
Forbes Middle East unveils its Fintech 50 2025
Forbes Middle East has revealed its annual Fintech 50 list, recognizing the region's leading trailblazers in the digital financial services sector as they navigate shifting consumer expectations in an increasingly digital landscape. The ranked companies have collectively processed over $240 billion in transactions and secured more than $3.8 billion in total funding.
The ranking was determined based on external investment, total transaction volume, app downloads, active users, consumer impact, geographic footprint, and achievements in innovation, growth, and expansion over the past year. Fintech entities affiliated with exchange houses, traditional banks, or government institutions were not considered.
After securing $160 million in a Series E funding round in February 2025, Saudi-based fintech giant Tabby propelled its valuation to $3.3 billion, making it the region's most valuable fintech startup and earning it the top spot in the 2025 Fintech 50 ranking.
Egyptian e-payments pioneer Fawry lands in second place, backed by its 53.1 million-strong customer base. Saudi Arabia's Insurtech and banking solutions firm Rasan follows in third, having gone public on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) in 2024, with a market cap of nearly $1.9 billion as of February 20, 2025.
The 2025 list highlights companies from 11 countries and introduces 12 new entrants, including digital asset platform CoinMENA, U.A.E.-based Ziina, and Egypt's Sahl. The U.A.E. leads the ranking with 13 fintech firms, followed by Egypt (12) and Saudi Arabia (10), collectively representing 70% of the list.
Of the 50 listees, 14 were founded by solo entrepreneurs, making up 28% of the ranking. The Middle East's Fintech 50: Country Breakdown U.A.E. 13 Jordan 2 Egypt 12 Morocco 1 Saudi Arabia 10 Oman 1 Kuwait 3 Yemen 1 Iraq 3 Tunisia 1 Bahrain 3
The Middle East's Fintech 50 – Meet The Top 10
1 | Tabby
Shopping & financial services app
HQ: Saudi Arabia
2 | Fawry
E-payment platform
HQ: Egypt
3 | Rasan
Insurtech & banking solutions
HQ: Saudi Arabia
4 | Wio Bank
Digital banking platform
HQ: U.A.E.
5 | MyFatoorah
Payment solutions company
HQ: Kuwait
6 | MadfoatCom
Bill presentment & payment system
HQ: Jordan
7 | MNT-Halan
Lending, BNPL & payments platform
HQ: Egypt
8 | Thndr
Investment platform
HQ: Egypt
9 | e& money
Financial super-app
HQ: U.A.E.
10 | Valu
Financial technology company
HQ: Egypt

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Tribune
2 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Gulf budget airlines shift focus to in-flight security
A growing focus on operational safety and security is beginning to reshape the strategy of low-cost airlines in the Gulf, traditionally known for prioritising rapid growth and affordability. The latest indication of this shift comes from Oman's SalamAir, which has signed a four-year partnership with UK-based Osprey Flight Solutions to embed real-time aviation risk intelligence into its operations. The agreement will see SalamAir integrate Osprey's data-led platform into flight planning, operational decision-making, and security management. The system allows airlines to monitor and respond to security risks in real time, marking a step change in how budget carriers in the region manage aviation risk. 'This partnership reflects SalamAir's recognition that real-time, comprehensive risk intelligence is not only essential for operational security, but also for gaining a competitive edge in today's dynamic aviation environment,' said Andrew Nicholson, CEO of Osprey Flight Solutions. While major carriers have long incorporated advanced security systems into their operations, SalamAir's move highlights a broader shift among low-cost airlines towards adopting similar technologies as part of their digital and operational strategies. SalamAir currently operates a fleet of 13 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, flying more than 80 daily services. It is preparing to expand its fleet, with two aircraft set for delivery in July 2025 and a further 10 on order, aiming to grow to 25 aircraft by 2028. 'With Osprey, we are not just managing risk, we are mitigating it,' said Capt. Salim Al Khatri, Director of Flight Operations at SalamAir. He described the agreement as part of the airline's ongoing efforts to place safety and technology at the core of its operations.


Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Gulf Insider
UAE Flights: Air Arabia Starts Resuming Operations
Sharjah-based airline Air Arabia confirmed on Wednesday that it has started resuming operations on previously suspended flights. 'As regional airspace continues to open, Air Arabia is gradually resuming operations. Customers are advised to visit to check the latest updates and their flight status. Affected passengers will be notified directly via SMS and email,' the airline said. 'Air Arabia remains fully committed to the safety of our customers and crew, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this period,' the airline added. In an earlier update, the airline said it had temporarily suspended all flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan until June 30. Jordan flights were on hold until June 26. Earlier today, Dubai-based carrier flydubai said it will resume operations to the Syrian capital from June 26, 2025. This move comes as more airspace in the region reopens and restrictions are lifted. The carrier plans to resume its full schedule across the network from July 1, following the completion of all necessary assessments. 'This remains a developing situation, and both flight and network planning are continuously reviewed, with flydubai operating within approved international air corridors and adjusting frequencies as required,' the airline said. In Abu Dhabi, Etihad flights to Tel Aviv, will remain suspended until July 15, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said. Meanwhile, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has cancelled flights to and from the UAE until June 30, in line with a similar move by Hungarian carrier Wizz Air. Dubai's flagship carrier, Emirates, announced on Tuesday that its regularly scheduled flight operations have fully resumed, experiencing only 'minimal disruptions'. Also read: Qatar Airways CEO Reveals Details Behind Travel Recovery: 151 Disrupted Flights, 20,000 Passengers Diverted Mid-Air, 35,000 Meals for Stranded Passengers


Syyaha
2 days ago
- Syyaha
WW+P to explore UAE and Saudi Arabia markets with global expansion strategies
WW+P Architects, a London-based architecture firmthat comprises over 200 architects and planners across nine studios globally, is poised to expand its presence with a significant emphasis on the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets. With 40 years of global infrastructure experience, WW+P is uniquely positioned to support national development goals through a strong global project portfolio and upcoming initiatives designed for urban transformation. The company primarily focuses on transport and infrastructure, transit-oriented development, masterplanning, and urban regeneration projects that closely align with the strategic objectives for sustainable development in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Its major global projects include Paddington Elizabeth Line Station, the multi award-winning station transforming the passenger experience at Paddington in London, UK; and the Metro Tunnel Project in Melbourne Australia, a project that transforms Melbourne's rail network by delivering twin 9km tunnels under Melbourne's CBD and five new stations (a world-class collaboration with practices with Hassell and RSHP) – due to open in late 2025. WW+P is part of 10N Collective, a leading collective of global urbanism, architecture and related design experts brought together by Egis Group – including WW+P, 10 Design, SvN, Fenwick Iribarren Architects, U+A, and Omrania. Each practice within 10N has achieved recognition for high profile and award-winning projects, from urban policy, transport and mixed use, to commercial, hospitality, stadia and housing. Formerly known as Weston Williamson + Partners, WW+P is actively involved in planned industry visits and media features in the UAE and KSA, as well as exploring potential regional strategic partnerships. Furthermore, the company is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025 with international events and announcements, emphasizing WW+P's long history of transforming urban development. Within the region, WW+P is delivering design services for transport hubs, taking the design from concept through to schematic and detailed including preparation of tender documentation and issue for construction; as well as working on concept design proposals for high speed rail – developing proposals for iconic, high-capacity sub-surface stations that reflect local character and provide solutions for flexible urban integration with emerging masterplans. Neil Baker, Managing Director for the Middle East, commented, 'As we expand our foothold in the Middle East, we find ourselves motivated by the region's ambitious goals for urban infrastructure and sustainability. At WW+P, our business principles emphasize innovation and collaboration, and we are excited to use our global expertise to support transformative projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia – working on some of the world's most ambitious projects. The decision is especially significant given that we are celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, laying the groundwork for our path to excellence in these vital markets.' With its upcoming projects in the region, WW+P is positioned to continue redefining urban development through its global expertise and teams. By expanding its presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the company aims to advance its broader development objectives while also supporting the strategic infrastructure goals of both countries.