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E-commerce in the MENA region is undergoing a significant transformation driven by Ramadan and Eid gifting, with gift orders surging over 150% during Ramadan 2025. Mobile devices now dominate transactions, and platforms are enhancing logistics and personalisation to meet year-round consumer expectations. The shift towards cross-border demand and smarter inventory strategies is reshaping the digital retail landscape, making Ramadan a critical period for innovation and engagement.
Orascom Construction plans to reduce its projects in Egypt to a third by 2026, focusing on international expansion, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. CEO Osama Bishai emphasized the company's preference for foreign-funded projects and noted improvements in dues collection from government entities, despite ongoing local challenges. The firm is already engaged in significant projects abroad, including power plant expansions in Saudi Arabia and seawater treatment facilities in the UAE.
The Arab African International Bank plans to open a branch in Saudi Arabia, aiming to support the growing influx of Egyptian investments in the Kingdom. With regulatory approval from Egypt secured, the bank is seeking permission from Saudi authorities to cater to the financing needs of large-scale projects, which have attracted significant Egyptian investors. Currently, there are 6,830 Egyptian companies operating in Saudi Arabia, with investments totaling USD 18.7 billion.
Nayla Finance, a Saudi fintech platform, has secured $4 million in seed funding to enhance digital lending for micro and small businesses. The investment, led by Sanabil Venture Studio, will be complemented by an additional $2.7 million in debt financing to expand its loan portfolio.Utilizing AI-driven credit assessments and alternative data sources, Nayla simplifies the loan application process for SMEs, enabling them to access up to SAR 100,000 quickly. This initiative aims to boost financial inclusion and support the growth of small businesses in Saudi Arabia.
UAE-based fintech startup Klaim has raised $26 million to enhance healthcare payment processes, including $10 million in Series A equity and $16 million in debt financing. Founded in 2019, Klaim's AI-driven platform aims to resolve delayed insurance claim payments, allowing providers to receive funds within 24 hours. With this funding, the company plans to expand in the MENA region, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Oman, while strengthening partnerships across the healthcare sector.
Shares of Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Co. surged 30% to 19.50 riyals (US$5.20) on their debut on the Riyadh exchange, following an IPO price of 15 riyals (US$4) per share, valuing the company at approximately US$5.75 billion. The US$523 million IPO attracted significant interest, with institutional orders reaching US$126 billion. Supported by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Umm Al Qura is involved in a major development project in Mecca valued at around US$27 billion.
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and five regional counterparts are projected to manage $18 trillion in assets by 2030, a 50% increase from 2024. The Gulf region, home to six of the world's largest sovereign funds, is focusing on investments in Asia and Africa, particularly in high-growth economies and the mining sector. As competition intensifies, these funds are enhancing internal capabilities and seeking experienced talent to drive innovation and performance.
Saudi Arabia's Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has set a deadline of March 31, 2025, for businesses with annual revenues exceeding SAR 40 million to file their February VAT returns. Late submissions may incur penalties ranging from 5% to 25% of the tax due. ZATCA urges timely filing through its official website or smartphone app to avoid these fines.
Telr, a Dubai-based digital payments company, has obtained a Retail Payment Services license from the UAE Central Bank, allowing it to enhance its merchant acquiring and payment aggregation services. This milestone reinforces Telr's position in the digital payments sector and supports its mission to drive innovation in a cashless economy. The company offers a range of payment solutions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, ensuring secure transactions through PCI-certified gateways.
Central Asia's startup ecosystem is thriving, with Kazakhstan leading in venture investments, attracting $71m in 2024, primarily from foreign investors. Uzbekistan saw a remarkable 2.7-fold increase in investments to $17.5m, while Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan also reported growth in their respective markets. Key sectors driving this momentum include artificial intelligence, fintech, and educational technologies, indicating a robust potential for future development and global integration.
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The information provided herein is generated by experimental artificial intelligence and is for informational purposes only.
Eid gifting reshapes e-commerce landscape in the Middle East and North Africa
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