Latest news with #DigitalEconomyStrategy
Entrepreneur
30-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Dubai Land Department and Second Century Ventures to Launch Real Estate Tech Accelerator
REACH Middle East is a curated, eight-month program designed to empower up to 10 high-potential startups with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to scale locally and globally within the real estate industry. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with Second Century Ventures to launch the REACH Middle East accelerator program The initiative, led by real estate technology entrepreneurs Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, invites startup companies from all industries to apply for the opportunity to redefine real estate innovation across the region. Applications are now open and can be submitted at REACH Middle East is a curated, eight-month program designed to empower up to 10 high-potential startups with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to scale locally and globally within the real estate industry. It seeks revenue-generating startups (seed to Series A) intent on expanding into the real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management ecosystem using emerging technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain with scalable business models with local and global potential. REACH will provide up to US$250,000 seed capital per company, enable work with major real estate developers, government bodies and facility managers to pilot and commercialize solutions, and facilitate mentorship and growth opportunities. Aligned with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aim to add more than US$27 billion to the economy, REACH Middle East supports the digital transformation of real estate and urban development. It complements other UAE accelerators, such as Abu Dhabi's Hub71 and regional initiatives under the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund and NEOM Innovation Hub that align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. By fostering public-private partnerships, REACH Middle East aims to position the region as a global hub for innovation in the real estate ecosystem. "We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem," said Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department. "The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike," added Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East. "REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond," said Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures.
Fintech News ME
07-07-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Ruya and Ignyte Forge Strategic Alliance to Drive UAE Startup Innovation
Ruya and Ignyte have formalised their strategic partnership, bringing together ruya's digital‑first Islamic banking expertise and Ignyte's government‑backed, all‑in‑one start-up ecosystem to accelerate innovation across the UAE. The UAE's startup scene remains the region's most active, recording 188 funding rounds in 2024—the highest in MENA and Dubai is now recognised as one of the top five cities worldwide for FinTech. Launched in early 2024 and licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, ruya has quickly redefined banking with a fully Shari'ah‑compliant digital platform and community centres that blend cutting‑edge technology with a commitment to fairness, transparency and social responsibility. By eliminating hidden fees, minimum‑balance requirements and lengthy onboarding, ruya ensures that entrepreneurs—from fintech start-ups and SME founders to freelancers and family businesses—can access the financial tools they need without friction. Ignyte, launched under Dubai's Digital Economy Strategy by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in October 2024, has grown into the Emirates' premier ecosystem for founders, connecting more than 2,500 start-ups with mentors, investors and over 250 exclusive perks designed to drive growth and global expansion. This partnership will see ruya championing that ecosystem through co‑hosted events, mentorship programmes and a branded presence across Ignyte's channels, embedding ethical Islamic finance at the heart of Dubai's entrepreneurial journey. 'For founders navigating a fast‑evolving market, the fusion of digital agility and principled banking is game‑changing,' said Christoph Koster, CEO of ruya. 'Our alliance with Ignyte means that ethical financing and community support go hand‑in‑hand, empowering the UAE's next generation of innovators to scale with confidence'. 'By partnering with ruya, we are ensuring that our founders achieve success with integrity and community support. This collaboration equips entrepreneurs with the resources to innovate while promoting a culture of sustainable growth. Together, we aim to establish a strong foundation for the UAE's rapidly growing start-up scene, driving both local and global success.' said Mohammad Alblooshi Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub. Looking ahead, this strategic collaboration will not only enhance access to capital and expertise but also reinforce the UAE's vision to double its digital economy to AED 280 billion by 2031. By weaving together, the strengths of ruya's community‑focused Islamic banking model and Ignyte's dynamic startup platform, the partnership exemplifies how public‑private synergy can fuel sustainable growth and position the Emirates as a global leader in fintech and entrepreneurship.
