Author: Mahdeehassan

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…

Myne, a groundbreaking wealth and asset tracking platform, has announced today that the company has raised $2 million and has successfully closed its pre-seed funding round. The new investment round was led by Scene Holding, followed by Raz Holding with participation from Plus VC, the most active VC in the MENA, Annex Investments, and a group of strategic angel investors. This milestone is set to propel Myne toward its mission of redefining how individuals and businesses track and manage their finances. Launched in 2024, Myne was inspired by Karim’s conversation with his university friend, now a founding investor, about the…

Foundation Ventures, a Cairo-based venture capital firm, has announced the successful first close of its $25 million fund, “FVFII.” This new fund underscores the firm’s mission to strengthen Egypt’s entrepreneurial landscape by driving innovation and supporting startups from early-stage development to regional and global expansion. A portion of the capital will also be directed toward investing in promising African startups. The fund has attracted prominent investors, including the Egyptian American Enterprise Fund (EAEF), the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), and Onsi Sawiris. Their confidence in Foundation Ventures represents a shared vision to foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem…

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…