Author: Mahdeehassan

Today, CNTXT AI launches TestAI, the GCC’s first AI validation platform, ensuring AI-powered voice interactions are accurate, functional and deployment-ready . AI-powered agents are transforming industries, automating customer interactions, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. However, many are deployed without proper validation, leading to errors and loss of trust. With the voice AI agent market set to grow from $11.2 billion in 2025 to $45 billion by 2032, organizations cannot afford to deploy AI without being fully prepared and user-ready. “AI models are being deployed without standardized oversight. Without rigorous testing, businesses expose themselves to financial and reputational risks” said Mohammad…

Taager, the leading social e-commerce platform for the MENA region, today announced the completion of its $6.75 million pre-Series B funding round, led by Africa-focused tech growth fund Norrsken22.This round will enable the company to fuel its growth in the Middle East. The oversubscribed round included participation from Endeavor Catalyst and Beltone VC, in addition to all existing investors, including 4DX Ventures, RAED Ventures, BECO Capital and Breyer Capital. Over the past two decades, social e-commerce, which is the process of directly buying and selling products through social media platforms, has evolved from a mere concept to a prominent shopping…

GO Sport Opens its First Store in Ramallah, Palestine. GO Sport is thrilled to announce the opening of its first store in Palestine, located in Ramallah — marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion across the Middle East. Globally recognized for their high-performance, multi-branded sporting goods, this store not only reinforces GO Sport’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports and lifestyle products but also represents a meaningful investment in the Palestinian market, fostering local development and empowering the community. The new Ramallah store offers an exceptional selection of sportswear, footwear, and equipment, catering to fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and team…

Dubai, UAE –– CNTXT and Oracle continue to advance their strategic collaboration, reinforcing their shared vision for AI innovation and enterprise transformation. Their collaboration, which was highlighted during Oracle Cloud World Tour, is focused on helping businesses and government entities accelerate AI adoption with secure, scalable solutions. During Oracle Cloud World, Mohammad Abu Sheikh, Founder and CEO of CNTXT, and Cherian Varghese, Senior Vice President of Cloud Infrastructure, AI for EMEA at Oracle, engaged in an in-depth discussion on AI readiness, data security, and the evolving AI landscape. Their conversation underscored the growing role of AI in enterprise operations and…

Boyden Middle East, a premier global leadership and talent advisory firm, marks its 25th anniversary of regional excellence with a milestone celebration held in Saudi Arabia, underscoring its continuous commitment to the region. The event, coinciding with the visit of global President & CEO Chad Hesters, brought together clients and senior executives from diverse industries to honour Boyden’s legacy of excellence in executive search and leadership consulting. This significant milestone also celebrates the incorporation of Boyden Middle East as a legal entity in Saudi Arabia in 2024, further solidifying the firm’s presence and commitment to supporting organizations in achieving their…

M2L Concepts, a leading name in the entertainment, leisure, and technology sectors in Dubai, has announced the launch of the third season of its flagship event, Ramadan District. The event will take place from March 8 to March 23, 2025, at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Plaza Terrace, set against the iconic backdrop of the Museum of the Future. M2L Concept’s Ramadan District has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in Dubai’s cultural calendar, evolving each year to offer a distinctive mix of tradition, innovation, and community engagement. Building on the success of its previous seasons, M2L Concepts continues to push…

Saudi Arabia’s MSME finance ecosystem at the heart of economic diversification and financial inclusion efforts Saudi Arabia, February 2025: The pivotal role of Saudi Arabia’s finance ecosystem for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in advancing the Kingdom’s economic diversification and financial inclusion objectives is explored in a new report released by Oxford Business Group (OBG), in collaboration with the Kafalah programme. Titled, “MSME Empowerment in Saudi Arabia,” the report examines the country’s strategic efforts to drive the growth of MSMEs by improving access to finance and fostering entrepreneurship. It highlights how the Kingdom is leveraging tailored financial solutions to…

Abu Dhabi, February 4, 2025 – Smpl Fund I, a $10 million venture capital fund launched by Smpl Holdings, has announced a strategic investment of $250,000 in multiple AI and technology companies within the Qora71 portfolio. Smpl Fund I, which focuses on supporting AI and tech startups across the MENA region and beyond, provides seed capital alongside hands-on strategic support to accelerate the growth of innovative companies. Qora71, a venture investor syndicate and a member of the Hub71 Angel Program, offers accredited investors the opportunity to invest on a deal-by-deal basis, without minimum commitments or fees. The syndicate’s portfolio includes…

Maalexi, a U.S.-headquartered dynamic risk management platform helping SME agribusinesses mitigate operational risks, announces it has secured a $3 million debt finance facility from Citi, one of the world’s largest banking institutions. The strategic facility supports Maalexi with its mission to strengthen global food security by simplifying cross-border agri-trade conducted on its cutting-edge, AI-powered risk management platform. Following confirmation of 2024 being the hottest year on record, food security concerns are at an all-time high as the global agriculture sector tackles extreme temperatures. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries rely heavily on food imports, spending $68 billion annually to meet…

Silkhaus (www.silkhaus.com), a leading proptech startup revolutionising the short-term rental market in the Middle East and Asia, has announced the closing of a seven-figure growth round led by Nuwa Capital and Oraseya Capital, with participation from Impulse International, Yuj Ventures, Nordstar, and prominent family offices. The new funding will fuel Silkhaus’s expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where it is now open for bookings for guests from around the world. Silkhaus’s expansion into KSA includes the launch of its booking platform under the leadership of Sabine El Najjar, KSA Managing Director & VP Commercial, and Peter May, VP…