Latest news with #Silkhaus
The Independent
25-04-2025
- The Independent
Brilliant travel ideas for your next big trip
Looking forward to your next holiday? We've scoured the globe for high-flying travel inspiration – from kitesurfing and classical music to coach tours and balmy beach breaks. Whether you're craving culture, coastline or simply a change of pace, consider this your shortcut to a better kind of getaway. Wanderlust guaranteed. Southern Croatia dazzles with some of Europe's clearest night skies and a captivating mix of ancient city romance and untamed countryside. Start in Dubrovnik, with its impressive walls, fortresses and palaces – an instantly recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Site that's served as a backdrop for Game of Thrones and countless other films and shows. You're right on the doorstep of nature, with the enchanting Elaphiti Islands – once a retreat for Dubrovnik's aristocracy – just a day-trip's boat ride away. About 90 minutes northwest, the landscape shifts to the fertile Neretva Valley, a lush wetland carved by the meandering River Neretva, also famed for its mandarin groves. Food-lovers come for Pelješac wines, Ston's famous oysters, and traditional octopus dishes. Are you an active traveller? Try windsurfing on Pelješac or kitesurfing in the Neretva Valley. It's all happening here. Embrace art, music and culture in Leipzig Leipzig's legendary cultural scene is all about contrasts. Classical music fans can honour J.S. Bach's timeless legacy, while those drawn to the avant garde will find plenty to impress at the city's Oper Leipzig and Gewandhaus concert hall. Architecturally, Leipzig is just as diverse, with the vast Monument to the Battle of the Nations harmonising delightfully with sleek, modern structures. Art-lovers can linger over Renaissance portraits at the Museum of Fine Arts, then cross town for bold contemporary works in the Spinnerei galleries. With a cultural calendar that spans highbrow theatre and grassroots festivals, Leipzig offers far more than cosy baroque charm – it invites you to see the classics with fresh eyes and come away inspired. Bored of generic hotel rooms? Next time you're travelling to the Middle East, check out Silkhaus. This intriguing start-up offers a curated network of over 500 short-term rentals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, tailor-made for travellers who value both style and substance. Each plush apartment is handpicked and impeccably designed, with interiors that feel more high-end home than cheesy holiday let. Everything's included – utilities, fast wi-fi – and best of all, they're in prime locations in the most sought-after neighbourhoods and iconic towers. Whether you're in town for a quick business trip or a longer desert escape, Silkhaus provides smart, self-contained spaces in a city's most liveable areas. No check-in queues, no hidden fees – just a seamless, stress-free base for exploring the region on your own terms. Everybody should go on safari at least once in their lives. But for something a little extra, why not combine it with a classic beach break? TourCompass gives you the best of both worlds, seeing breathtaking wildlife in world-renowned national parks – from the Big Five roaming Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti, to tours of the diverse landscapes of South Africa and Botswana – then unwinding in style on pristine beaches in destinations like Zanzibar, Mauritius or Kenya's coast. These ABTA- and ATOL-protected package tours combine return UK flights, domestic flights, transfers and carefully chosen accommodation with eye-opening safaris and excursions. With expert guides and 24/7 support, you can enjoy an easy-going adventure that neatly balances adventure and relaxation – from tracking elephants at dawn to unwinding on golden sands. Save £115 per person by entering 0525 in the enquiry form to get your discount at checkout. Charter a bus for your next big adventure Need to move a lot of people all at once in comfort and style? OsaBus is an international charter bus rental company with an impressive fleet of minivans, minibuses and full-size coaches for group trips, corporate events, tours, airport transfers, weddings, sporting events and more. Whether you're planning a multi-city itinerary or just need a one-way ride, its services are flexible, efficient and straightforward to book. The firm is renowned for its clean, modern vehicles and professional drivers who prioritise safety and punctuality. With availability across Europe, the USA, Latin America and Japan, OsaBus is happy to take the stress out of group logistics. So wherever your journey starts or ends, you can count on a smooth ride. Fall in love with Paris and the cream of France See the City of Light at its most luminous with a tour operator that's been in the business for almost a century. Paris City Vision takes in all the Parisian must-sees – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Moulin Rouge, dinner