Walid Singer

𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙊𝙃 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘼𝙗𝙪 𝘿𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙞. Multiply Group , part of the IHC portfolio, has officially launched Multiply Media Group (MMG)—a consolidation of BackLite Media , Viola Communications , and MEDIA247 The new entity debuts with 3,000+ ad assets across the UAE, including Sheikh Zayed Road’s premium displays, under long-term agreements with RTA and DMT. Announced globally at the World Out of Home Organization Congress in Mexico City - Built for scale: DOOH, AI, and data-driven campaigns 🌍 Ready to expand: Saudi Arabia, UK, Europe, US "One of the most significant media consolidations in the UAE." — Samia Bouazza, Group CEO & MD, Multiply Group "Engineered to be agile, data-led, and deeply integrated." — James Bicknell, CEO, Multiply Media Group This marks a bold leap for UAE media on the world stage. It also signals a new phase in soft power, digital infrastructure, and shareholder-driven innovation. https://lnkd.in/dmzarRFg #MultiplyGroup #MultiplyMediaGroup #OutOfHomeAdvertising #DOOH #MediaTech #UAEInnovation #GCCBusiness #AbuDhabi #DigitalMedia #AIAdvertising #GlobalMedia

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Kingdom of Gaming is exactly why we love building brands and IP from scratch. Designed to support Saudi Arabia’s strategic growth sectors under Vision 2030, it brings together studios, publishers, investors, creators, and next-gen tech in one global platform. Not just to play games, but to build the future of the gaming industry. Launching in Riyadh from December 1–3, 2026, alongside Black Hat MEA it sits at the intersection of gaming, technology, and digital security. Huge credit to the team who turned an idea into something real. The creativity, pace, and belief behind this has been unreal and thank you for trusting me to announce this on stage! Watch this space as we make major announcements and updates over the coming weeks and months 🎮 We build worlds. Mike Champion, Steve Durning, Alex Hamilton Tomlinson, Kitty Draper, Kinga Swiderska, Carlo Paranada + #KingdomOfGaming #Vision2030 #Gaming #SaudiArabia

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In a first-of-its-kind partnership, du Pay and talabat have jointly launched a digital wallet designed specifically for delivery riders in the UAE. The new wallet allows riders to instantly receive salaries, pay bills, send money, and top up mobile balances, all from one secure app. By eliminating the need for cash, the wallet helps riders better manage their daily expenses, savings, and remittances. As a licensed digital wallet provider under the Central Bank of the UAE, du Pay processes every transaction within a secure, regulated financial framework. Users can transfer funds locally or internationally at competitive rates, and fast-pay features enable near-instant payments. For thousands of delivery riders across the UAE, this means shorter payout times, lower fees, and fewer cash-handling risks, all of which contribute to greater financial well-being and convenience. du Pay and Talabat plan to expand the service with additional financial tools tailored to delivery riders and other blue-collar workers, ensuring that digital payments become an everyday reality for the people who keep the UAE moving. (Image by Tech Africa News) #Fintech #DigitalPayments #UAE #Innovation #FinancialInclusion #CashlessEconomy

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$10 billion in premium UAE real estate, including Ritz-Carlton Residences, is being tokenized through Mavryk Network. The Layer1 network raised $10 million, led by MultiBank Group, to focus on regulated RWA markets. The initiative alone won't reshape the Middle East's capital markets overnight, but it derisks the adoption of RWA.

