Noha Gad 

The payment landscape in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by growing internet access and a young, tech-savvy population. This diverse region is characterized by a complex mix of local payment methods and varying regulatory frameworks. Consequently, merchants often face significant challenges, including high transaction costs, low conversion rates, and operational inefficiencies, as they navigate this environment.

Payment orchestration platforms offer a solution to these challenges. Acting as central hubs, they streamline payment processes, optimize transaction routing, and enable merchants to seamlessly integrate with multiple payment gateways and local payment methods.

In this regard, Sharikat Mubasher held an interview with Nader Abdelrazik, CEO of MoneyHash, the first and leading payment orchestration platform in MEA, to learn more about the company’s pivotal role in supporting merchants across the region, its offerings, and future expansions in the region and beyond.

Can you provide an overview of MoneyHash’s services that set the company apart in the payment orchestration space?   

MoneyHash offers a full suite of products to help medium and large merchants boost the performance of their payment infrastructure, improving transaction success rate, conversion, and revenue generation. What sets MoneyHash apart is its specialization in emerging markets with the largest network of integrations across over 50 countries in the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, our products cater to merchant needs from integration and checkout solutions to transaction routing and advanced reporting. 

MoneyHash recently raised a $5.2 million pre-series A round. How this investment will help the company accelerate its penetration in the MEA region?

The newly acquired funds are mainly dedicated to expanding team capacities to serve a larger customer pool and exploring new emerging markets like SEA and LATAM. 

The MEA region has diverse regulatory frameworks. How does MoneyHash navigate compliance across different markets?

Building a robust software product is key as we have to make sure we are compliant with data regulation and security in all markets we operate in. We follow a product-driven approach that helps us navigate compliance, and support our merchants in compliance questions as well.

How do you see payment behaviors evolving in the MEA region, and how is MoneyHash adapting to those changes?

The ecosystem is thriving when it comes to new local payment methods whether existing ones growing market share or new ones adding to the mix. This makes it harder for merchants to adapt. This is where MoneyHash comes in and supports merchants in future-proofing their infrastructure. 

What are the key emerging markets that the company plans to enter within the upcoming period? 

Our main focus is on the Middle East and Africa, and we are exploring SEA and LATAM.

MoneyHash actively collaborated with various fintech companies and banks in the region. What are the company’s future expansion plans, notably in the GCC and Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia and the GCC are our top markets and account for the majority of our customer base. This is due to our deep understanding of the market, but also a testament to the amazing growth the region is witnessing.

How do you see the future of payment orchestration in the region, and what role will MoneyHash play in shaping it?

We are building the first orchestrator in the region, and we see this sector to be the next generation of payment services globally. We hope to make the region proud with the quality of our software and talent and establish this new product category successfully as a first mover.

Finally, MoneyHash’s commitment to innovation, particularly in emerging markets, positions it as a key player in shaping the future of payments in the MEA region. Its focus on building the first true orchestrator in the region and its vision for the payments future show that MoneyHash is not just adapting to the changing landscape, they're actively building it.

Kholoud Hussein 

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant transformation in its entrepreneurial landscape, with co-working spaces emerging as pivotal elements in the startup ecosystem. These shared workspaces offer more than just desks and internet access; they provide a collaborative environment that fosters innovation, networking, and flexibility, essential for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Growth of Co-Working Spaces in Saudi Arabia

As of December 2024, Saudi Arabia boasts approximately 251 co-working spaces, with the highest concentrations in the Riyadh Region (114 spaces) and the Makkah Region (72 spaces). 

This growth aligns with the nation's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and gas by promoting entrepreneurship and supporting SMEs.

In 2018, there were an estimated 40 co-working spaces in Saudi Arabia, offering around 30,000 square meters of workspace. Despite this growth, the country's co-working space availability per capita remains lower than in many Western nations. For instance, Saudi Arabia had about 3.4 co-working spaces per one million workers, compared to 32 in the United States.