Mid East Info
24-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
ruya announces strategic partnership with Ignyte to empower the UAE's Start-up ecosystem - Middle East Business News and Information
Ajman, UAE – 24 June, 2025 : At the Dubai AI Festival this April, ruya and Ignyte have formalized their strategic partnership, bringing together ruya's digital-first Islamic banking expertise and Ignyte's government-backed, all-in-one start-up ecosystem to accelerate innovation across the UAE. The UAE's start-up scene remains the region's most active, recording 188 funding rounds in 2024—the highest in MENA and Dubai is now recognised as one of the top five cities worldwide for FinTech. Launched in early 2024 and licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, ruya has quickly redefined banking with a fully Shari'ah-compliant digital platform and community centres that blend cutting-edge technology with a commitment to fairness, transparency and social responsibility. By eliminating hidden fees, minimum-balance requirements and lengthy onboarding, ruya ensures that entrepreneurs—from fintech start-ups and SME founders to freelancers and family businesses—can access the financial tools they need without friction. Ignyte, launched under Dubai's Digital Economy Strategy by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in October 2024, has grown into the Emirates' premier ecosystem for founders, connecting more than 2,500 start-ups with mentors, investors and over 250 exclusive perks designed to drive growth and global expansion. This partnership will see ruya championing that ecosystem through co-hosted events, mentorship programmes and a branded presence across Ignyte's channels, embedding ethical Islamic finance at the heart of Dubai's entrepreneurial journey. 'For founders navigating a fast-evolving market, the fusion of digital agility and principled banking is game-changing,' said Christoph Koster, CEO of ruya. 'Our alliance with Ignyte means that ethical financing and community support go hand-in-hand, empowering the UAE's next generation of innovators to scale with confidence'. 'By partnering with ruya, we are ensuring that our founders achieve success with integrity and community support. This collaboration equips entrepreneurs with the resources to innovate while promoting a culture of sustainable growth. Together, we aim to establish a strong foundation for the UAE's rapidly growing start-up scene, driving both local and global success.' said Mohammad Alblooshi Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub. Looking ahead, this strategic collaboration will not only enhance access to capital and expertise but also reinforce the UAE's vision to double its digital economy to AED 280 billion by 2031. By weaving together, the strengths of ruya's community-focused Islamic banking model and Ignyte's dynamic startup platform, the partnership exemplifies how public-private synergy can fuel sustainable growth and position the Emirates as a global leader in fintech and entrepreneurship. For more information on how to start investing in virtual assets through ruya , please visit . About ruya (رويا): Headquartered in Ajman and launched in 2024, ruya (Ruya Islamic Community Bank LLC) is a fusion of innovative technology and the enduring principles of Islamic banking, designed for individuals and businesses alike. Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE as a Specialised Bank, ruya delivers a seamless digital banking experience built on robust security and intuitive design. Guided by the pillars of fairness, transparency, and social responsibility, ruya is deeply rooted in the community supporting families, entrepreneurs and small businesses while fostering financial literacy and inclusion through open-door branches that serve as hubs of education and support. For media inquiries: pr@ Website: Twitter/X: myruyabank Instagram: myruyabank LinkedIn: ruya Facebook: myruyabank TikTok: @myruyabank YouTube: @myruyabank Snapchat: myruyabank About Ignyte: Ignyte is part of the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is a leading global start-up ecosystem that empowers founders. As a digital hub for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, it provides access to world-class mentors, investors, and over 250 exclusive perks and resources from leading corporates and industry partners. Ignyte aims to transform the start-up landscape and position the region as a global centre for innovation and business acceleration. It bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and opportunities by fostering collaborations, offering tailored programmes, and facilitating access to capital. Ignyte's mission is to empower 100,000 start-ups, connect over 5,000 investors, and unite 5,000 industry-leading mentors. Key initiatives include streamlining business setup, supporting future founders, and accelerating corporate innovation. For more details, visit For media inquiries: jean@ Website: Twitter/X: Ignyte_AE Instagram: @ LinkedIn: Facebook: @ YouTube: @Ignyte-ae