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First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has announced a new partnership with Thunes to enable real-time cross-border and mobile wallet payouts to more than 130 countries. Through this integration, FAB will connect directly to the Thunes Direct Global Network, providing its customers with faster, more transparent, and more efficient international transfer options once the service is fully implemented. This collaboration aligns with national efforts to upgrade the UAE’s financial infrastructure, strengthen interoperability, and promote financial inclusion through advanced digital payment channels. (Image by Startup Researcher) #UAE #CrossBorderPayments #DigitalPayments #Innovation #Fintech #FinancialInclusion

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🚀 Jahez-Snoonu: A $245M Power Move for MENA's Super App Future! 🌍 Saudi's Jahez Group acquires 76.56% of Qatar's Snoonu, pushing its valuation to $320M and making it Qatar's first tech unicorn. This acquisition is a clear play for "Super App" dominance. Jahez integrates Snoonu's diverse e-commerce (groceries, logistics, beauty) into its platform, creating a seamless, one-stop digital ecosystem across the GCC. It's about more than just food; it's a complete lifestyle solution. Significant for regional consolidation and consumer experience! 📌 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQKJDwgJ #MENA #SuperApp #Tech #Acquisition #Jahez #Snoonu #Ecommerce #Innovation

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The GCC region is poised for significant growth in AI investments, with a potential value of up to $150 billion, equivalent to 9% of the combined GDP of GCC countries. Family offices play a crucial role in driving this growth, with 30 prominent family offices across the GCC region, grouped by country: >>>> 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒂𝒖𝒅𝒊 𝑨𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒂 🇸🇦 • The Olayan Group • Juffali • Ajlan & Bros Holding • Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises • Al Muhaidib Group >>>> 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑨𝒓𝒂𝒃 𝑬𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 🇦🇪 • Gargash Group • Al Masaood • Majid Al Futtaim • Ali & Sons Holding LLC • Al Ghurair Group >>>> 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑸𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒓 🇶🇦 • Al Fardan Group • Al Faisal Holding • Almana Group • ABUISSA HOLDING • Almuftah Group Qatar >>>> 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑲𝒖𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 🇰🇼 • Alshaya Group • Al Mulla Group • Alghanim Industries • ALSAYER Group • BuKhamseen Holding >>>> 𝑺𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑶𝒎𝒂𝒏 🇴🇲 • Saud Bahwan Group LLC • The Zubair Corporation • MB Holding • Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC • Suhail Bahwan Group (Holding) LLC >>>> 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒂𝒉𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 🇧🇭 • Y K Almoayyed & Sons (B.S.C) • Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group • Alzayani Investments • Abdulla Yousif Fakhro Group • The Kanoo Group To fully capitalize on AI's potential, GCC countries should focus on linking AI strategies to enterprise objectives, developing AI talent and organizational capabilities, enhancing data infrastructure and technology stacks, and overcoming resistance to adoption and scaling AI. #GCCAI #AIInvestments #FamilyOffices #SaudiArabia #UAE #Qatar #Kuwait #Oman #Bahrain #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Growth #Economy #Technology #DigitalTransformation

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In the UAE, crypto companies are developing Sharia-compliant products for Sharia-compliant crypto bros 👀 Read more from AGBI - Arabian Gulf Business Insight and Rohan Misra, CFA, FRM!

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This is exciting news. The UAE has just announced a game-changing initiative: 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀 for all citizens and residents under the new “Stargate UAE” program in partnership with OpenAI and G42 The usual ChatGPT Plus subscription fee will be covered by the UAE government, promoting digital literacy and democratizing access to cutting-edge AI. This bold vision demonstrates the UAE’s position as a trailblazer at the forefront of AI, technology and innovation... and it’s only the beginning. #AI #UAE #DigitalTransformation #ChatGPT #OpenAI #Innovation #GovernmentTech #StargateUAE

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Continuing the conversation about promising geographies for franchises and gaming, it’s impossible not to mention Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia isn’t just another market — it’s becoming the launchpad for the entire MENA gaming ecosystem. It’s also one of the most attractive countries for expansion, and this happened for a reason. 🚀 — $1T GDP (the largest in the region) — A currency pegged to the dollar for decades (3.75 SAR = $1) — Inflation at just 1.5–2.5% even through global disruptions — 0% income tax, 15% VAT, 20% corporate tax for non-residents — 30 years of tax holidays + 100% foreign ownership in gaming & entertainment That stability is paired with ambition. Under #Vision2030, gaming and digital entertainment are defined as strategic sectors. Their goals are to add $13.5B to GDP, create 40,000 new jobs, and build a full ecosystem of players, organizers, developers, marketers, designers & managers. It’s basically a national strategy to diversify beyond oil. For anyone in gaming, esports, or digital entertainment, Saudi Arabia right now looks less like an “emerging market” and more like the next frontier. And it’s such a strong opportunity that we’re not just watching from the sidelines. That’s why new True Gamers Gaming Cafes will soon launch in Mecca, Jeddah, and Riyadh! We’ll be back with updates as we get closer to launch. Stay tuned. 🎮 #Esports #Franchise #SaudiArabia #TrueGamers #Vision2030 #GamingBusiness