Driving Factors Behind the Rise

Several factors contribute to the increasing demand for co-working spaces in Saudi Arabia:

1. Economic Diversification: The government's push to diversify the economy has led to a surge in entrepreneurial activities, creating a need for flexible and affordable office solutions.
2. Gig Economy Expansion: The rise of freelancers and independent contractors has fueled the demand for adaptable workspaces that cater to varying needs.
3. Cost Efficiency: Co-working spaces offer an economical alternative to traditional office leases, often resulting in up to 20% cost savings for businesses. 
4. Networking Opportunities: These spaces foster a sense of community, allowing startups to connect, collaborate, and share resources.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Abdullah Alharbi, President of FIABCI Saudi Arabia, emphasizes the role of co-working spaces in the evolving work culture: “The rise of the gig economy and the growing preference for flexible work arrangements have led to an increased demand for co-working spaces in Saudi Arabia. These shared workspaces provide a collaborative environment that caters to freelancers, startups, and even established businesses seeking agility and cost-effectiveness.” 

Hilal Halaoui, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, notes the shifting workplace needs: “As Saudi Arabia’s economy continues to diversify and change, workplace needs are also shifting from traditional office spaces with long-term contract commitments to a more sophisticated and flexible working environment.” 

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive trajectory, challenges persist. The limited number of co-working spaces relative to the workforce indicates significant potential for expansion. High demand in major cities has led to some of the highest global co-working space rates, underscoring the need for more affordable options. 

The projected growth rate of the co-working office space market in Saudi Arabia is estimated at a CAGR of 5.67% during 2024-2032, driven by rising entrepreneurial ventures and economic diversification efforts. 

The Road Ahead

The evolution of co-working spaces in Saudi Arabia reflects broader global workplace trends favoring flexibility and collaboration. As the nation continues its economic transformation, co-working spaces are poised to play a crucial role in nurturing innovation and supporting the burgeoning startup ecosystem.

By addressing current challenges and capitalizing on growth opportunities, co-working spaces can become integral to Saudi Arabia's economic future, providing the physical backbone for a dynamic and resilient startup environment.

As we continue our series, Building Blocks of Startup Success: The Industries Powering Innovation, we shift our focus from co-working spaces to another vital pillar of entrepreneurship—logistics and supply chain. With Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector experiencing rapid growth, efficient logistics, warehousing, and last-mile delivery are more critical than ever for startups striving to scale. In the next episode, Logistics and Supply Chain: Supporting E-Commerce Startups, we’ll explore how this industry is enabling innovation, streamlining operations, and driving the success of digital businesses. Stay tuned!

Ghada Ismail

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is in the midst of a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of Property Technology (PropTech). No longer confined to the fringes of the industry, PropTech has become a game-changer, reshaping property transactions, management, and investment with cutting-edge digital solutions. 

The range of PropTech capabilities broadens to include significant instruments starting from AI-powered property matchmaking to blockchain-secured contracts, virtual property tours, or AI-driven property management, rewriting the rules of real estate. With Vision 2030 fueling a national shift toward innovation and sustainability, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a powerhouse in the global PropTech revolution. As investors, startups, and policymakers rally behind this digital shift, the Kingdom is setting a new standard for how real estate is bought, sold, and managed in the 21st century.

Understanding the PropTech Ecosystem

PropTech encompasses a wide range of technologies designed to improve real estate processes. These innovations include AI-driven property valuations, blockchain-based transactions, smart building solutions, and IoT-integrated urban planning. The integration of these technologies into Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is fostering transparency, efficiency, and smarter decision-making across the board. 

Speaking the language of numbers, Saudi Arabia’s PropTech sector saw a 35% annual increase in venture capital investments in 2023, reaching $9 million, according to a report issued by the leading startup directory MAGNiTT.

The Kingdom is said to be leading the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Southeast Asia in deal count, closing six PropTech transactions last year. In total funding, Saudi Arabia ranked fifth among these markets, further cementing its position as a growing hub for real estate innovation.

