Business Extra: How FinTech is evolving in the Middle East


  • English
  • Arabic

In this episode of Business Extra, we explore the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape in the Middle East, where new apps and products are constantly emerging with promises of easier financial transactions and innovative money management solutions.

Among these players, Dubai-based start-up Ziina stands out for its methodical rise over the past few years.

Ziina aims to bring economic freedom and enhanced financial literacy across the Middle East. Recently, the company made headlines by securing a Stored Value Facility licence in the UAE, a significant milestone that promises to propel the start-up even farther.

Ziina's chief executive and co-founder Faisal Toukan joins host Cody Combs to discuss the company’s journey, the significance of its recent achievements, and its plans for the future.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

About Krews

Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: January 2019

Number of employees: 10

Sector: Technology/Social media 

Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support

 

Company profile

Name: The Concept

Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: 2017

Number of employees: 7

Sector: Aviation and space industry

Funding: $250,000

Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products

The team

Videographer: Jear Velasquez 

Photography: Romeo Perez 

Fashion director: Sarah Maisey 

Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory 

Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG 

Video assistant: Zanong Maget 

Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud  

Updated: September 26, 2024, 6:17 AM
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