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SVC develops pioneering intelligence capability for faster, smarter market-making

SVC develops pioneering intelligence capability for faster, smarter market-making
SVC develops pioneering intelligence capability for faster, smarter market-making

 Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) has announced Aian, a pioneering proprietary intelligence platform that further strengthens SVC’s role as a market maker for Saudi Arabia’s private capital ecosystem.

Aian is a custom-built AI market-intelligence capability, developed internally with Saudi national expertise, that transforms SVC’s unmatched private market data and deep institutional knowledge into timely, structured insight on market dynamics, sector evolution, and capital formation. As a cognitive institutional capability, it converts institutional memory into compounding intelligence, ensuring decisions reflect both current market signals and long-term historical insight.

Nora Alsarhan, Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer of SVC, said:
“As Saudi Arabia’s private capital market scales, clarity, transparency, and data integrity become as critical as capital itself. Aian represents a new layer of national market infrastructure, strengthening institutional confidence, enabling evidence-based decision-making, and supporting sustainable growth. By transforming data into actionable intelligence, Aian reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional private-capital hub under Vision 2030.”

Alsarhan added: “Market making is not only about deploying capital; it is about shaping the conditions in which capital flows efficiently. The next phase of market development will be driven by intelligence, not just investment. With Aian, we are building the data backbone of Saudi Arabia’s private capital ecosystem allowing us to see the market with clarity, act with precision, and ensure capital formation is guided by insight, not assumption.”

Athary Almubarak, SVC’s Chief Strategy Officer, said:
“In private capital markets, access to capital is rarely the binding constraint. Access to reliable insight increasingly is. This is particularly true in emerging and fast-scaling markets, where transactions are reported inconsistently, and institutional knowledge is fragmented across organizations and individuals.”

Almubarak continued: “For Development Finance Institutions operating in private capital markets, the lack of clear, consistent data is a structural challenge. It directly affects capital allocation efficiency and the ability to crowd in private investment at scale. SVC was established precisely to address these market frictions. As a government-backed investor with an explicit market-making mandate, our role extends beyond capital deployment to shaping the conditions under which private capital can grow sustainably.”

By integrating SVC’s proprietary portfolio data with selected external market sources, Aian enables continuous consolidation and validation of market activity. The platform produces a living representation of the market that reflects how capital is actually deployed over time, rather than how it may be imperfectly reported at any single moment.

Aian delivers a suite of customizable dashboards that provide more frequent overviews and predictive analytics, enabling SVC to identify priority market gaps, recalibrate capital allocation, design targeted ecosystem interventions, and anchor policy dialogue in evidence rather than anecdote.

The platform features include predictive capabilities that anticipate upcoming funding activity, projecting likely funding rounds and estimated ticket sizes. In addition, Aian incorporates institutional benchmarking tools that enable structured comparisons across peers, markets, and interventions—supporting more precise, evidence-based ecosystem development.

HFZA Brings Together over 1,700 Employees and Investors in High-Energy Fun Run, Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Work Environment

HFZA Brings Together over 1,700 Employees and Investors in High-Energy Fun Run, Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Work Environment
HFZA Brings Together over 1,700 Employees and Investors in High-Energy Fun Run, Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Work Environment

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah held its much-anticipated “HFZA Fun Run 2026”, drawing over 1,700 runners from its employees and investors, combining fitness and fun in a vibrant atmosphere.

The initiative underscores HFZA’s commitment to promoting physical wellness and employee well-being by encouraging an active lifestyle and fostering a healthier work environment across its business ecosystem.

The event was attended by H.E. Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, in addition to senior department directors. Participants competed along a structured 5-kilometer race route designed to encourage both performance and enjoyment, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and strong community engagement.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)’s Representative Office in Sharjah participated in the event, conducting free health screenings for participants, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, promoting preventive healthcare initiatives.

The HFZA Fun Run featured a diverse range of accompanying activities, including live music performances, interactive games, and designated food and beverage areas, ensuring and inclusive experience for all participants. These events further enhanced the event atmosphere, fostering positive interactions among participants while reinforcing sports as a platform for community engagement and for cultivating a healthy and motivating work environment.

H.E. Saud Salim Al Mazrouei stated that the fun run event reflects HFZA’s commitment to enhancing quality of life and fostering a sustainable, health-oriented workplace culture.

He noted that the initiative provides a structured engagement platform that not only promotes active and balanced lifestyles but also strengthens communication and team spirit among HFZA’s employees and investors. 

