logo

Related secures $8mln investment from Saudi Equivator to fuel MENA expansion

Zawya5 hours ago

Mubasher: UAE-based loyalty and rewards company Related has secured an $8 million investment from Saudi premier alternative asset management firm Equivator, according to a press release.
Related will use the new capital to support the launch of AI- and blockchain-powered solutions, boost gamification features, and accelerate its expansion and growth across the Kingdom and the MENA region.
The company will also launch the 'Related Loyalty & Fintech Authority', a new regional forum to advance industry knowledge and policy.
This aims to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a regional and global base for advanced financial technology and customer engagement.
Rabih Farhat, CEO of Related, commented: 'This partnership is more than a transaction; it is a transformation, a joint mission to reshape the future of fintech-powered loyalty solutions in line with the Kingdom's innovation agenda.'
Enes Şehzade, CEO at Equivator, stated: 'Together, we aim to power a new era of data-driven customer engagement and reward invention.'
Meanwhile, Related provides services to over 30 million users across the GCC and Levant, powering loyalty programs for leading institutions in telecommunications, banking, retail, utilities, and entertainment.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Rewriting the rules of home buying: AI-driven, buyer-focused
Rewriting the rules of home buying: AI-driven, buyer-focused

Zawya

time26 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Rewriting the rules of home buying: AI-driven, buyer-focused

The UAE's PropTech sector has nearly tripled the number to 189 companies in the last two years Dubai's PropTech market to more than double in size to over AED 4.5 billion Dubai, UAE – Holo, a digital-first platform reinventing how people buy homes in the region, has introduced a next generation AI-powered agent built to make the home-buying process faster, more transparent, and far less stressful. Designed with the customer at heart, this mobile-first tool empowers Holo's advisors to tap into core platform features on the go, whether they're at their desks, on-site, or anywhere in between. The UAE's PropTech ecosystem is hitting its stride this year with a record 189 companies now listed, nearly triple the number from just two years ago. This surge reflects the larger momentum in the region's real estate market, where Dubai's residential market saw property values rise by 19.1% in 2024, reaching 13.3% above the 2014 peak [1]. Behind the numbers is a wave of innovation: AI and blockchain are no longer just buzzwords; they're reshaping how people invest, unlocking more flexible, data-driven models that align with the modern buyer's expectations for speed, transparency, and control. This momentum was further reinforced by the recent announcement of Dubai's AED4.5 billion PropTech Hub, aimed at accelerating innovation in real estate and positioning the emirate as a global leader in the PropTech market over the next five years, aligning with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. This move isn't about replacing humans with robots. It's about giving real people smarter tools so they can do what they do best: guide home buyers through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. 'Our mission has always been to remove friction from the home-buying journey,' said Michael Hunter, CEO and Co-founder of Holo. 'With this mobile-first tool, we're not just speeding up processes: we're improving how we support our customers every step of the way.' Arran Summerhill, Co-founder of Holo, expressed a similar sentiment, adding, 'This isn't about replacing the human touch. It's about giving our team the tools they need to focus on what really matters. Helping people make confident home decisions with less hassle.' Summerhill added, 'Our continued investment in technology is part of its wider mission to build a better way to buy property, one that's accessible, data-driven, and built around real people. And in a market as dynamic as the UAE and KSA, there's never been a better time to rethink what 'smart' home-buying should actually look like.' This launch marks an important milestone, but the team isn't hitting pause. On the contrary, this is just the beginning of what Holo has planned for its AI roadmap. The next set of updates will introduce smarter document processing, intuitive notification systems that actually know what you need, and hyper-personalised insights designed to simplify decision-making for both buyers and the Holo team. Because the end goal here isn't just speed; it's clarity, confidence, and control. About Holo: Holo is a UAE-based fintech on a mission to simplify the process of owning a home by offering digital mortgage services in the Middle East for the very first time. For first-time buyers and homeowners exploring refinancing options, Holo's proprietary technology and trusted independent advisors take the guesswork out of buying property in the UAE, making the process easier, faster and completely stress-free. Launched in 2019, the company's founders set out to develop a secure and transparent algorithm-backed platform that would allow prospective homeowners complete visibility and access to a full range of unbiased mortgage and remortgage options from more than 20 local lenders, within minutes. Since then, Holo's diverse team of mortgage experts, tech developers and client servicing specialists have helped advise more than 10,000 clients in financing their homes and in 2020 launched a white-label home loan advisory solution available to brokers, real estate agents and property developers. Looking ahead, Holo is evolving its offering to further simplify the user journey, provide a real-time snapshot of all mortgage offers available, and expand its reach and presence across new markets in the GCC beginning with KSA. For more information about Holo, please visit For media inquiries, please contact: Alain Selfani | Srishti Soni | Amjad Mkayed Ruder Finn Atteline E-mail: Holo@