on the Seine – with the appealing option of seeing the city at your own pace with a hop-on-hop-off bus. Its friendly guides can take you on a bike tour, so you can explore like a proper local. And they'll even take you further afield, to the likes of Disneyland, Normandy's beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, Claude Monet's Giverny, on skip-the-line tours of Versailles or to the romantic castles of the Loire Valley. Make the most of your time in and around Paris with the ultimate French connection – book now at Transfer to Stansted Airport in style Need to transfer without fuss between central London and Stansted airport? Trust to make it easy. shuttle bus services are already trusted at many European airports, including Brussels Charleroi, Frankfurt, Milan, Malpensa, Turin, Pisa, Lille, Paris CDG, Catania, Budapest and more. And it now operates 24/7, with up to 96 daily departures between Stratford or Liverpool Street and Stansted, running every 30 minutes in both directions. means getting to the airport comfortably, affordably and more sustainably than a private car or taxi, aboard its iconic green coaches equipped with the latest technology - that means wi-fi and charging sockets for your personal electronic devices. Everything is designed to give passengers the best possible journey from booking to arrival. First 5,000 people to book a Stansted transfer get 20% off with code LON-STN-25 at checkout. Sublimely situated on a gentle hillside above a secluded beach on Kos, KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort is a peaceful adults-only hotel infused with the timeless principles of Hippocratic wellness — a holistic approach to living rooted in the ancient teachings of Kos-born Hippocrates. Just four miles from Kos Town, the resort blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering expansive views across the Aegean's Ceramic Gulf — an especially lovely prospect at sunrise. KOIA's architecture draws inspiration from the island's medieval castle, blending historical character with modern comfort. The five-star resort features 50 suites and a villa, many with sea views, private pools and al fresco showers that invite you to linger in the balmy island air. Here, wellbeing is rooted in nature, from the appealing textures of local stone to the soothing sounds of the sea, holding space for quiet reflection and connection. Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Friesland Leeuwarden, the vibrant capital of the province of Friesland in the Netherlands, is a city where history, culture and creativity meet. Stroll through charming canals, admire centuries-old architecture and explore museums like the Fries Museum and the Princessehof. Leeuwarden is also home to unique boutiques, cosy cafes and lively markets that give it a warm, welcoming feel. As a former European Capital of Culture, the city continues to thrive with festivals, art installations and innovative design. Whether you're visiting the historic leaning tower Oldehove or enjoying a boat tour, Leeuwarden offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern flair. Plan your visit today and experience this Dutch treasure for yourself. Indulge in a private island escape in the Maldives For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and seclusion, immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the pristine Huvadhoo Atoll. Surrounded by vibrant marine life and one of the Maldives' most untouched house reefs, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa invites guests to discover the enchanting island's natural beauty. Explore the house reef, home to thriving marine life, colourful coral gardens and rare underwater species. The resort offers a range of unique activities, like private picnics on nearby uninhabited islands and guided diving and snorkelling excursions with a marine biologist. For the ultimate in luxury, the Kiaali Residence is an exclusive, private sanctuary with sweeping ocean views, a private infinity pool, a dedicated butler service and direct access to the vibrant house reef. For exclusive offers, visit the website. Egypt is rich in history, iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, and planning a trip there is exciting if a little overwhelming. Choosing the right tour operator is crucial for a smooth experience. Nourbelle Tours is a trusted operator in Egypt, known for crafting bespoke travel packages to suit your interests and budget. The expert team has guided thousands of satisfied travellers, offering personalised itineraries designed to create unforgettable holidays. Whether you're after a luxury Nile cruise, a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza, an exclusive visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum or an adventure through the Valley of the Kings to uncover Tutankhamun's tomb, Nourbelle Tours ensures the perfect Egyptian experience tailored to you. Enjoy up to 50 per cent off select Egypt holiday packages.