“The event extends beyond a sporting race to deliver a comprehensive recreational experience that merges physical activity with entertainment, fueling a positive competitive spirit that encourages commitment, perseverance, and a sense of shared responsibility among participants,” Al Mazrouei added.

He affirmed that Hamriyah Free Zone Authority will continue rolling out similar initiatives to promote a balanced lifestyle, stimulate positive workplace culture, enhance creativity, and strengthen team-based performance, ultimately driving productivity and employee well-being.

The HFZA Fun Run 2026 was powered by the support of key strategic partners. ASAS Steel joined as the Platinum Sponsor, with Technomak as Gold Sponsor, alongside Zulal and NODOS.

Other contributors included Magnum Technology Center, APAR Industries, Fibertex Industries, Trofina Food, Babygrow, Atlantic Grease & Lubricants, House of Perfumes, Medtra, and RK Pulses and Spices.

Several participants praised the efforts of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority in holding and organizing the fun run, noting that the event provided a comprehensive experience that combined athletic competition and recreational activities.

They added that the diversity of complementary recreational programming enhanced participant interaction and added dynamic value to the event, strengthening its impact across both athletic performance and social connectivity dimensions.

TASARU Supplier Hub Secures Five Global Suppliers to Accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Automotive Future

TASARU Supplier Hub Secures Five Global Suppliers to Accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Automotive Future
TASARU Supplier Hub Secures Five Global Suppliers to Accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Automotive Future

Announced during the 4th edition of the PIF Private Sector Forum, TASARU Supplier Hub is working with five global Tier-1 critical suppliers to localize manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia. This is a major milestone in developing the national automotive ecosystem and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a competitive industrial hub.

TASARU Supplier Hub was developed and launched by TASARU Mobility Investments, “TASARU,” a PIF Company enabling Saudi Arabia’s automotive and mobility sector. The complex is designed to accelerate localization, attract leading suppliers, and support the production needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), for prominent companies such as “CEER,” the first Saudi electric vehicle brand, and “Lucid Motors.”

Commenting on the milestone, Michael Mueller, Chief Executive Officer of TASARU Mobility Investments, said, “TASARU Supplier Hub is the manifestation of Saudi Arabia’s industrial aspiration. By attracting the Tier-1 global critical suppliers, the Kingdom is not just participating in the automotive race; it is building the track. These partnerships advance economic diversification and deliver long-term industrial resilience through strategic localization.

The complex brings world-leading manufacturers to the Kingdom that will localize critical component production:

  • Shin Young, a South Korean supplier specializing in metal stamping and body-in-white assemblies, will enable localized structural production.
  • JVIS, a U.S.-based expert in exterior plastics, will operate through JVIS KSA and provide injection-moulded parts for body panels and bumpers.
  • BENTELER, a German leader in steel and chassis solutions, will establish operations focused on subframes, axles, and hot-formed structural components.
  • Fangxin a global provider of interior systems, will manufacture instrument panels, centre consoles, and door panels.
  • Lear Corporation, a global leader in automotive seating, intends to produce seats and foam to serve OEMs in the Kingdom.

Operating within TASARU Supplier Hub’s shared infrastructure model will promotes collaboration across the automotive supply chain. Their presence is expected to unlock broader ecosystem investment, drive production scale, and contribute to the Kingdom’s local content goals.

Strategically located within MASARAT Mobility Park, at the heart of the King Salman Automotive Cluster in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), offers integrated access to port infrastructure, road connectivity, and regulatory facilitation. The complex is designed to support automotive production while building a strong foundation for talent development, private sector participation, and global business integration.

EBRD launches SME finance and development programmes in Iraq

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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq, with the local launch of its SME finance and development programmes, including the flagship Star Venture initiative for high-potential startups.

An official launch event in Baghdad marked the programmes’ rollout and presented the EBRD’s objectives and strategic priorities in Iraq, highlighting planned and potential projects to develop the SME sector.

In Iraq, the EBRD will support local enterprises through a mix of advisory services, access to finance, and engagement with the business ecosystem, all aimed at enhancing their capabilities and enabling expansion into new markets. By focusing not only on individual firms but also on the broader business ecosystem and policy environment, the EBRD aims to create the conditions for SMEs to thrive, become more competitive, foster innovation and support job creation across the country.

