Over six years, Yango Group has transformed from a ride-hailing business into a multifaceted technology company. Here’s the full story
Technology
SIM
Virgin Mobile UAE simplify eSIM activation for tourists with new facial recognition technology
Tourists can now purchase and activate their eSIM as soon as they clear immigration desks or Smart Gate
Blockchain
Ripple announces launch of globally tradeable USD-denominated stablecoins
The company said Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Kenneth Montgomery, former First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will join the RLUSD advisory board
Blockchain
Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis announces strategic partnership with India Blockchain Alliance
The collaboration is set to position Ras Al Khaimah as a global leader in blockchain innovation, fostering connections between blockchain pioneers in the UAE and India
Blockchain
DMCC launches metaverse platform to drive Web3 engagement
The new metaverse platform offers users an interactive digital experience with unique features including gamified zones, a trading game, and a treasure hunt with prizes
satellite communications
UAE government awards $5.1 billion, 17-year contract to Space42
It includes procurement of Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 advanced satellites and confirms earlier Capacity and Managed Services mandate
BitPanda
Bitpanda secures VARA approval for UAE operations
The company secured the regulatory milestone in under eight months from its initial submission, positioning itself to launch operations as Bitpanda Broker MENA DMCC
BitPanda
Bitpanda launches Fusion to trade cryptocurrencies on all markets from one account
Though the service is initially available to users in Europe, Bitpanda said it will expand it to the UAE and the rest of the region
acquisitions
Etihad Atheeb (GO) signs MoU to acquire 51% stake in Saudi IT venture EjadTech
The stake acquisition is valued at $23.07 million
ADNOC Distribution
ADNOC launches AI-powered chatbot to support investors
ADNOC Distribution launches AI chatbot ARIF to support investor relations in English and Arabic
Apple
Apple integrates ChatGPT feature in its new iOS and iPadOS updates
Apple Intelligence’s language expanded beyond US English; Several new languages coming soon in 2025
digital assets
XChain, VARA’s exclusive transaction monitoring partner, readies rollout for regional and global VASPs
VARA and XChain are working on a regulatory dashboard tool to advance the existing on-chain transaction monitoring standards for the region’s digital assets ecosystem
Abu Dhabi
ADIO Partners with PGIM to Launch RealAssetX Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi
The two will consider the establishment and management of an investment framework of up to $250 million
cloud services
Google urges FTC to break up Microsoft’s cloud deal with OpenAI: report
Tech companies that compete with Microsoft in renting out cloud servers also want to host OpenAI’s models
Bitcoin
Trump-fueled bitcoin rally sparks dual threat: Cyber extortion, LLM attacks loom, experts say
Another trend industry experts and insiders are anticipating in 2025 is the spread of the generative AI-based ‘deepfakes’ into the business sector in a big way
automation
AI business automation platform PLATMA announces MENA expansion after $2.2mn pre-seed funding
The company enables companies with no coding experience to build complex digital solutions using AI-powered natural language processing
Airbus
Airbus delivers UAE’s latest telecom satellite to Florida launch site
Space42 says the new satellite will enable the company to introduce more than 15 new products once operational