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A bold and brave growth move from the UAE to keep their populace at the forefront of the Ai technology revolution. Also an incredible commercial opportunity for those who can help the region bring this to life across education, training and marketing. Whilst many other countries and governments don’t have the economic and political clout to execute such a move at this scale, it provides a timely reminder that this is a growth revolution that will transform society at a speed and depth never seen before.

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🎮 MENA Gaming Revenues Set to Double by 2027 What if your business could ride the next wave not follow it? The latest DMCC Future of Trade report forecasts gaming + esports revenues in the MENA region will nearly double by 2027. New monetization models such as direct-to-fan merch, loyalty programs, and amateur training platforms. Strong government strategy, infrastructure investment, and young, digitally native population. This isn’t just growth it’s transformation. Ecosystems will shift: content creators, tournaments, education, tools everything gets redefined around fan engagement and multiple revenue streams. Which revenue stream would you double down on: merch, training platforms, or direct-fan content? #Esports #Gaming #MENA #BusinessGrowth #RevenueStreams #Innovation #ShriInsights

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For years, the MENA region has been one of the fastest-growing consumption markets in the world. But we are now seeing a massive shift: The move from consumption to creation and automation. There is a sophisticated layer of SaaS and AdTech currently being built to power the next decade of the Middle East and North Africa’s media landscape. It’s no longer just about the content; it’s about the tech stack that makes that content scalable, measurable, and profitable. This is exactly why we are doubling down on this space at the Fitzy Fund. Our two newest investments Bilo. and HodHod هدهد sit right at the heart of this thesis: ➡️ One is automating the physical world of advertising through AI. ➡️ The other is providing the rails for the region's digital creator economy. The infrastructure for the "New Media" market is being built right now, and I couldn’t be more excited to back the founders leading the charge. 🚀

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A big week in MENA tech, and plenty to unpack, starting with some M&A. US-based DataCamp is acquiring UAE-based Optima in a deal valued at more than $15 million. Optima, founded two years ago by Yusuf Saber, built proprietary adaptive learning technology that personalises lesson pace, explanations, and feedback in real time based on each learner’s profile. The company previously raised $1.1M in seed funding from Amir Farha’s COTU Ventures along with a roster of prominent angels, and built a strong customer base that includes talabat, Careem, Kitopi, and others. Saber will join DataCamp as Chief AI Officer and will lead global AI operations from Dubai, with Optima’s tech rolling out across DataCamp’s entire product suite over the next six months. Great to see a deal grounded in genuine best in class tech rather than just pure distribution or regional foothold! Elsewhere, it’s results season. We break down Jahez Group’s Q3 after its share price hit an all-time low last week. We also look at talabat’s strong Q3 and give a quick read on how instashop, acquired by talabat in March 2025, is performing. TL;DR: struggling to keep pace. Separately, Tamara has also released Q3 financials, which we dig into in more detail. Also: Kuwait’s Kamco Invest and Techinvest Corporation plan $150 million JEDI Opportunity Fund to back high-performing startups, Lean Technologies eyes new bets ahead of potential IPO, Takamol Holding invests in Vision Ventures (VV)’ Saqr Fund II, Crescent Enterprises' CE-Invests will deploy AED 1 billion over the next three years across India, Southeast Asia, and the GCC, CAMB.AI partners with Broadcom to run its voice-emulation AI directly on Broadcom’s NPU-powered chipsets. 📌 Read the full edition here: https://lnkd.in/efPiKD4W Fahad AlSharekh | Jonathan Cornelissen | Abdulmajeed Alsukhan | Hisham Al-Falih | Kais Al-Essa | Ghada Abdelkader, CFA | Avneesh Prakash | Akshat Prakash