The EBRD also officially launched the first call for startup applications under its flagship Star Venture programme, inviting high-potential and tech-enabled startups to apply through a competitive selection process.

Selected startups will gain access to tailored business advice, international expertise, and networks of investors and mentors, supporting their growth and enabling them to scale into regional and global markets.

Founders can apply here.

Bringing together representatives from the government of Iraq, the donor community, financial institutions, business associations and private‑sector leaders, the event served as a platform for advancing shared goals for SME development and strengthening the competitiveness of Iraqi businesses, showcasing solutions and opportunities for collaboration and unlocking capital.

Panellists examined key constraints facing SMEs, such as access to technology, new markets and international business practices, and discussed practical ways to expand access to advisory services, business development tools and financing.

The conference also created meaningful networking opportunities among SMEs, banks and other development-focused financial institutions, deepening engagement with Iraqi business associations with whom the EBRD will work to strengthen trade networks and help identify and remove barriers to growth.

الأوروبي لإعادة الإعمار" يعين كاتارينا بيورلين هانسن كأول مدير لعمليات البنك  في العراقCatarina Bjorlin Hansen, EBRD Head of Iraq said: “Today marks an important milestone in our partnership with Iraq. We see enormous potential in the country’s private sector, which is central to building sustainable growth and creating opportunities for the next generation. We are committed to working with our partners to strengthen the conditions for their growth and success. By launching our SME finance and development programmes and opening the first local call for Star Venture, we are backing ambitious Iraqi entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses, hire more people and increase their international competitiveness.

Stable Revenues and Logistics Momentum Drive Aramex’s 2025 Financial Performance, Supported by Strong Transformation Progress

Aramex (DFM: ARMX), a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, today announced its financial results for the Fourth Quarter (“Q4”) and Full Year (“FY”) ended 31 December 2025.

In Thousands of UAE Dirhams Q4

2025

Q4

2024

% Change

(YoY)

FY

2025

FY

2024

% Change

(YoY)

Revenues 1,700,165 1,695,132 0% 6,359,946 6,324,444 1%
Gross Profit

Gross Profit Margin

385,262

22.7%

398,609

23.5%

(3%) 1,449,468 

22.8%

1,512,203

23.9%

(4%)
EBIT

EBIT Margin

51,553 

3.0%

89,186

5.3%

(42%) 192,711

3.0%

296,675 

4.7%

(35%)
Normalized EBIT

Normalized EBIT margin

68,436

4.0%

89,186 

5.3%

(23%) 237,748

3.7%

296,675

4.7%

(20%)
EBITDA

EBITDA Margin

153,369

9.0%

177,431

10.5%

(14%) 568,948

8.9%

650,304 

10.3%

(13%)
Net Profit

Net Profit Margin

7,517

0.4%

65,667

3.9%

(89%) 20,582

0.3%

141,811 

2.2%

(85%)
Normalized Net Profit

Normalized Net Profit Margin

24,932  

1.5%

65,667

3.9%

(62%) 85,029

1.3%

141,811

2.2%

(40%)

Nicolas Sibuet, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer said: “Our full-year 2025 results reflect the resilience of Aramex’s diversified business model and the continued execution of our transformation program and product strategy. While nearshoring and changes in global trade flows continued to reshape our revenue mix and margin profile, we delivered performance in line with our expectations, supported by disciplined cost control and ongoing progress under our Accelerate28 transformation program.

The record revenue performance achieved in December highlights the strength of our network and our people during peak season. As we move into 2026, our focus remains firmly on unlocking the full value of our transformation initiatives, strengthening product-led performance, and positioning Aramex for sustainable, long-term growth.” 

Financial Performance Commentary

The results for the fourth quarter and full year ended 31 December 2025 reflect a period of stable revenues, continued margin recalibration and ongoing transformation, as Aramex navigated structural shifts in global trade driven by nearshoring and regionalization.

For the full year, Group revenues reached AED 6.36 billion, up 1% YoY, compared to AED 6.32 billion in FY 2024. In the fourth quarter, Group revenues were steady at AED 1.70 billion. Performance in Q4 was boosted by record-breaking revenue in December — the highest monthly revenue in Aramex’s history — highlighting strong seasonal demand and effective operational execution.

