Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem is gaining strong momentum, with venture activity, entrepreneurial talent, and innovation on the rise. The Kingdom’s market is expanding rapidly, driven by a young population, fast digital adoption, and Vision 2030’s diversification agenda. This article provides an overview of the country’s most important startup and tech events.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act, adopted in June 2024, is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI. Designed to ensure that artificial intelligence in Europe is trustworthy, safe, and human-centric, the Act also includes special provisions to support SMEs and startups navigating the complex AI landscape.

Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem is gaining strong momentum, with venture activity, entrepreneurial talent, and innovation on the rise. The Kingdom’s market is expanding rapidly, driven by a young population, fast digital adoption, and Vision 2030’s diversification agenda. This article provides an overview of the country’s most important startup and tech events.

Exits come in many forms: strategic acquisitions, financial buyouts, mergers, and occasionally, distress sales. Some are founder-led and deliberate. Others are reactive—driven by investor pressure, market shifts, or burned-out teams. At Reflect Festival in May, Söderhub CEO Magdy Shehata moderated a panel unpacking the reality behind these outcomes with serial founders and operators.

This report offers a snapshot of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, the key drivers behind it, and where forward-looking companies can create long-term value.

Saudi Arabia combines the scale of emerging markets with the revenue potential of mature economies. With strong public investment, a reform-driven agenda, and growing access for foreign founders, it’s becoming a launchpad for global expansion.

Over the past decade, the global gaming industry has transformed from a niche pastime into a cultural and economic juggernaut. Nowhere is this transformation more visible—or more promising—than in the Middle East and North Africa.

Today, the MENA region is the world’s fastest-growing gaming market, projected to reach $11 billion by 2027.

The Next Unicorn May Emerge from a Small Apartment in Aswan

For decades, building a tech company followed a well-worn path: raise capital, hire engineers, build the product, and scale.

The success of startups was measured by their ability to access venture capital, attract exceptional tech talent, and build networks. This was particularly evident in markets where funding was scarce and experienced developers were rare.