Despite a broader global slowdown in PropTech funding, the Saudi market demonstrated resilience, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 initiatives that promote real estate digitalization and smart technology adoption.

The report also highlighted that key PropTech subsectors, including property marketplaces, co-working spaces, tenancy management, and facility management, continue to attract investor interest in the Kingdom. 

Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Market: A Breeding Ground for PropTech

In October last year, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) announced the launch of a Saudi PropTech Hub (sph) at the opening of the Global PropTech Summit, with an ambition to serve entities interested in real estate technology, both domestically and internationally.
 

The hub’s main aim is to provide services designed to strengthen stakeholders in the sector, acting as a primary channel for innovation in real estate technologies in the Kingdom with several key initiatives included in sph: the regulatory sandbox, the real estate technology accelerator, the Global PropTech Summit itself, and the PropTech Council.
as a natural result of such comprehensive efforts, the Kingdom planted every possible seed to become a fertile ground for the PropTech revolution with several key factors driving this transformation.

What’s Driving PropTech Growth in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is a key factor in propelling the growth of the PropTech market. The Kingdom is working hard to reduce its reliance on oil and diversify its economy, with real estate being one of the focal points. With large investments flowing into infrastructure, urban development, and smart city projects, the stage is set for PropTech to thrive and reshape the real estate landscape.

The country’s real estate market is also booming, fueled by rapid urbanization, a growing population, and a rising demand for both residential and commercial properties. This surge in growth is creating a need for PropTech solutions that can make property management smoother, improve the user experience, and increase efficiency across the board.

On top of this, technological advancements play a huge role in the sector’s evolution. The rise of smartphones, internet connectivity, and cloud computing are all creating the perfect environment for PropTech solutions to flourish. Plus, the government is actively supporting the digital transformation of industries, accelerating PropTech adoption in real estate.

Finally, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Saudi Arabia. With a young, tech-savvy population, the Kingdom is seeing a wave of startups bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the PropTech space. These startups are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, offering solutions that address the changing needs of property owners, investors, and tenants alike.

Breaking Down the Saudi PropTech Market

The PropTech market in Saudi Arabia can be divided into several areas, with different solutions and applications catering to diverse needs.

• Business Intelligence: These tools focus on data analytics, offering insights into market trends, property performance, and investment opportunities.
• Facility Management: Solutions designed to streamline the management of building operations, maintenance, and services.
• Portfolio Management: Tools that help manage and optimize property portfolios, including risk management and asset allocation.
• Real Estate Search: Platforms making it easier to search for residential and commercial properties, with the integration of virtual and 3D touring options.
• Asset Management: Solutions for handling property assets, from leasing to sales and maintenance.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): These systems integrate all aspects of real estate operations, from finances to human resources.
• Others:  Niche solutions such as legal tech, property financing, and tenant management systems are also making their mark.

Key Players and Emerging Startups

Saudi Arabia’s PropTech landscape is home to a mix of established players, disruptive startups, and government-backed initiatives. Here are some of the most influential entities reshaping the sector:

Leading Startups Driving PropTech Innovation

• Sakan: Sakan property technology platform is a leading full-stack real estate marketplace, founded to provide a unique and integrated property experience for various stakeholders in the real estate sector. Sakan comes with a mission to offer innovative and creative PropTech solutions in the MENA region and digitize various aspects of the property journey. Sakan sets its key objective to facilitate and enhance real estate transactions and effectively cater to the growing demand by real estate agents, property management companies, landlords, and tenants. A cutting-edge PropTech platform, Sakan offers AI-driven property matching and digital rental agreements.
• Musanada : Specializing in smart property management solutions that leverage automation for maintenance, tenant interactions, and real-time analytics, Musanda is an award-winning facilities service in Saudi Arabia offering a full range of integrated facilities management solutions tailored to meet client needs.
• Bayut and Dubizzle (Emerging in Saudi Market):  Dubai-based listings sites expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia to introduce a comprehensive property search and transaction platform.