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Great News for Small Businesses in the UAE Launching your first TikTok ad? Here’s your chance to do it smart and save money TikTok and Visa have partnered to support UAE SMBs with a limited-time offer: ↳ Spend $250 using a Visa Commercial card ↳ Get $150 in free TikTok Ad Credits ↳ Offer valid July 1 – Sept 30, 2025 ↳ Only for first-time TikTok Ads Manager users But that’s not all: ✔️ Free TikTok Masterclasses ✔️ Live Q&A sessions with platform experts ✔️ Access to the Grow with TikTok Hub ✔️ First 3 businesses to sign up get a free ad created by a TikTok creator ✨ Why this matters: Digital marketing is no longer optional it’s your growth engine. This initiative gives you the tools, support, and funding to kickstart your digital journey risk-free. 📌 Quick stat: Early tech adopters grow 30% faster in their first year. What would your first TikTok ad say about your brand?

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In a significant move to accelerate its regional expansion and innovation roadmap, Related has closed an $8 million strategic investment round, led by Equivator® . This partnership marks a pivotal milestone in establishing Related as the leading loyalty technology provider in the MENA #investment #loyalty #fintech #Equivator #saudiarabia

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🚀 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗔𝗜 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 $𝟮𝗠 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 Exciting momentum in the AI infrastructure space! UAE-headquartered MilkStraw AI has secured $2 million in seed funding to accelerate its mission of simplifying and optimizing cloud infrastructure for fast-growing companies. The round was led by VentureSouq, with strong participation from Ibtikar Fund and M Capital. Founded in 2023, MilkStraw AI’s platform helps startups and tech teams automate cloud cost optimization and operational efficiency — a critical need as cloud expenses continue to rise with digital transformation and AI workloads. With traction from over 100 startups across fintech, SaaS, and tech sectors, this funding will fuel product expansion, new AI-driven features like The Feed and Right Sizing, and broader market growth across MENA and beyond. This investment signals growing confidence in AI-powered cloud infrastructure solutions — a space that’s becoming essential for scaling efficient, cost-effective digital operations in 2026. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗜-𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀? 👇 MilkStraw AI VentureSouq Ibtikar Fund Flat6Labs Thndr Ziina زينة Maqsam ZeroTech

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Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency often called the Saudi Green Card has been one of the most talked-about initiatives since its launch in 2019. It gives foreign nationals the right to live, work, own businesses, and property in the Kingdom without needing a sponsor. More importantly, it is designed to attract talent, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who can contribute to the growth of the Saudi economy. What fascinates me is how the program has evolved. Initially, there were just two options: a renewable one-year residency and a permanent residency. But in 2024, Saudi Arabia expanded the program, adding new residency products that cater to real estate owners, investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and skilled professionals. This move clearly signals the Kingdom’s ambition to diversify its economy, attract top-tier talent, and create opportunities that align with Vision 2030. For me, the Premium Residency program isn’t just about relocation it’s about opening doors for global minds to be part of Saudi Arabia’s transformation story. #SaudiArabia #PremiumResidency #SaudiGreenCard #SaudiVision2030 #SaudiBusiness #Investment #GlobalOpportunities #MiddleEastBusiness #EconomicGrowth #BusinessInSaudi #ResidencyProgram #ForeignInvestment #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #KSA

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MarkApp officially joins IAB MENA. The region is scaling fast in CTV and app environments. Sustainable growth requires proper structure, education, and privacy-first infrastructure. Proud to contribute to building that foundation across MENA. #IABMENA #AdTech #CTV #Programmatic #DigitalGrowth https://lnkd.in/dMmZaMxU

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