The Company’s revenue mix continues to evolve as businesses shift supply chains closer to end markets. This structural transition has led to consistent growth in intra-regional activity across the Group’s Domestic Express, Freight Forwarding, and Logistics products, offsetting the softness in long-haul International Express. Logistics delivered the strongest performance, achieving 18% revenue growth for the full year and 13% growth in Q4, while Domestic Express revenues increased 9% YoY for FY 2025 and 8% in Q4, and Freight Forwarding revenues grew 4% for FY 2025, with Q4 revenues declining marginally YOY.

Geographically, the GCC and MENAT regions remained the strongest contributors, supported by resilient economic activity and sustained intra-regional trade flows. Oceania showed clear signs of operational turnaround during Q4 2025, with improving performance and positive momentum expected to continue into 2026.

Gross profit for FY 2025 amounted to AED 1.45 billion, down 4% YoY, with a corresponding gross profit margin of 22.8%, compared to 23.9% in FY 2024. In Q4 2025, gross profit was AED 385 million, down 3% YoY, with a margin of 22.7%. The decline reflects the lower contribution from higher-margin international express product along with continued inflationary pressures, and investment in domestic and logistics infrastructure.

From an overhead perspective, costs remained well controlled on a normalized basis, with growth capped and broadly in line with the prior year despite ongoing transformation activities and the onboarding of new business. 

Normalized EBIT stood at AED 237.7 million for the full year and AED 68.4 million in Q4, excluding one-off costs related to the Accelerate28 transformation program, restructuring initiatives and ADQ acquisition-related expenses.  Normalized net profit for FY 2025 reached AED 85.0 million, compared to AED 141.8 million in FY 2024, in line with management forecasts and reflective of the ongoing recalibration in product profitability. Normalized net profit for Q4 amounted to AED 24.9 million, compared to AED 65.7 million in the quarter last year.

Looking ahead, Aramex enters 2026 with a clear focus on unlocking the full value of its Accelerate28 transformation program. With the appointment of a new Group CEO, Aramex will reinforce its product-led strategy, emphasizing customer-centric innovation, margin optimization, and investment in scalable infrastructure. Nearshoring and regionalization are expected to continue shaping demand patterns, supporting Domestic Express, Logistics and intra-regional Freight Forwarding.  The Company anticipates continued strength in regional trade flows and stable execution across core segments, supported by improving performance in Oceania and disciplined cost management across the Group.

Product Performance

Express (International Express and Domestic Express Consolidated)

In Thousands of UAE Dirhams Q4

2025

Q4

2024

% Change

(YoY)

FY

2025

FY

2024

% Change

(YoY)

Consolidated Revenues 1,095,814 1,095,747 0% 3,987,498 4,098,083 (3%)
Of which, International Express 575,453 615,060 (6%) 2,144,254 2,412,484 (11%)
Of which, Domestic Express 520,362 480,688 8% 1,843,244 1,685,599 9%
Consolidated Gross Profit

Gross Profit Margin

301,040

27.5%

308,439

28.1%

(2%) 1,082,914

27.2%

1,179,219

28.8%

(8%)
Of which, International Express

Gross Profit Margin

177,952

30.9%

194,877

31.7%

(9%) 676,833

31.6%

780,824

32.4%

(13%)
Of which, Domestic Express

Gross Profit Margin

123,089

23.7%

113,562

23.6%

8% 406,081

22.0%

398,396 

23.6%

2%

Express Volumes (International Express and Domestic Express Consolidated)

In millions of shipments Q4

2025

Q4

2024

% Change

(YoY)

FY

2025

FY

2024

% Change

(YoY)

Total Number of  Express

Shipments

39.7 38.2 4% 143.4 139.4 3%
International Express 6.3 7.2 (12%) 23.6 28.1 (16%)
Domestic Express 33.4 31.0 8% 119.8 111.3 8%

The Express product (consolidating International and Domestic Express services) continued to reflect the structural shift in shipment flows toward intra-regional and domestic activity.

International Express revenues declined by 11% YoY to AED 2.14 billion in FY 2025, and by 6% in Q4, reflecting ongoing nearshoring trends and reduced long-haul volumes. Shipment volumes declined 16% for the full year and 12% in Q4.

Gross profit declined 13% YoY to AED 677 million, with margins moderating to 31.6%, compared to 32.4% in the prior year, reflecting the evolving product mix.

Meanwhile, Domestic Express delivered revenue growth of 9% YoY to AED 1.84 billion, with Q4 revenues increasing by 8% to AED 520 million. Shipment volumes also grew 8% for both the full year and Q4, reflecting strong regional demand and continued volume flows from international to domestic networks. 