AI sentiment among MENA's content creators shifts from neutral to positive, finds InfluAnswer Arabia report
AI sentiment among MENA's content creators shifts from neutral to positive, finds InfluAnswer Arabia report

Zawya

time26 minutes ago

  • Zawya

AI sentiment among MENA's content creators shifts from neutral to positive, finds InfluAnswer Arabia report

Almost half (49%) is positive about AI, indicating a shift from neutrality to positivity 63% say a VIP experience is important – a significant jump from 51% last year Three-quarters (77%) believe that GCC countries are leading positive transformation in tourism and entertainment Brand reputation enters the top three factors in choosing which brands to collaborate with DUBAI, UAE – Weber Shandwick MENAT has launched the second edition of InfluAnswer Arabia, a report informed by the perspectives of content creators, that delves into the MENA region's evolving landscape of influencer marketing. The report also explores regional dynamics through the lens of its influencers, highlighting which countries they believe are spearheading positive transformation in specific sectors. While personal belief in a brand is still the most important factor for creators choosing a brand to work with, brand reputation entered the top three factors for the first time – overtaking even monetary value. This marks a clear shift from last year, reflecting how creators are thinking more critically about the public perception, values, and credibility of the brands they associate with. Other insights from the report include: Real-life experiences and brand connections With time and physical presence at a premium, creators say events must deliver something beyond the ordinary. Nearly two-thirds (63%) say a VIP experience is important – a significant jump from 51% last year. However, the most important goal when considering attending an event is still the connection with the brand – and this sentiment is growing even stronger for creators, from 66% last year to 80% this year. Positive about AI, concerned about deepfakes Positive sentiment toward AI tools has soared as influencers move beyond neutrality into practical implementation and wider experimentation. Almost half (49%) of MENA creators is positive about the use of AI – up from just 29% last year. Digital creators say the top impact of AI will be the introduction of more advanced tools and analytics (63%), allowing them to automate repetitive tasks and focus more on storytelling. Despite enthusiasm, there is concern about deepfakes, which ranked third (41%) in the most prominent impacts of AI. 'MENA's influencer landscape continues to mature, and despite increased competition, content creators are growing in confidence. The themes that are driving optimism and progress centre around authenticity, community-building, and strategic diversification in terms of platforms, content types, and monetisation. This year's report gives brands a clearer lens into what creators value, and how to build partnerships that are authentic, impactful, effective, and built to last,' says Ziad Hasbani, Regional CEO, Weber Shandwick MENAT. At the report's launch event, leading industry figures from Snap, TikTok, and Boehringer Ingelheim joined established regional creators Abdullah Raesi, Emkwan and Safa Srour to discuss the insights and themes impacting the growth and advancement in this dynamic field. 'This year's findings highlight a deeper shift – towards embracing AI implementation, prioritizing real-world connection, and exploring additional content formats. The best collaborations aren't just transactional; they're built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and brand purpose. As the line between content and community continues to blur, brands that invest in meaningful engagement will stand out,' added Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director, Weber Shandwick MENAT. Friendly Gulf competition While the friendly competition between the ambitions of some Gulf countries can be seen in the many initiatives of their national visions, such as landmark firsts and business incentives, it's interesting to see signs of this good-natured rivalry and loyalty spill over into the content creator landscape. Influencers say positive transformation is happening in many sectors, 77% of MENA content creators believe GCC countries are leading positive transformation in the tourism and entertainment industry: 45% say it's UAE, 26% selected Saudi Arabia, and 10% chose Lebanon. Podcasts and purpose proliferate While short-form content continues to dominate, long-form content is growing in prominence. Many creators are experimenting with lengthy, in-depth content types that allow for more personal storytelling and authentic expression. Nearly half (48%) are considering exploring opportunities around podcasting, and 11% say podcasting is already a key component of their content strategy. Additionally, six in ten MENA creators say that they posted more in the past year about causes they care personally care about. As the demand for thoughtful, values-aligned partnership grows within the marketing communications industry, InfluAnswer Arabia 2025 offers key insights for brands seeking effective collaborations that can enliven their brand narratives and enable deeper connections with audiences. Weber Shandwick MENAT, a leading earned-first PR and communications agency, supports clients throughout the region – including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Riyadh, and beyond – in cultivating meaningful, market-relevant connections with the creator community. For more insights and to view the full InfluAnswer Arabia 2025 report, please click here. -Ends- About Weber Shandwick: Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands. Visit for more details and follow the agency on Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact: Arzoo Sippy ASippy@