Arab News
31-01-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Startup Wrap — MENA startups raise $2.3bn in 2024 as deal volume grows
RIYADH: Startup funding deals across the Middle East and North Africa saw an annual increase of 3.5 percent in 2024, with 610 agreements recorded across the region. According to a report from Wamada, fintech remained the dominant sector, attracting 30 percent of total funding, or $700 million. Software-as-a-service saw strong traction in Saudi Arabia, while Web 3.0 saw $256.8 million and e-commerce also gained momentum with $253 million in funding. Despite the strong showing in these sectors, the overall funding value across the startup ecosystem of $2.3 billion represented a 42 percent year-on-year drop. When excluding debt financing, the decline stood at just 11 percent. The UAE led with $1.1 billion raised across 207 deals, followed by Saudi Arabia at $700 million from 186 deals, and Egypt securing $334 million across 84 deals. Oman ranked fourth with $41.5 million, while Morocco and Tunisia led in North Africa, raising $20.8 million and $13.1 million, respectively. Emerging ecosystems in Jordan, Qatar, and Lebanon also showed modest growth. Early-stage startups accounted for over $1.2 billion in investments, while later-stage and pre-IPO rounds saw limited activity. Female-founded startups raised $27.6 million, or 1.2 percent of total funding, with mixed-gender founding teams securing $192 million. Ebana secures $2.66m to expand fintech solutions Saudi-based fintech startup Ebana has raised $2.66 million in a pre-series A round led by Esnad Legal Consulting and Business Governance. Founded in 2020 by Ali Al-Shareef, Ebana provides digital services and technical infrastructure for corporate governance affairs. The newly raised capital will be used to enhance Ebana's investor relations tools, expand its fintech solutions, and strengthen its services for both public and private enterprises. Nabeeh secures investment from Ibtikar Fund to grow user base Saudi-based e-services platform Nabeeh has raised an undisclosed investment from Ibtikar Fund. Originally founded in Palestine in 2021 by Saber Samara and Fawaz Samara, Nabeeh provides an online platform for booking housekeeping, maintenance, and renovation services. 'Property owners and businesses often struggle with unreliable maintenance and cleaning providers and a lack of transparency. Nabeeh bridges this gap by offering seamless, tech-enabled solutions that prioritize quality, speed, and trust,' Samara said. With this funding, Nabeeh plans to double its user base, expand its business-to-business portfolio, and introduce new platform features. Silkhaus raises growth funding to expand into Saudi Arabia UAE-based proptech startup Silkhaus has closed a seven-figure growth funding round led by Nuwa Capital and Oraseya Capital, with participation from Impulse International, Yuj Ventures, Nordstar, and other investors. Founded in 2021 by Aahan Bhojani, Silkhaus operates a marketplace for short-term rentals across the UAE. The new funding will support its expansion into Saudi Arabia, where it is now open for bookings. This follows a multi-million-dollar pre-Series A round secured last year by Partners for Growth. 'With the support of our investors and team, we are excited to scale our operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, offering innovative solutions to property owners and premium experiences to guests. The short-term rental economy of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) is experiencing a significant growth surge, and we are proud to be leading this growth,' Bhojani said. UpLevel raises pre-seed funding to enhance corporate coaching Saudi-based education tech startup UpLevel has closed an undisclosed pre-seed funding round backed by a group of angel investors. Founded in 2024 by Idris Al-Shayea and Hamad Al-Luhaidan, UpLevel connects companies with professional coaches to enhance employee performance. The fresh funding will help UpLevel scale its operations and further develop its coaching network for corporate clients. BioSapien extends pre-Series A round to $7m UAE-based health tech startup BioSapien has extended its pre-Series A round to $7 million, with new participation from Golden Gate Ventures, marking the first deployment of its MENA-focused fund. Founded in 2018 by Khatija Ali, BioSapien is developing MediChip, a 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform designed to attach to tissue with minimal systemic side effects. The extension follows the company's $5.5 million pre-series A round in December, led by Global Ventures and joined by Dara Holdings. Retailhub raises funding to expand SaaS platform UAE-based retail SaaS provider Retailhub has secured an undisclosed investment from Angelspark. Founded in 2022 by Daniel Alimov and Roman Tikhonov, Retailhub provides an automated platform that synchronizes stock updates from point-of-sale systems to aggregators and consolidates orders into a single application. The new funding will enable Retailhub to enhance its platform capabilities, strengthen partnerships, and scale operations within the UAE and beyond. Maalexi secures $3m debt financing from Citi UAE-based agriculture fintech startup Maalexi has secured a $3 million debt financing facility from Citi to expand its sourcing operations. Founded in 2021 by Azam Pasha and Rohit Majhi, Maalexi provides a risk management platform that enables small food and agribusinesses to access cross-border trade. The facility will help build a technology-enabled supply chain linking origin markets to the UAE. This follows a $1 million venture debt round secured in July from Stride Ventures. raises pre-seed funding to expand logistics platform Egypt-based logistics startup has raised an undisclosed pre-seed funding round led by Plus VC, with participation from Plug and Play, Orbit Startups, Jedar Capital, and other regional investors. Founded in 2023 by Mostafa El-Masry and Nihal Ali, provides e-commerce retailers with access to a marketplace of delivery providers and an operations dashboard. The new funds will support platform improvements, courier network growth, and expansion into the African and Middle Eastern markets. Dsquares acquires majority stake in Prepit Egypt-based loyalty solutions provider Dsquares has acquired a majority stake in Prepit, an Egyptian B2B SaaS loyalty platform, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2012 by Ayman Essawy, Marwan Kenawy, and Momtaz Moussa, Dsquares specializes in B2B loyalty programs for industries such as banking, telecom, fast-moving consumer goods, and retail. Prepit, founded in 2022 by Karim Hussein and Tarek Afia, provides AI-driven tools to streamline food and beverage operations. The acquisition strengthens Dsquares' presence in the loyalty sector across key Middle Eastern markets, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE.
