Weekly Market Highlights

26th of February 2026

This week’s headlines read less like isolated announcements and more like signals of a system recalibrating in real time. Across MENA, capital, regulation, and technology are moving in tighter coordination — accelerating the region’s transition toward digitally native financial models, AI-driven platforms, and institutional-grade market infrastructure.

WafR has raised $4 million in an oversubscribed seed round co-led by LoftyInc Capital, Attijariwafa Ventures, and Almada Ventures, with participation from returning investors UM6P Ventures and First Circle Capital.The Morocco-based fintech digitises neighbourhood corner stores, leveraging a network of nearly 20,000 hanouts to deliver digital payments and services.The funding will support network expansion and new offerings, reinforcing WafR’s role in advancing financial inclusion across Morocco.

Takeem has secured investment from REACH Middle East, backed by Second Century Ventures, with the UAE-based proptech addressing rental market inefficiencies through its proprietary risk intelligence engine and rental guarantee model; the investment supports the company’s growth and reflects confidence in its approach to rental risk management and market efficiency.

Beltone Holding has launched its Private Equity platform, expanding its multi-stage investment strategy.The platform will provide growth-stage capital, enabling a structured transition from venture-backed growth to institutional-scale investment.Ali Mokhtar will lead the platform, reinforcing Beltone’s end-to-end capital offering.

Immensa has secured investment from Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), alongside Global Ventures and existing investors.The KSA-headquartered deeptech company enables industrial operators to replace physical spare parts inventory with its Digital Parts Passport platform.The funding will support global expansion, digital library growth, and scaled enterprise deployments.

The Presight–Shorooq Fund I has deployed capital into five AI startups across the US and UAE within its first 120 days.The investments span AI infrastructure and vertical AI solutions across finance, construction, and voice technologies.The early activity highlights the fund’s strategy of backing AI-native companies with scalable, defensible models.

Emirates Driving Company intends to acquire a 51% stake in Performaze Labs to accelerate AI-driven transformation in driver testing, training, and mobility solutions. Performaze Labs’ iVE technology enables fully automated, biometric-enabled testing with high measurement precision. The partnership supports operational efficiency, regional expansion, and broader smart mobility innovation aligned with the UAE’s digital and sustainable mobility agenda.

ShipFinex has received initial approval from VARA to pursue a broker-dealer license, advancing its regulated digital maritime investment platform. The company uses distributed ledger technology to tokenize vessels, enabling fractional ownership and expanding investor access. The milestone strengthens ShipFinex’s positioning within Dubai’s regulated virtual assets ecosystem and signals progress in modernizing maritime finance.

Beban is expanding into Egypt through the launch of Beban Egypt, supported by increased investment from the AI Opportunities Fund. The platform focuses on equity crowdfunding, enabling direct investments in startups and SMEs. The move targets Egypt’s larger market potential and progresses under the FRA’s regulatory framework.

MoneyHash has partnered with Wayl to support business expansion into Iraq. The collaboration enables merchants to access local and international payment methods through tailored infrastructure. The partnership strengthens MoneyHash’s regional expansion strategy and supports Iraq’s growing e-commerce ecosystem.

Riyadh Valley Company has partnered with SparkLabs Group to launch the King Saud University Fund and Business Accelerator. The initiative focuses on investing in early-stage startups, particularly KSU spinouts. The move strengthens the university’s innovation ecosystem and commercialization efforts.

Partners Group has announced plans to open a new office in Kuwait, further expanding its GCC presence. The move builds on the firm’s regional footprint following its Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices. The Kuwait office will support local investment activities and portfolio growth, reflecting the firm’s long-term commitment to the region.

The Ministry of Finance in the UAE  has issued the official E-Invoicing Guideline to support businesses in preparing for nationwide e-invoicing adoption. The document clarifies compliance, operational, and technical requirements, including phased timelines and penalties. The initiative advances digital tax administration and broader economic digitalization efforts.

Saudi Arabia has officially joined GPAI, strengthening its position in global AI governance and policy discussions. Represented by SDAIA, the move supports responsible AI development and international collaboration. The membership is expected to enhance regulatory credibility, attract investment, and advance Vision 2030 goals.

Jada Fund of Funds has partnered with Stride Ventures to deploy $200 million into Saudi Arabia’s private credit market. The move reflects Jada’s strategy to expand alternative financing and support SMEs. The investment highlights growing regional momentum in private credit and confidence in the Kingdom’s emerging market opportunity.

OSN has partnered with iQIYI International to launch the OSNtv iQIYI channel, introducing a curated slate of premium Asian entertainment to MENA audiences. The linear pay-TV channel will feature diverse genres, with content available in original languages alongside English and Arabic subtitles, and select titles on demand. The launch forms part of a broader partnership, including iQIYI app integration on OSN set-top boxes, reinforcing OSN’s content offering and regional entertainment ecosystem.

Apex Group has opened a newly licensed office in Qatar at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), marking a strategic expansion in the Gulf region. The firm will provide institutional-grade asset servicing and introduce its digital and AI capabilities to support Qatar’s financial ecosystem. The move reinforces Apex Group’s regional growth strategy and aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Central Bank of Oman has introduced a regulatory framework for BNPL providers, defining licensing, governance, and capital requirements. The rules restrict operations to licensed Omani entities and impose leverage limits, consumer protection standards, and compliance safeguards. The move formalizes BNPL oversight and strengthens financial stability and market discipline.

e& delivered record FY 2025 results, with consolidated revenue rising 23% to AED 72.9 billion and net profit growing 34% to AED 14.4 billion, supported by strong performance across its business verticals and global operations. The Group’s subscriber base expanded significantly to 244.7 million, reflecting continued international growth. e& also announced a leadership transition, with Hatem Dowidar stepping down as Group CEO and Masood M. Sharif Mahmood appointed as his successor. The year was marked by major strategic milestones spanning AI, digital infrastructure, fintech expansion, and global market growth.

Collectively, these developments signal a region transitioning from early-stage digital adoption toward scaled, institutionalised growth. Capital formation, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure investment are increasingly aligned, supporting more sustainable innovation cycles. The trajectory points to a maturing ecosystem where financial innovation, AI capabilities, and alternative asset strategies are becoming core pillars of long-term economic transformation across MENA.