Author: Mahdeehassan

The Saudi proptech startup Ajras has successfully raised a $1.5 million pre-Series A funding round, led by Veda Holding. Founded in 2022 by Muath Aljubailan, Ajras provides unique financing solutions to facilitate rent payments. The startup focuses on commercial and industrial sectors and is licensed by the General Authority for Real Estate. Additionally, it has recently introduced a “Rent Now, Pay Later” solution. Previously, Agras closed a seed funding round of SAR 105.05 million in November 2023, led by Madarek International. Veda Holding, based in Riyadh, is a business incubator that supports both startups and established companies by providing the necessary capital for growth.

Dubai, UAE: Masafi, the UAE’s pioneering bottled water brand, is marking the holy month of Ramadan with a special-edition packaging, created in collaboration with Emirati artist Mariam Abbas. The design, featured on Masafi’s water and tissue products, pays homage to the nation’s cultural heritage, woven with the values of resilience, unity, and tradition. The design, inspired by iconic Emirati symbols, includes the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Together sculpture in Downtown Dubai, and traditional water pitchers once used to cool and store water. Masafi is one of the UAE’s most iconic homegrown brands. Masafi has led the UAE’s bottled water industry since 1977,…

Dyson is reinforcing its commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new Dyson Demo Store in Jeddah, further solidifying the importance of the Saudi market with its growing presence in the region. Opened at Red Sea Mall in Jeddah, the new store will offer immersive experiences that bring Dyson’s pioneering technology to life. The new Dyson Demo Store will showcase the brand’s full product portfolio, including hair care, floor care, environmental care, and audio innovations. Customers will have the opportunity to receive personalized technology demonstrations and expert advice from brand specialists, ensuring an interactive and…

Oxford Business Group highlights the sector’s progress via the Ministry of Culture’s Report on the State of Culture 2023 Riyadh, March 2025: Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector has emerged as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s economic, social, and environmental initiatives, as outlined in the Ministry of Culture’s “Report on the State of Culture 2023: Sustainability in the Cultural Sector.” Oxford Business Group (OBG) has undertaken an in-depth analysis of this report, offering a secondary perspective on its findings and implications. Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is emerging as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s development, with the potential to drive economic diversification…

Dubai unveils its most expansive private art gallery yet – MAVON Gallery, a breathtaking 10,000-square-foot space designed to redefine the city’s cultural and luxury landscapes. More than just an art gallery, MAVON is a curated experience where fine art converges with high-end real estate, luxury automobiles, fashion, and hospitality. With an extraordinary collection of internationally renowned artists and an immersive approach to exhibitions, MAVON Gallery is poised to become a landmark destination for art enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike. MAVON Gallery’s innovative vision promises to deliver an immersive art experience that goes beyond traditional exhibitions, setting the stage for a…

Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, announces the trial launch of the first city taxi booking service in the emirate, via Yango app, in exclusive partnership with Yango Group. This new service aims to advance the transportation sector in Sharjah, and provide safe, fast and convenient services to users. H.E Waleed Al Sayegh, Group CEO, commented on the partnership, “The trial launch of the app reflects Sharjah Asset Management’s vision and long-term strategies, and furthers its projects and services which seek to achieve added value for the community. Inspired by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan…

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…

Buildnow, a Saudi-based company specialising in supply chain solutions for the construction sector in the Middle East, has announced the successful closure of a new $9.7 million funding round. The round was led by STV and Arbah Capital, with additional funding from a mix of debt financing, reinforcing the company’s expansion plans in the market. Buildnow provides “Build Now, Pay Later” solutions, aiming to support SMEs in the construction industry through a specialised credit management platform and an integrated supply chain network. In March, the company closed an initial seed funding round worth SAR 35.3 million ($9.4 million), which included…

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…