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A new report from global digital payments firm Checkout.com has revealed a striking trend in the UAE, where consumers are embracing AI-driven shopping assistants at a pace far exceeding other global markets. The research highlights a significant gap between this surging consumer demand and the underlying infrastructure needed to support what it calls “agentic commerce.” […] The post UAE Leads Global AI Shopping Adoption, With 64% Trusting Bots Over Family, Finds Checkout.com first appeared on MENA Startup Digest.
The UAE’s stability through recent months of geopolitical disruption was not improvised but the result of a deliberate, long-term economic architecture. This was the central message from H.E. Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, during his opening address at The Briefing by Arabian Business in Dubai. […] The post UAE’s Economic Resilience Is By Design, Not Luck, Badr Jafar Tells Dubai Business Leaders first appeared on MENA Startup Digest.
A new global study from the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and IBM’s Institute for Business Value has revealed the UAE is significantly outpacing its global peers in the adoption of AI governance platforms. The report, titled ‘Orchestrating AI at scale for sovereignty and resilience’, indicates a mature and proactive approach to managing artificial intelligence from […] The post UAE Leads Global AI Governance Adoption, New Dubai Future Foundation & IBM Study Reveals first appeared on MENA Startup Digest.
Egyptian fintech Blnk has secured $37.1 million in a mixed funding round to scale its point-of-sale financing operations across the country. The round consists of $12.5 million in Series A equity and $24.6 million in local debt facilities, aimed at expanding access to consumer credit for a largely underserved population. Quick Facts Total Funding: $37.1 […] The post Egypt’s Blnk Raises $37 Million to Target Unbanked with AI-Powered Credit first appeared on MENA Startup Digest.
MENA startups raised a significant $454.7 million across 33 deals in May 2026, marking a 202% increase from the previous month. However, the headline figure is largely inflated by debt financing, which accounted for two-thirds of the total capital, revealing a more cautious investor sentiment than the numbers initially suggest. Quick Facts Total May funding: […] The post MENA Startup Funding Rebounds To $454.7M In May, Driven By A Surge In Debt first appeared on MENA Startup Digest.
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Dubbed the “Oscars of Packaging”, Hotpack has been recognised as the only company from the GCC to receive the prestigious award this year. Dubai, UAE – May 19, 2026: Hotpack, a UAE-headquartered global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has been awarded the prestigious ‘WorldStar Packaging Award 2026’ in the food packaging category, strengthening its position as one of the region’s most innovative and sustainability-driven food packaging brands, shaping the future of responsible manufacturing. Presented at the Interpack Exhibition 2026, one of the world’s leading packaging exhibitions in Düsse
Abu Dhabi, 19 May 2026: Building on the successful collaboration launched last year, e& UAE in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf), has announced an exclusive package dedicated to its customers performing Hajj, aimed at supporting their digital needs and enabling seamless communication with their families during the forthcoming Hajj season. This collaboration reflects e& UAE’s commitment to delivering services that cater to the needs of pilgrims and ensure a reliable, seamless connectivity experience throughout their stay in the Holy Land, as part of its ongoing efforts to leverage
Guests using City or Home Check-In receive 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles and 3kg extra baggage allowance Additional baggage allowance also available during selected off-peak airport check-in hours Airline encourages guests to plan ahead for the busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel period Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network. To help guests travel more easily during the peak holiday period, the airline is encouraging travellers to plan ahead and make use of its expanded check-in options, digital services, and seasona
The popular Abu Dhabi destination is offering an AED 85 experience packed with family entertainment, splash-filled fun, and memorable animal moments. Abu Dhabi – May 20, 2026: Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is bringing back its much-loved “Rain in the Zoo” experience this Eid Al Adha, inviting families to enjoy a refreshing celebration filled with fun activities, animal presentations, and exciting summer attractions. “Rain in the Zoo” transforms the Zoo into an immersive seasonal escape featuring cooling rain moments, kids’ water slides, themed entertainment, engaging animal presentations, and activities design
Switzerland’s ultra-limited watchmaker announces the Sovereign Living Form philosophy as Gulf collectors increasingly seek provenance…
Abu Dhabi, UAE: 15 May 2026 — Under the patronage of Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR 2026) will return for its ninth and largest edition, taking place from 19 to 21 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, with participation from eight key sectors spanning safety and security, firefighting, cybersecurity, student innovations, and advanced emergency response technologies and operations management. Held under the theme “Securing Tomorrow Today,” the 2026 edition is organised by ADNEC