Gross profit increased by 2% YoY to AED 406 million, though margins softened to 22.0%, reflecting infrastructure investments, inflationary cost pressures and pricing competition.

Freight-Forwarding

Dirhams 4
In Thousands of

UAE Dirhams

Q4

2025

Q4

2024

% Change

(YoY)

FY

2025

FY

2024

% Change

(YoY)

Revenues 454,405 464,481 (2%) 1,791,345 1,723,973 4%
Gross Profit

Gross Profit Margin

48,054

10.6%

58,038

12.5%

(17%) 224,740

12.5%

219,956 

12.8%

2%

Freight-Forwarding Shipment Volumes

Q4

2025

Q4

2024

% Change

(YoY)

FY

2025

FY 

2024

% Change

(YoY)

Air Freight (KGs) 14,051,609 11,217,523 25% 52,324,065 45,970,419 14%
Sea Freight (FCL TEU) 11,130 8,678 28% 38,669  31,612  22%
Sea Freight (LCL CBM) 8,577  68,003  (87%) 45,397  117,894  (61%)
Land Freight (FTL) 9,605 7,656 25% 34,933 29,660 18%
Land Freight (LTL KGs) 58,342,696 60,806,769  (4%) 240,495,000  217,022,380  11%

Freight Forwarding recorded steady growth of 4% YoY to AED 1.79 billion in FY 2025, supported by volume gains across air, sea and land modes. Q4 revenues declined marginally by 2% YoY to AED 454 million.

Gross profit for the segment increased 2% YoY to AED 224.7 million for the full year but declined 17% in Q4, with margins softening to 12.5% for FY 2025 and 10.6% in Q4. The decline mainly reflects reclassification 

of certain transactional fees from SG&A into direct costs for the segment. This accounting shift temporarily weighed on the segment’s margin profile but did not affect underlying profitability.

During the year, freight delivered good volume growth on key trade lanes: air freight growth from Europe to the Middle East on the back of new consolidation capabilities built in Europe; sea freight growth supported by outbound volume growth from China across the network; and land freight growth in the GCC and Europe attributed to utilization gains of existing infrastructure. 

Logistics and Supply Chain Solutions

In Thousands of UAE Dirhams Q4

2025

Q4

2024

% Change

(YoY)

FY

2025

FY

2024

% Change

(YoY)

Revenues 138,462 122,730 13% 536,748 455,318 18%
Gross Profit

Gross Profit Margin

26,497

19.1%

21,013 

17.1%

26% 104,614 

19.5%

70,362 

15.5%

49%

Logistics delivered a solid 18% revenue growth YoY to AED 536.7 million, with Q4 revenues increasing 13% to AED 138.5 million. Notably, this performance was broad-based, with multiple stations contributing meaningfully to growth, underscoring the scalability and consistency of Aramex’s logistics operations.

Gross profit rose 49% YoY to AED 104.6 million for the full year and 26% in Q4, with margins expanding to 19.5% in FY 2025 and 19.1% in Q4, compared to 15.5% and 17.1% respectively in the prior year. 

The segment benefited from strong onboarding of long-term, well-priced contracts, supported by disciplined pricing strategies and continued investment in storage technologies that enhanced facility capacity across markets. While overall warehousing space expanded slightly, operational efficiency was maintained through capacity enhancements and cost controls — a result of sustained focus over the past few years.

Talaat Moustafa Group & EFG Hermes-backed Egypt Education Platform Announce a Strategic Alliance to Establish a Flagship Private University in Noor City

Talaat Moustafa Group & EFG Hermes-backed Egypt Education Platform Announce a Strategic Alliance to Establish a Flagship Private University in Noor City

Talaat Moustafa Group & EFG Hermes-backed Egypt Education Platform Announce a Strategic Alliance to Establish a Flagship Private University in Noor City

Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG), the leading real estate and tourism development company and Egypt Education Platform (EEP), Egypt’s largest and fastest growing education service provider which is owned by Egypt Education Fund (a fund managed and backed by EFG Hermes), announced today the signing of a strategic alliance to establish a flagship private university within Noor City (Noor), one of TMG’s fully integrated master developments located East of Cairo.

The new university will be developed on a dedicated land plot within Noor and will provide high-quality education across various faculties, supported by international academic affiliations. This project aims to meet the increasing demand for private higher education in Greater Cairo, particularly in East Cairo, which continues to experience strong population growth, rising household incomes, and a limited number of premium private universities. 

