Tag: Fintech

Dubai International Financial Centre has announced plans to become the world's first AI-native financial centre — embedding AI into its legal frameworks, regulatory processes, and physical infrastructure. For the 6,500-plus companies in DIFC, the shift means AI-assisted compliance, regulatory sandboxes, and smart campus infrastructure.

UAE crypto regulation in 2026 under VARA is the most developed in the GCC, with stablecoin adoption accelerating across the banking system, MGX's $2 billion Binance investment cementing Abu Dhabi's digital asset ambitions, and Saudi Arabia and Bahrain building competing frameworks.

Bahrain's economy in 2026 has achieved a milestone that few Gulf states can claim: non-oil sectors now account for 85 per cent of GDP, with financial services contributing 17 per cent and a fintech ecosystem that has evolved from a regulatory sandbox into a system-building powerhouse.

Saudi Arabia's SAMA has issued its first live open banking licences, transitioning from sandbox to full commercial operations, while Riyad Bank and Bahrain have completed live blockchain payment pilots — marking a turning point for GCC financial services innovation.

UAE telecommunications company du has announced the launch of du Ventures, a US$50 million corporate venture fund that will invest in early and growth-stage...