Startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region witnessed notable activity in October 2025 in terms of investments and acquisitions, driven by a clear increase in interest in artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and logistics technologies.
According to the October 2025 Monthly Investment and Acquisition Report for the Middle East and Gulf Region by “entArabi”, Saudi Arabia topped the regional scene in terms of both deal count and total funding, followed by the UAE Meanwhile, the AI, fintech, and logistics sectors emerged as the most attractive fields for investors.
Monthly Trends
Saudi Arabia continued to lead the regional landscape, driven by Vision 2030 and large-scale projects in AI, gaming, and enterprise technologies.
The UAE, on the other hand, focused on supporting tech startups through funding programs and institutional funds, with significant investments and acquisitions in AI and operational technologies.
AI, fintech, and logistics deals remained the most attractive to investors, while international investors and institutional funds increased their participation in the region — reflecting growing confidence in the Arab entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Key Deals in October 2025
Saudi Arabia
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Watad Medical: Pre-Seed round to expand ambulance and home healthcare services.
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Logexa: Pre-Series A round worth $2 million to enhance its logistics and smart warehousing platform.
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Squadio: Raised $3 million in a Pre-Series A round to expand remote tech hiring.
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BRKZ: Secured $30 million in funding to accelerate growth in the construction materials and supply chain market.
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HUMAIN: Partial acquisition by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Aramco to develop the national AI ecosystem.
United Arab Emirates
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UnifyApps: Raised $50 million to develop an enterprise AI operating system.
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Qaws.ai: Acquired Samas Gamify to launch an AI-powered smart hiring platform.
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Cercli: Closed a $12 million Series A round led by Picus Capital.
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TabSense: Raised $5 million to expand its smart restaurant and café management platform.
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1001 AI: Secured $9 million to build operational AI solutions.
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University of Dubai & Significa Ventures: Launched the Dubai TechX Fund worth $27 million to support tech startups.
Other Countries
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Kuwait: Aayan Leasing and Investment acquired a strategic stake in Dawi, a digital healthcare platform.
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Morocco: Logidoo acquired Kamtar in a $2 million deal.
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Tunisia: Anavid raised $200K from a startup program.
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Egypt: Plastka closed a Seed round to enhance AI-powered recycling solutions.
Investments by Country
| Country | Deals | Total Investments (USD Million) | Key Deals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 6 | 64.6 | BRKZ – HUMAIN – Squadio – Najeeb.ai – Velents.ai – Watad Medical |
| UAE | 6 | ≈103 (50 + 27 + 12 + 5 + 9) | UnifyApps – Qaws.ai – Cercli – TabSense – 1001 AI – Dubai TechX |
| Kuwait | 1 | Not disclosed | Dawi |
| Morocco | 1 | 2 | Logidoo – Kamtar |
| Tunisia | 1 | 0.2 | Anavid |
| Egypt | 1 | 0.1 | Plastka |
| Total | 16 | ≈170 | — |
Investments by Sector
| Sector | Deals | Total Funding (USD Million) | Key Companies / Deals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence & Operational Tech | 7 | 55.1 | UnifyApps – Velents.ai – HUMAIN – Qaws.ai – 1001 AI – Najeeb.ai – YAL.ai |
| Fintech | 4 | 34.5 | Tabby – MidLyr – Ripple – UPFRONT |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | 3 | 34 | Logexa – Logidoo – Quivo |
| Digital Healthcare | 2 | 5 | Watad Medical – Tachyhealth |
| Education & Deep Tech | 1 | 27 | — |
| Gaming | 1 | 0.055 | EA (Saudi Arabia) acquisition |
| Creative Content & Media | 1 | 0.1 | rmz.ai |
| Enterprise Tech & HR | 2 | 3.5 | Engagesoft – Squadio |
| Smart Infrastructure & Mobility | 1 | 26.6 | Arsan |
| Total | 22 | ≈55,170.2 |
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