Wamda
28-01-2025
- Business
- Wamda
Silkhaus to fuel KSA expansion with seven-figure growth round
UAE-based proptech Silkhaus has closed a seven-figure growth round, led by Nuwa Capital and Oraseya Capital, with participation from Impulse International, Yuj Ventures, Nordstar, and other family offices. Founded in 2021 by Aahan Bhojani, Silkhaus offers a marketplace for short-term rentals across the UAE. The new funding will fuel Silkhaus's expansion in Saudi Arabia, where it is now open for bookings for guests from around the world. A year ago, Silkhaus closed multi-million-dollar pre-Series A financing from San Francisco-headquartered Partners for Growth (PFG). Press release: Silkhaus ( a leading proptech startup revolutionising the short-term rental market in the Middle East and Asia, has announced the closing of a seven-figure growth round led by Nuwa Capital and Oraseya Capital, with participation from Impulse International, Yuj Ventures, Nordstar, and prominent family offices. The new funding will fuel Silkhaus's expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where it is now open for bookings for guests from around the world. Silkhaus's expansion into KSA includes the launch of its booking platform under the leadership of Sabine El Najjar, KSA Managing Director & VP Commercial, and Peter May, VP Operations, positioning the company as a premier choice for business and leisure travellers seeking high-quality accommodations. A multi-billion opportunity in KSA and the UAE The KSA and UAE short-term rental market together exceeds $2.5 bn in size, growing 46% per year with increasing demand from guests, while landlords look to monetise the growing supply of available apartments in both countries. The company now operates properties valued at over $200 million annually across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, spanning the luxury and mid-market segments. The company will focus on providing guests in KSA with world-class and seamless booking options through its website while leveraging technology to optimise property returns for landlords. In Riyadh, neighbourhoods such as Al Sahafa, Al Nada, and Qurtuba are seeing strong demand, particularly for one-bedroom apartments, which maintain the highest occupancy rates. Aahan Bhojani, Founder & CEO, Silkhaus, said: 'This growth round is a testament to Silkhaus' commitment to redefining the short-term rental industry. With the support of our investors and team, we are excited to scale our operations in the UAE and KSA, offering innovative solutions to property owners and premium experiences to guests. The short-term rental economy of the GCC is experiencing a significant growth surge, and we are proud to be leading this growth.' Double-digit growth in booking value driven by guests from UK, USA & Russia Gross booking values continue to grow by more than 100% year-on-year since launch, with guests from over 120 countries choosing Silkhaus properties for their stays. According to the company's data, the United Kingdom, USA and Russia are the top international source markets for guests at Silkhaus properties. Regional demand is also a strong driver, with one-third of bookings coming from the GCC, led by the UAE and KSA. In Silkhaus' Dubai portfolio, residential neighbourhoods like Dubai Production City, Al Barsha and Dubai Creek Harbor proved themselves among the most popular, with an average yearly occupancy of over 90%, while Emaar Beachfront continues to attract high-end demand, with average nightly spends up to 50% higher than the city average. In Abu Dhabi, short-term rental nightly rates are on par with Dubai, with Yas Island, Al Raha, and Saadiyat Island being the highest yield locations. Management and board appointments to lead the next stage of growth Silkhaus has also strengthened its management team and board of directors. Ankit Shah, CFO of Silkhaus, has been elevated to Co-Founder and Board Member, and Abdul Wahab Al Halabi, Managing Director at Embassy Capital, has joined as an independent director. Additionally, Nitin Reen, Partner at Nuwa Capital, and Hassan Alfarsi from Oraseya Capital have also joined the board. New senior leadership appointments will be announced in the coming months. Nitin Reen, Partner at Nuwa Capital, commented: 'Aahan and his team have a bold vision for the future of short-term rentals in the Middle East, supported by an outstanding team that's fully equipped to bring it to life. Their early achievements in the UAE serve as clear validation of the model's potential and bolster our confidence in scaling it to additional cities across KSA. We are proud to support Silkhaus as they continue to grow and redefine how guests experience consistent, high-quality stays at their properties.' Hassan Alfarsi, Board Member at Oraseya Capital, commented: 'Silkhaus stands out as a leader in the short-term rental market, offering incredible value to property owners and travellers alike. We are excited to support Silkhaus's vision as it expands across the Gulf, tapping burgeoning tourism, corporate housing requirements and economic growth. This supports the realisation of the vision of the region's inspiring leaders.' Founded in 2021, Silkhaus has rapidly grown to become the leading short-term rental operator in the GCC. The company's technology platform empowers property owners to monetise and manage their assets efficiently, delivering returns 20–40% higher than traditional long-term rental models.
