Technology

WeRide and Uber have launched fully driverless robotaxi operations with fare-charging in Dubai, allowing users to book autonomous vehicles via the Uber app. This marks a significant step for Dubai's autonomous transport goals and introduces advanced mobility solutions to the city.

Derq launches next-gen INSIGHT platform with predictive analytics for real-time road safety at Intertraffic 2026.

Dubai unicorn XPANCEO demos five working smart contact lens prototypes at MWC, including AR displays and real-time glucose monitoring.

Dubai has emerged as the world's most regulated-yet-welcoming crypto hub, with VARA providing clarity that most jurisdictions lack. By early 2026, over 500 virtual asset companies are licensed in the UAE, tokenized real estate has surpassed $50 million in issuance, and institutional adoption is accelerating through ADGM and DIFC frameworks.

Dubai captured the lion's share of $3.8 billion in UAE venture capital in 2025, representing 74% growth year-over-year and cementing its position as the MENA region's dominant startup hub. But competition from Riyadh's deep-pocketed Vision 2030 programs and Cairo's cost advantages is intensifying.

Careem Pay integrates with GCash for instant wallet-to-wallet remittances targeting the UAE's large Filipino expatriate community.

From the Souq.com era to a $7.5 billion annual VC market, the UAE startup ecosystem has undergone a decade of extraordinary transformation. Key milestones include the $3.1 billion Careem acquisition, COP28, the post-pandemic digital acceleration, and the arrival of institutional global investors who now treat the region as a core allocation rather than an emerging market experiment.

Space42 and Viasat detail Equatys, a shared satellite infrastructure platform with up to 2,800 satellites for global direct-to-device connectivity.

Strategic acquisition expanding Tarabut regulated infrastructure capabilities for embedded finance across MENA.

Saal.ai partners with Nutanix to launch SovereignGPT, a secure sovereign AI solution for UAE enterprise and government clients.

Space42 partners with Abu Dhabi Police to deploy AI-driven autonomous vehicle tech and smart security systems in the capital.

Abu Dhabi's Space42 teams up with Australian Earth Observation firm to deliver SAR satellite data and carbon emissions analytics.

EDGE Group's Strategic Development Fund backs US robotics firm Machina Labs to establish AI-driven metal manufacturing in the UAE.

Avalanche launches first private blockchain accelerator inside Hub71 and partners with LuLu Financial for $19B remittance network.

White House authorizes export of advanced AI semiconductors to G42, accelerating Stargate UAE and the 5-gigawatt AI campus.

Microsoft and G42 announce 200MW data center expansion via Khazna, part of Microsoft's $15.2B UAE investment commitment.

Abu Dhabi-based Yalla Group reports $89.6M Q3 revenue and $40.7M net income, maintaining a 45.4% net margin across social and gaming.

Abu Dhabi's Space42 activates Thuraya-4 satellite commercially, delivering connectivity to 100+ countries with a $708M government contract.

Space42 and ICEYE launch Foresight-3, 4, and 5 SAR satellites into Low Earth Orbit, expanding the UAE's Earth Observation constellation.

Dubai Startup Hub launched a 12-week accelerator for early-stage startups, offering mentorship, funding, and direct access to investors and industry leaders.

CredibleX has disbursed over $27M in loans to 100,000+ SMEs since launch, transforming how small businesses access working capital through embedded finance.

Expand North Star 2025 drew 2,000+ startups, 40 unicorns, and 1,200 investors with $1.1T in assets to Dubai Harbour, spanning 100+ nations.

IFZA launched Scale360 during GITEX, selecting 17 startups from 136 global applications for its inaugural cohort to scale into the UAE market.

London fintech giant Revolut secured UAE regulatory approvals and is preparing to launch digital banking in the Middle East as part of its global push.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy unveiled the Dubai Startup Guide — a roadmap for entrepreneurs launching and scaling digital ventures in the city.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported 127 digital startups in Q1 2025 — a 135% surge — setting the pace for a record-breaking year.

MENA startup funding hit a record $3.5B across 74 deals in September 2025 — a 914% month-on-month spike. UAE startups raised $704M of the total.

Chinese giant Meituan launched food delivery brand Keeta in Dubai — its third Middle East market in 40 days, following Qatar and Kuwait.

Sheikh Mohammed launched 'The Emirates: Startup Capital of the World' campaign — targeting 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs and 30,000 new jobs by 2030.

Emirates Development Bank committed AED 500M ($136M) in startup financing — including credit guarantees and co-lending — as part of the national startup campaign.