EEP’s education portfolio currently includes (i) 23 schools and pre-schools, spreading across Egypt and offering five curriculums (British, American, IB, Montessori and National) to over 15k enrolled students, and (ii) Selah El Telmeez, Egypt’s leading education content developer serving between 3-4mn students annually.

This partnership marks EEP’s entry into the vastly growing higher education sector and builds on the successful collaboration between EEP and TMG, which includes five schools that currently serve around 9k students across TMG’s growing communities in Madinaty and El Rehab cities. These assets have demonstrated strong operational performance and reflect both parties’ shared commitment to delivering high-quality education offerings within TMG’s communities.

Mr. Hisham Talaat Moustafa, CEO and Managing Director of Talaat Moustafa Holding Group, emphasized that signing this strategic partnership with Egypt Education Platform comes as part of the Group’s vision to deliver an integrated model for advanced, sustainable smart cities. He noted that establishing a private university within Noor City represents a pivotal step in supporting the higher education sector and investing in human capital, shaping the future, and serving the community across all fields, in line with sustainable development goals and the enhancement of the quality of educational services.

He added that the establishment of the new university falls within the integrated suite of services that Talaat Moustafa Group is keen to provide within Noor City—similar to all of the Group’s cities—ensuring the delivery of distinguished educational services in accordance with the latest international standards. This will contribute to creating an advanced educational environment that serves the city’s residents and surrounding areas, and further strengthens Noor City’s position as a fully integrated destination for modern living.

Mr. Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company, commented: “We are excited to enter the higher education segment alongside our long-standing and reputable partner, TMG. This partnership marks a pivotal milestone for EEP, completing our fully integrated education ecosystem spanning Pre-K through K-12, educational content, digital learning platforms, and student transportation. By building on EEP’s strong Pre-K–12 backbone and leveraging our integrated platform and operational capabilities, the university will benefit from a growing network of schools that enhance and support long-term enrollment while enabling us to deliver top-quality, market-relevant university education. This milestone also advances EEP’s roadmap toward a capital market listing, anchored by the partnership with TMG.”

EFG Hermes Investment Banking acted as the sole financial advisor for this strategic partnership. 

This transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and regulatory approvals.

Tactful AI Raises $1 Million Pre-Series A to Build Agentic Customer Experience Infrastructure

Tactful AI Raises $1 Million Pre-Series A to Build Agentic Customer Experience Infrastructure
Tactful AI Raises $1 Million Pre-Series A to Build Agentic Customer Experience Infrastructure

Tactful AI, an Egyptian-born customer experience (CX) platform enabling enterprises to transform customer service using Agentic AI, raises $1 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The round was co-led by Foras AI and M Empire, with participation from a group of prominent deep-tech angel investors.

Over the past 12 months, Tactful AI has achieved more than 100x growth in platform usage, driven by a focused strategy centered on product–market fit and close collaboration with a select group of enterprise customers. During this period, the company worked hands-on with leading organizations to modernize customer experience operations and deploy Agentic AI in a responsible, production-ready manner.

Tactful AI currently serves enterprise customers including Elaraby Group, Raneen, Lucky App, valU, and Bosta, spanning sectors such as retail, fintech, logistics, and consumer services.

As customer experience increasingly becomes a sustainable source of competitive advantage, enterprises are under growing pressure to move faster, personalize at scale, and continuously optimize performance while avoiding added operational complexity or risk. At the same time, advances in AI are dramatically reducing the cost and time required to build software, reshaping expectations across industries.

Tactful AI addresses this challenge through a CX platform designed to help organizations turn customer data into action, empower teams to adapt quickly, and transition from traditional automation to agentic execution, where AI can resolve customer requests end-to-end within defined operational controls.

Use of Funds:

Capital from the Pre-Series A round will be used to:

Strengthen growth in the Egyptian market, where Tactful AI has demonstrated strong enterprise traction.

Explore and validate new regional markets across EMEA.

Accelerate research and development, enhancing the platform’s agentic capabilities, scalability, and integrations.

 

This round builds on a previously announced $5 million investment in R&D over recent years, with plans to double that investment over the next three years. The company is targeting a Series A round within the next 12 months.

