Latest news with #MENA-based
Fintech News ME
5 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
PayTabs Unveils Saudi-Built AI Payment Platform
PayTabs Group, a MENA-based payment orchestration company, has announced the launch of its upgraded AI-powered payment orchestration platform. Developed over four months in Saudi Arabia, the platform is expected to surpass SAR 325 billion in transaction processing, supporting the Kingdom's financial inclusion and digital transformation goals. Among its recent initiatives, PayTabs launched the AI Payment Acceptance Booster to reduce transaction declines and began a Data Warehouse project aimed at providing real-time financial analytics and risk management services. A key component of its orchestration layer is the PayTabs Moderator Platform, developed for banks, financial institutions, and large corporations to enhance operational efficiency. The AI-powered orchestration platform enables unified oversight of the payment ecosystem through plug-and-play APIs and secure local hosting within Saudi Arabia. This setup is designed to improve compliance, transparency, and operational efficiency across finance and other industries. PayTabs' infrastructure has already been deployed in North African countries such as Morocco, GCC markets like the UAE, and CIS countries including Azerbaijan. The company says its technology is scalable across emerging markets and positions Saudi-developed fintech solutions for broader global application. Commenting on the launch, Abdulaziz Al Jouf, CEO and Founder of PayTabs, said: 'The launch of our Saudi-built, AI-powered payment orchestration platform represents a bold step forward, not just for PayTabs but for Saudi Arabia's vision of AI leadership. With scalable AI-powered infrastructure, PayTabs is poised to deliver Saudi technology across emerging markets, equipping businesses and financial institutions with the agility to compete globally.' Since July 2024, PayTabs has been implementing its AI strategy across all operations, introducing an AI-driven CRM, automated customer support, and AI-powered KYC/KYB onboarding. AI is also being used in fraud prevention, marketing, transaction monitoring, and sales functions. This internal transformation includes restructured workflows, revised engineering priorities, and new approaches to customer support and sales. A structured change management process is being applied across departments as the company transitions to an AI-centric model. By July 2025, PayTabs aims to extend its AI-powered services to over one million clients. The company is also preparing for IPO and further market expansion, as it positions itself for long-term growth in the digital economy.
Hi Dubai
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Yalla Group Reports Strong Q1 Growth as Revenue and User Base Climb
Yalla Group, the leading MENA-based online social networking and gaming platform, posted robust financial results for Q1 2025, reporting significant gains in revenue, profit, and user engagement despite seasonal headwinds. The company recorded AED308.2 million (US$83.9 million) in revenue for the quarter ending 31 March, marking a 6.5% increase from the same period last year. Net income rose 17% year-over-year to AED133.7 million (US$36.4 million), with non-GAAP net income reaching AED143.6 million (US$39.1 million), reflecting a strong 46.6% non-GAAP net margin. Yalla's Average Monthly Active Users (MAUs) surged to 44.6 million, a 17.9% increase from Q1 2024, signalling sustained growth and deepening user engagement across its platforms. Founder and CEO Yang Tao attributed the strong performance to the company's focus on enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. 'Despite seasonal factors such as Ramadan, we outperformed expectations, highlighting the resilience of our business model,' he said. Tao also emphasized Yalla's increased use of artificial intelligence in user behaviour analysis and data management, noting it has significantly improved decision-making and user retention. Group President Saifi Ismail echoed the optimism, pointing to the company's organic growth and minimal marketing spend. 'Our performance underscores the strength of our brand and the scalability of our platform,' he said, adding that continued investment in AI and data analytics is central to Yalla's long-term strategy. As the region's digital landscape evolves, Yalla Group remains focused on delivering sustainable growth through innovation, efficiency, and a user-first approach. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Broadcast Pro
19-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
OSN partners with Magnite to launch addressable TV advertising
Magnite's SpringServe will manage ad delivery for MENA-based broadcaster. OSN has chosen Magnite, the independent sell-side advertising company, to power its new 'Advanced TV' advertising solution. This marks the first time OSN will offer addressable advertising across its set-top box (STB) linear broadcast and video-on-demand (VOD) inventory. Using Magnite's SpringServe video platform, targeted ads will now be delivered to OSN set-top boxes across the MENA region. By opening its premium linear and VOD content to addressable advertising, OSN enables brands to reach highly engaged, brand-conscious audiences with personalised, measurable campaigns. SpringServe's ad server equips OSN with advanced tools to manage and distribute ads that were traditionally limited to digital platforms, expanding advertiser access to OSN's direct-to-home households—audiences often difficult to reach through free-to-air TV or free streaming services. Hamid Davari, Director – Ad Sales at OSN, said: 'As the digital landscape evolves in MENA, buyers are increasingly focused on solutions to drive campaign efficiency. With our differentiated STB a mainstay in our overall strategy, it was important to us to find a partner who could help us meet the unique needs of buyers in this market and unlock the value of this inventory. Magnite stood out not only because of the caliber of their technology but also for their collaborative and solutions-oriented approach to meeting our business needs. We look forward to working with them to deliver more impactful and data-driven advertising experiences.' Leon Siotis, SVP, Business Development, International at Magnite, added: 'We're pleased to be working with OSN, a premier broadcaster in MENA, to help them unlock the full value of their inventory and bring previously untapped supply to advertisers. With programmatic expected to grow quickly in MENA over the next several years, we're committed to driving innovation and efficiency to bring value to publishers and buyers in the market.'
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Bybit and Ghaf Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Web3 Adoption in the Middle East
DUBAI, UAE, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter a multi-year strategic partnership. The alliance aims to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This partnership underscores a shared mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life. Ecosystem Growth and Startup Acceleration Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners—Dubai's pioneering blockchain-focused private capital firm—offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs plays a key role in scaling blockchain projects in one of the fastest-growing digital economies. Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region's digital transformation. "Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region — one where crypto isn't just adopted, but lived," said Helen Liu, COO and Partner of Bybit. "From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we're building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life." Investing in Talent and Community The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders. Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region. "This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets." — Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs Lifestyle, Payments, and Cultural Impact Beyond development, the partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai—demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending. The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement. With this MOU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond—contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA. This strategic collaboration reinforces the UAE's status as a forward-thinking jurisdiction and reflects Bybit's long-term investment in the region's digital future. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk About Ghaf Labs Ghaf Labs is a boutique consultancy and advisory firm that specializes in web3 ventures, which are projects that use blockchain and decentralized technologies to create a more open, fair, and secure internet. Ghaf Labs helps web3 ventures expand their presence and adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, by providing them with market insights, strategic partnerships, regulatory guidance, and community building. About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at
Mid East Info
12-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Bybit and Ghaf Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Web3 Adoption in the Middle East - Middle East Business News and Information
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter a multi-year strategic partnership. The alliance aims to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This partnership underscores a shared mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life. Ecosystem Growth and Startup Acceleration Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners—Dubai's pioneering blockchain-focused private capital firm—offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs plays a key role in scaling blockchain projects in one of the fastest-growing digital economies. Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region's digital transformation. 'Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region — one where crypto isn't just adopted, but lived,' said Helen Liu, COO of Bybit. 'From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we're building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.' Investing in Talent and Community The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders. Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region. 'This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets.' said Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs Lifestyle, Payments, and Cultural Impact Beyond development, the partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai—demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending. The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement. With this MOU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond—contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA. This strategic collaboration reinforces the UAE's status as a forward-thinking jurisdiction and reflects Bybit's long-term investment in the region's digital future.
