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Startup Bahrain has partnered with Reboot Coding Institute to enhance technical skills among entrepreneurs, aiming to strengthen Bahrain's digital economy. This collaboration will provide workshops and mentorship, equipping startup teams with essential coding expertise to foster innovation and competitiveness in the tech sector.
GCC countries saw a 1.7% inflation rise in October 2024, driven mainly by a 6.4% increase in housing costs. Other contributors included a 3% rise in goods and services and a 1.7% uptick in restaurant and hotel prices, while transportation costs fell by 3.6%. Kuwait led the region with a 2.4% inflation rate, surpassing the EU's 2.3%.
Salica Spring Studios has announced a strategic investment in BILRS, a provider of global bill payment solutions, aimed at enhancing its operations and expanding its reach. This partnership underscores a commitment to innovation in digital payments, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions. BILRS integrates with major financial service providers to ensure fast, secure, and compliant bill payments worldwide.
Salica Spring Studios has announced a strategic investment in BILRS, a provider of global bill payment solutions, aimed at enhancing its operations and expanding its reach. This partnership underscores a commitment to innovation in digital payments, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions. BILRS integrates with major financial service providers to ensure fast, secure payments while complying with global regulations.
Morocco-based ORA Technologies has secured $1.9 million in a Pre-Series A funding round to expand its digital payment and food delivery services, aiming to create an integrated superapp. The startup's Kooul service is rapidly gaining traction in Morocco's $1.5 billion food delivery market, while ORA Cash offers a fast, cost-effective mobile payment solution for the underbanked. With backing from Witamax and Azur Innovation Fund, ORA is positioned to lead Morocco's digital transformation and financial inclusion efforts.
Ninja, a Saudi quick commerce startup founded by Ebrahim Al-Jassim, is in discussions to raise funds at a valuation exceeding $1 billion, with the round potentially closing this month, led by Riyad Capital. Launched in 2022, Ninja has become the largest grocery delivery service in Saudi Arabia and has expanded to Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, recently adding food delivery to its offerings. The company aims for a public listing by 2027 after raising $30 million in a seed round last December at a valuation of $180–200 million.
Kuwait-based delivery platform talabat has acquired 100% of Instashop from Delivery Hero SE for $32 million, finalizing the deal in March 2025. Instashop, founded in 2015 and operating in several MENA countries, reported a gross merchandise volume of $631 million in 2024, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. The acquisition will enhance talabat’s grocery and retail offerings while allowing Instashop to maintain its brand independence.
UAE-based Klaim has secured $26 million in Series A funding to enhance its healthcare payment solutions, aiming for rapid expansion in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The funding, led by Mudassir Investment, will help streamline payment processes for healthcare providers, addressing financial strains caused by delayed payment cycles.
Mrkoon is enhancing industrial supply chains and promoting the circular economy, positioning itself for growth in sustainable waste management across the MENA region following a recent funding round. Meanwhile, Saudi-based Ninja Express is in talks to secure over $1 billion in funding, aiming for an IPO by 2027, while UAE's Klaim has raised $26 million to expand healthcare payment solutions, enhancing efficiency for providers in the region. Additionally, Qatar has launched a Startup Business Development Grant to support early-stage startups, fostering innovation and economic diversification aligned with its Vision 2030 goals.
This week, Dubai's FIX Chocolate has gained viral popularity, significantly boosting tourist spending. In other news, Talabat has acquired InstaShop for $32 million, while Global Infrastructure Partners has set up its Middle East headquarters in Doha. Additionally, the UAE Central Bank has launched a domestic card scheme named 'Jaywan', and PIF has anchored Goldman Sachs' new Gulf-focused funds.
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bahrain and morocco lead digital innovation with strategic startup initiatives
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16:15 10.03.2025
gcc inflation rises 1.7 percent in october driven by housing costs
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salica spring studios invests in bilrs to enhance global payment solutions
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talabat acquires instashop for 32 million enhancing grocery services in MENA
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Dubai's chocolate trend boosts tourism as major acquisitions reshape the market
12:56 07.03.2025
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