In addition to Foras AI and M Empire, the round includes investments from well-known deep-tech founders and operators, including Omar Gabr, Co-Founder of Luciq (formerly Instabug), Mohamed Samir, Founder of Si-Bits, and Ahmed Fakhry, Co-Founder of Infinilink.

The round also includes participation from company founders Mohamed Elmasry and Mohamed Hassan, reflecting strong confidence from experienced technology entrepreneurs in Tactful AI’s vision, team, and execution capabilities.

The founders previously completed a full management buyback of the company after it had been acquired in 2022 by European communications company Dstny.

“Over the past year, we made a conscious decision to prioritize depth over speed, focusing on product–market fit and working closely with enterprise customers to solve real CX challenges”, said Mohamed Elmasry, Founder and CEO of Tactful AI. “The result was more than 100x growth in platform usage and a much clearer understanding of how Agentic AI can be applied effectively in production environments. This round gives us the fuel to scale that impact starting with Egypt, expanding regionally, and continuing to invest heavily in R&D”.

“We believe the future of customer experience will be shaped by platforms that enable speed, adaptability, and intelligent execution not just more tools”, said Maged Ghoniema, General Partner at M Empire. “Tactful AI has demonstrated strong traction, disciplined focus on product–market fit, and a deep understanding of enterprise needs. We’re excited to support the team as they scale”.

“What stood out to us is Tactful AI’s ability to translate advanced AI concepts into practical, high-impact CX improvements”, said Mohamed Aboulnaga, General Partner at Foras AI. “Their growth, enterprise adoption, and long-term commitment to R&D position them well to build a category-defining CX platform for the region and beyond”.

Fertiglobe, Covestro, and TA’ZIZ sign Memorandum of Understanding to explore strategic ammonia collaboration 

Fertiglobe, Covestro, and TA’ZIZ sign Memorandum of Understanding to explore strategic ammonia collaboration 
Fertiglobe, Covestro, and TA’ZIZ sign Memorandum of Understanding to explore strategic ammonia collaboration 
  • Exploring ammonia supply opportunities from Fertiglobe to key Covestro sites globally
  • Access to low-carbon and green ammonia supports transition towards more sustainable production pathways
  • Joint assessment of enabling ammonia infrastructure
  • Exploration of expanded value chain cooperation globally and in the UAE

On the occasion of the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the United Arab Emirates, Covestro, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials, Fertiglobe, the world’s largest seaborne exporter of urea and ammonia and TA’ZIZ, a world-scale chemicals ecosystem being developed in Abu Dhabi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration across the ammonia and nitric acid value chains. The MoU reflects the parties’ shared interest in assessing both near-term supply solutions and longer-term opportunities supporting the transition toward lower-carbon production pathways. This collaboration follows the closing of XRG’s acquisition of Covestro in December 2025 and reflects the additional opportunities enabled by Covestro and Fertiglobe operating within XRG’s Global Chemicals platform, with expanded international reach.

Under the MoU, Covestro and Fertiglobe intend to explore short-term ammonia supply opportunities from Fertiglobe’s facilities to Covestro’s sites in China and the United States. In parallel, they will assess longer-term supply options to sites in Europe, China and the United States, based on low-carbon ammonia produced using carbon capture technologies, as well as green ammonia from renewable sources, including projects developed by Fertiglobe. Ammonia is a key raw material for Covestro’s production of MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) and TDI (toluene diisocyanate), essential components for polyurethane hard and soft foams.

“The potential strategic supply arrangement with Fertiglobe could strengthen our access to a critical raw material while supporting the gradual transition towards lower-carbon production pathways,” said Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro. “Reliable low-carbon ammonia supply enhances operational flexibility across our sites and helps manage long-term cost and availability risks. At the same time, the agreement is a first concrete step in translating our partnership with XRG into tangible business impact.”

“We see strong potential in combining our ammonia production portfolio with Covestro‘s industrial expertise and global footprint,” said Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of Fertiglobe. “The Memorandum of Understanding creates a structured basis to assess concrete projects and opportunities – from supply and infrastructure to downstream applications.”

“This Memorandum of Understanding highlights the strategic potential of the UAE’s expanding chemicals landscape,” said Mashal Saoud Al Kindi, CEO of TA’ZIZ. “Together with Covestro and Fertiglobe, we see significant growth opportunities across the ammonia value chain, underpinned by TA’ZIZ’s role in building an ecosystem that enables sustainable growth, attracts global partners, and positions the UAE at the forefront of future chemical production.”