How fintech is bridging the financial inclusion gap for Africa's smallholder farmers?
How fintech is bridging the financial inclusion gap for Africa's smallholder farmers?

Zawya

time26 minutes ago

  • Zawya

How fintech is bridging the financial inclusion gap for Africa's smallholder farmers?

Across the African continent, smallholder farmers are at the frontline of the climate crisis. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather patterns are not only threatening harvests but undermining food security, livelihoods, and rural economies. Yet despite the urgency to adapt, a persistent barrier remains: access to finance. According to the International Finance Corporation, the financing gap for agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and smallholder farmers in Africa stands at an estimated USD 117 billion. For the millions of farmers who work small plots of land, the challenge is especially acute. Lacking formal credit histories, collateral, or even identification, many are systematically excluded from traditional lending systems. But technology is changing that. Fintech is Redefining Access Fintech innovation is rapidly transforming how financial services are delivered in Africa. Mobile lending platforms, digital wallets, alternative credit scoring, and blockchain-based traceability tools are not just reshaping banking — they are fundamentally shifting who gets included in the system. By leveraging digital infrastructure, fintech platforms are enabling financial access in rural, underserved areas — places where brick-and-mortar banks have little presence. These solutions offer tailored loan products, often at lower transaction costs, and with user-friendly onboarding processes that suit farmers' needs and cycles. The Power of Data and Alternative Credit Models One of the most promising developments is the use of alternative data sources — such as mobile money usage, satellite imagery, weather trends, and farming activity logs — to assess creditworthiness. In a continent where traditional financial records are rare, these innovations are proving critical. With AI-powered credit models, lenders can now build accurate risk profiles even in data-scarce environments. This opens doors for smallholder farmers to access capital — enabling them to invest in climate-resilient practices like drip irrigation, solar-powered cold storage, or improved seed varieties. Inclusive Finance for Climate Resilience Access to capital is not just about improving yields; it's about enabling adaptation. As climate volatility increases, inclusive finance becomes a vital tool for building resilience in food systems. Smallholder farmers need the means to adapt — whether that's through soil conservation measures, diversification into higher-value crops, or climate-smart technologies. Fintech offers a pathway to deliver this support at scale. By connecting farmers with affordable, flexible financial products, it empowers them to invest, grow, and absorb shocks more effectively. The Road Ahead Financial inclusion for smallholder farmers is both a moral imperative and an economic opportunity. With agriculture employing the majority of Africa's workforce, enabling farmers to thrive is essential for broader development, stability, and food security. Fintech alone isn't a silver bullet — but it is a powerful enabler. To unlock its full potential, ecosystem collaboration will be key. Partnerships between fintechs, policymakers, regulators, and development actors can help create the conditions for responsible innovation, consumer protection, and long-term viability. As climate pressures intensify, the focus must shift from short-term fixes to building long-term resilience. Financial technology is helping lay that foundation — one mobile transaction, one digital loan, and one empowered farmer at a time. Copyright © 2022 - All materials can be used freely, indicating the origin Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store