Region

The introduction of Carrefour’s premium Market concept highlights a broader transformation underway across Middle Eastern grocery retail.

Supermarket operators throughout the region are redesigning stores, expanding fresh food ranges, and integrating cafés, ready-to-eat meals, and lifestyle-focused services as competition intensifies and consumer expectations continue to evolve.

Industry observers expect retailers to continue investing in premium neighborhood formats that combine convenience with differentiated in-store experiences, particularly in high-income urban markets such as Dubai.

The new Carrefour Market is expected to provide insight into how premium supermarket concepts may shape the next phase of grocery retail development in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

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Shipping Resumes Between Iran and UAE as Direct Cargo Routes Reopen

Iran has announced the resumption of direct cargo shipping routes from the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step toward restoring trade connectivity between the two neighboring economies. The move could improve logistics efficiency and facilitate cross-border commerce in the Gulf region, although Emirati authorities have yet to officially comment on the development.

Iranian officials said direct cargo shipping services between the UAE and Iran have resumed, indicating that bilateral trade relations are gradually returning to normal. Ali Emami, Director-General of Logistics and Support at Iran’s Trade Development Organisation, stated that goods are once again being transported directly between the two countries.

The development follows recent signs of improving connectivity between the two nations. Earlier this week, Dubai International Airport reportedly received a direct flight from Tehran, with return services also resuming after disruptions linked to regional tensions and the recent conflict involving Iran. Iran had also announced the reactivation of trade exchanges through Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port and indicated that flights between the two countries would restart within days.

Renewed Shipping Routes Could Strengthen Gulf Trade Connectivity

The UAE and Iran have historically maintained strong commercial ties, with the UAE serving as one of Iran’s key trade and re-export partners. The restoration of direct cargo shipping routes is expected to ease supply chain pressures, reduce transit times, and lower logistics costs for businesses operating between the two markets.

For logistics providers, retailers, and e-commerce businesses, renewed maritime connectivity could create opportunities for more efficient movement of goods and strengthen regional trade flows at a time when companies are increasingly seeking resilient and diversified supply chains across the Middle East. However, operational details and the full scope of the resumption remain unclear, as Emirati authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding Iran’s announcement.

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UAE’s LODD Autonomous Launches Hili Cargo Aircraft Certification Program

Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous has launched the formal certification program for its Hili autonomous cargo aircraft with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), marking a significant milestone in the development of advanced air mobility and middle-mile logistics solutions.

The certification program moves Hili from development and flight testing into the pathway toward commercial operations, positioning the hybrid-electric aircraft as a potential enabler of faster and more flexible cargo transportation across the UAE and the wider region.

Designed and developed in Abu Dhabi, Hili is a hybrid-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of up to 700 kilometers. The aircraft has been purpose-built to support civilian logistics operations, with potential applications spanning healthcare, energy, humanitarian response, offshore operations, industrial supply chains, and regional cargo transportation.

Certification Program Enters Formal Phase

The certification process will include aircraft design approval activities, airworthiness compliance demonstrations, ground and flight testing, operational evaluations, and comprehensive safety assessments. These steps are required to demonstrate compliance with applicable aviation standards before the aircraft can enter commercial service.

The program is being conducted under the supervision of the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with the GCAA serving as the certifying authority. The initiative is also supported by key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi’s advanced mobility ecosystem, including the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) through its Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, described the launch of the certification program as one of the most significant milestones in the aircraft’s development.

“The launch of the Hili certification program marks one of the most significant milestones in the evolution of the aircraft and reflects the progress we have made across design, engineering and flight testing. Entering formal certification demonstrates the maturity of the Hili program and moves Hili from development into the pathway towards commercial operations.”

Al Manai added that the company is working closely with the GCAA to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards of airworthiness and safety.

Advancing Middle-Mile Logistics

The launch of the Hili certification program comes as governments, logistics providers, and technology companies increasingly explore autonomous solutions to improve cargo transportation and supply chain resilience.

Unlike small last-mile delivery drones, Hili has been designed specifically for middle-mile logistics, enabling cargo transportation between cities, industrial zones, logistics hubs, airports, and remote operational sites without relying on conventional runway infrastructure.

The aircraft’s capabilities could prove particularly valuable for sectors requiring fast and reliable movement of goods, including healthcare supply chains, urgent spare-parts delivery, offshore energy operations, and humanitarian logistics.

As e-commerce, healthcare delivery, and regional trade continue to accelerate, demand for more flexible transportation networks is also increasing. Autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft have the potential to establish more direct routes between logistics nodes, reducing dependency on traditional road networks and enabling faster movement of critical cargo.

Upon certification, Hili is expected to support a broad range of commercial applications, including middle-mile logistics, healthcare supply chains, offshore operations, humanitarian response, and regional cargo transportation.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Advanced Mobility Ambitions

The Hili certification program also reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for smart mobility and advanced aviation technologies. By bringing together regulators, industry stakeholders, and ecosystem partners, the initiative demonstrates the emirate’s collaborative approach to developing and deploying next-generation transportation solutions.

Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said the initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining the highest aviation safety standards.

“Advanced aircraft programs such as Hili play an important role in the evolution of aviation and support the safe integration of next-generation technologies into the national aviation ecosystem.”

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, noted that the certification of advanced autonomous aviation systems such as Hili represents an important step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s integrated mobility ecosystem. Meanwhile, Ali AlHashmi, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, regulators, and ecosystem partners in advancing next-generation aviation technologies.

Toward Commercial Deployment

Founded in 2023, LODD Autonomous develops autonomous aviation and advanced logistics solutions from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. As the certification process progresses, Hili could become one of the first advanced autonomous civilian aircraft to be designed, engineered, and certified in the UAE.

For the logistics and e-commerce sectors, the program highlights the growing role of autonomous aviation in the future of cargo transportation. If successfully certified and deployed, Hili could contribute to a new generation of autonomous logistics networks, enabling faster, more flexible, and more resilient movement of goods across the UAE and beyond.

UAE Joins Global AI Initiative with 35 Countries, Reinforcing Commitment to Responsible Innovation

Global delegates attend the Pax Silica Summit in Washington, focusing on secure AI supply chains and international cooperation.

Washington, D.C. – The United Arab Emirates has joined 35 other nations in signing the Joint Statement on AI Opportunities during the second Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., further strengthening its position as a global advocate for responsible and secure artificial intelligence development.

UAE Strengthens Its Global AI Leadership Through International Collaboration

The summit brought together government leaders and major technology companies to discuss trusted AI supply chains, secure digital infrastructure, and international cooperation in advancing artificial intelligence. The UAE delegation was led by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and included senior officials and representatives from some of the country’s leading technology organizations, including G42, Core42, MGX, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

By participating in the joint declaration, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to developing AI ecosystems that are secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven. The country’s involvement also highlights its growing role as a trusted global partner in shaping international AI governance and accelerating technological progress.

Building Trusted AI Infrastructure and Supply Chains

The Pax Silica Summit focused on strengthening collaboration among allied nations to build resilient AI supply chains covering critical areas such as semiconductors, computing infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is increasingly seen as an important platform for fostering trusted partnerships and reducing vulnerabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The UAE’s participation aligns with its broader national strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. In recent years, the country has significantly increased investments in digital infrastructure, AI research, and international technology partnerships, positioning itself at the center of global conversations around the future of AI.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and industries worldwide, the UAE’s engagement in initiatives such as Pax Silica demonstrates its intention not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to actively contribute to the development of responsible frameworks that guide their global implementation.

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