Beyond supply arrangements, the parties, including TA’ZIZ, will also evaluate enabling infrastructure facilities such as storage and transport solutions, as well as potential business opportunities across the entire ammonia value chain, globally and in the United Arab Emirates.

El Gouna Hosts the IGFA Red Sea Championship for the Third Consecutive Year

El Gouna Hosts the IGFA Red Sea Championship for the Third Consecutive Year

El Gouna, the premium coastal town developed by Orascom Development in Egypt and one of the Middle East’s most prominent Red Sea destinations, hosted the third edition of the IGFA Red Sea Championship from February 4 to 7, under the supervision of the Egyptian Game Fishing Federation (EGAF) and the Ministries of Youth & Sports and Environment.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Jason Schratwieser, IGFA President Engineer Mohamed Kaddah the President of the Egyptian Fishing Federation, Ahmed Mitkees, CEO and Founder of Ethical Anglers.

The championship aligns with El Gouna’s strategy to position itself as a regional and international hub for marine sports. Supported by its exceptional coastline, advanced infrastructure, and strong organizational expertise, El Gouna continues to reinforce its status as a global destination for internationally recognized marine sporting events.

This year’s edition brought  together 16 teams from ten countries including Egypt, USA,  Italy, Jordan, Oman, South Africa, Switzerland, Ukraine, Greece, and Armenia, the championship is organized under the supervision of Ethical Anglers, the organization specialized in hosting fishing tournaments in the Red Sea, in cooperation with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).

El Gouna is represented by its fishing team, Bimini, which claimed the championship title last year and secured second place in this year’s third edition, an achievement that reflects the team’s continued competitive excellence. Teams competed for qualification to the 2027 Fishing World Cup in Costa Rica, while El Gouna has also been selected as the host city for the Big Game Championship in 2028. 

Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna and Executive Board Member at Orascom Development Egypt, stated: “ We are extremely proud that El Gouna is hosting the IGFA Championship for the third consecutive year positions El Gouna as a leading destination on the global marine sports map. El Gouna, as a fully integrated town, comes alive as a stage for world-class events, where every corner, from its marinas to its infrastructure, is designed to support major international competitions.

He added: This championship goes beyond a sporting contest, it is a platform to advance marine tourism, champion sustainability, and safeguard the Red Sea, further cementing El Gouna’s role as a living model where sport, environmental stewardship, and global engagement converge.”

The IGFA Red Sea International Fishing Championship took place over four days. Its program included the captains’ meeting, three days of competition, and concluded today with the awards ceremony at Abu Tig Marina. The championship marked a historic milestone for professional sport fishing in Egypt and provides an important platform to reinforce El Gouna’s position as a global hub for elite marine sports.

It’s worth noting that the IGFA Red Sea International Fishing Championship strengthens El Gouna’s status as a regional and international hub for marine sports, supported by its exceptional coastline, advanced infrastructure, and proven organizational expertise. By hosting globally recognized events, El Gouna continues to solidify its position as a world-class destination for international marine sports championships and events.

The Saudi Exchange announces the ETF Market Making Framework 

The Saudi Exchange announces the ETF Market Making Framework 

The Saudi Exchange announced today the launch of a Market Making Framework for Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The introduction of the framework aims to enhance secondary market liquidity, narrow bid-ask spreads, and enable efficient price formation for listed ETFs on the Saudi Exchange, further aligning the Saudi ETF market with global best practices and enhancing market efficiency.

The ETF Market Making Framework introduces predefined obligations for market makers, grouped into three tiers. The selection of the ETF’s classification is determined based on a mutual agreement between the ETF Fund Manager and the Market Maker. 

The framework introduces a set of obligations by the Exchange, including maximum bid-ask spreads, minimum order sizes, and minimum presence time. 

Mr. Mohammed Al-Rumaih, CEO of the Saudi Exchange, commented: “The launch of the ETF Market Making Framework represents a significant step in our ongoing journey to advance the efficiency and accessibility of the Saudi capital market and ensure the availability of liquidity in the ETF market while increasing investor confidence. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring market depth and transparency, and our focus remains on enhancing infrastructure, broadening market participation, and cementing the Saudi capital market position as a premier global financial hub.”

This framework aims to enhance liquidity, facilitating more frequent transactions, making the market more attractive to both domestic and international investors. 

For more information about the ETF Market Making Framework, please visit the following link.