CairoScene
13-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
PayPal Partners With Ignyte to Support UAE Startups
PayPal has partnered With Ignyte to help startups and SMBs streamline cross-border payments and drive digital growth as a founding partner in the platform. May 13, 2025 PayPal has partnered with Ignyte, a global platform for startups and SMBs, to streamline cross-border payments and support digital growth. As a founding partner, PayPal will help entrepreneurs manage transactions more efficiently in today's digital economy. The partnership aligns with PayPal's ongoing efforts to back innovation in the UAE and the broader Middle East. Ignyte, launched in October 2024 under Dubai's Digital Economy Strategy, offers startups access to mentors, investors, and over 250 business tools and perks. The initiative aims to strengthen the region's position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mid East Info
16-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai's leading tech hub to showcase talent and innovation shaping the future of tech at inaugural GITEX Asia
The regional hub for tech leaders including IBM, Google, and Microsoft will showcase Dubai's dynamic digital economy in Singapore Dubai Internet City and in5, TECOM Group's start-up incubator, will attend GITEX Asia as part of a delegation led by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism Dubai, UAE: Dubai Internet City, the enabler of the Middle East's digital economy, will join a delegation led by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at GITEX Asia, taking place on 23-25 April in Singapore. The region's leading tech hub, part of TECOM Group PJSC, will showcase the dynamism and innovation of Dubai's digital economy at the first edition of GITEX Asia. Dubai Internet City has been instrumental in enabling globally impactful innovation for 25 years, contributing significantly to digital transformation efforts and encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies. Today, Dubai Internet City generates 65% of Dubai's technology sector GDP and has facilitated the creation of more than 125,000 jobs since its inception in 1999, according to the Dubai Internet City – Impact Assessment study conducted in partnership with Accenture and released this February. Participating at GITEX Asia, Dubai Internet City, which has added AED 100 billion to Dubai's GDP over the past 15 years alone, will reinforce its commitment to accelerating the city's position as an internationally impactful tech hub. 'Digital transformation thrives through collaboration with global technology policymakers and industry leaders, and GITEX Asia is a springboard to showcase the robust fundamentals of Dubai's world-class digital economy to international peers and partners,' said Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City. 'We look forward to showcasing the transformative potential of Dubai Internet City's ecosystem and fostering partnerships that will shape the future of the technology sector, strengthening Dubai's and the UAE's position as a preferred global destination for business, investment, and innovation, in line with the visionary Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33' and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.' Dubai Internet City's presence at GITEX Asia will showcase success stories from its vibrant ecosystem of 4,000 customers – including multinational giants, Fortune 500s such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft, and start-ups – and more than 31,000 professionals. The district's offering is further strengthened by 19 Innovation and research and development (R&D) Centres operated by global leaders including 3M, IBM, HP, Ericsson, and Cisco. in5, the start-up and entrepreneurship incubator founded by TECOM Group in 2013, has supported more than 1,000 start-ups across the tech, media, design, and science sectors since its inception, and will join Dubai Internet City at GITEX Asia. Dubai Internet City will be located at DET's stand, HB-C80, in Hall B of Marina Bay Sands during GITEX Asia. Alongside in5, Dubai Internet City is part of TECOM Group's portfolio of business districts and services, which includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Design District (d3). About Dubai Internet City: Dubai Internet City, one of TECOM Group PJSC's 10 business districts, is the cornerstone of the dynamic regional digital economy. The pioneering hub has fostered the growth of 4,000 businesses and a vibrant community of 31,000 professionals since its establishment in 1999. Driving innovation across diverse sectors, Dubai Internet City has served as a strategic uniting platform for multinational firms, Fortune 500 leaders, and agile start-ups for 25 years by enabling collaboration, cutting-edge advancements, and sustained growth.