Institutional and Government-Backed Initiatives

• Public Investment Fund (PIF): Spearheading investments in real estate tech startups as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.
• Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC): Supporting early-stage PropTech startups through funding, mentorship, and growth acceleration programs.
• Ejar System: A government-backed digital rental platform that aims to regulate and streamline the leasing process across the Kingdom. Ejar is a comprehensive rental service e-network established with the aim of regulating the real estate rental sector in Saudi Arabia and preserving the rights of all parties involved in the leasing process —tenant, lessor, and broker. To foster growth in the real estate rental sector and promote its reliability, Ejar offers a large set of e-solutions. Real estate investment is also encouraged by the Program.

The Challenges Facing Saudi Arabia’s PropTech Boom

Despite its rapid ascent, the PropTech sector in Saudi Arabia faces several challenges that could slow its momentum:

• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating the evolving legal landscape for digital property transactions can be daunting for startups and investors alike.
• Data Security and Privacy Concerns: As PropTech platforms digitize sensitive real estate data, cybersecurity threats become a major concern.
• Adoption Resistance from Traditional Players: Many established real estate firms remain hesitant to embrace new technology, slowing down sector-wide transformation.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity Issues: Although Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its digital infrastructure, certain regions still face challenges in seamless PropTech adoption.

How Startups Are Overcoming These Barriers

Forward-thinking PropTech startups are addressing these obstacles through strategic initiatives:

• Collaboration with Regulators: Companies are working closely with the Saudi government to shape policies that encourage digital transformation while ensuring compliance.
• Embracing Blockchain and AI for Transparency: Technologies like smart contracts and AI-powered risk assessments are being deployed to enhance trust and security in property transactions.
• Developing Market Education Strategies: Through partnerships with real estate developers and consumer awareness campaigns, PropTech firms are fostering greater acceptance of digital solutions.

Future Trends: Where is Saudi PropTech Headed?

Saudi Arabia’s PropTech scene is poised for further disruption, with several emerging trends set to shape its future:

• Smart City Expansion: As giga-projects like NEOM continue to evolve, PropTech solutions will play a critical role in enabling AI-driven urban planning and sustainable living.
• AI-Enhanced Marketplaces: Property platforms will increasingly leverage AI and big data to offer predictive insights, personalized recommendations, and automated pricing models.
• Blockchain-Powered Real Estate Transactions: Expect to see wider adoption of decentralized ledgers to facilitate transparent and secure real estate dealings.
• FinTech-PropTech Convergence: The integration of digital mortgage platforms, tokenized property investments, and AI-driven lending solutions will redefine real estate financing.
• Sustainability and Green PropTech: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, real estate developers are incorporating energy-efficient smart buildings, IoT-powered utility management, and AI-driven carbon footprint tracking.

Conclusion: The Future is Digital

Saudi Arabia's PropTech sector is no longer just emerging, it’s leading a quiet revolution in how the Kingdom builds, buys, and interacts with real estate. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies with the nation’s ambitious urban visions, PropTech startups are playing a key role in shaping smarter, more sustainable communities.

The momentum is undeniable. As the kingdom steps further towards advanced proptech practices varying from digitized property transactions to AI-powered analytics and eco-friendly construction innovations.  The sector’s potential stretches far beyond convenience, it rather promises to redefine the very fabric of real estate in Saudi Arabia.

As the country balances rapid growth with long-term sustainability goals, PropTech stands at the crossroads of opportunity and transformation. For anyone watching closely, this is more than an industry shift—it’s a glimpse into the future of urban living, where innovation becomes a cornerstone of progress.

Noha Gad

The world’s population is expected to surpass 10 billion by 2050, creating an urgent need to increase food production by nearly 70% to meet growing demands. However, this challenge is compounded by shrinking arable land, limited water resources, and the unpredictable effects of climate change.

Traditional farming methods are no longer sufficient to address these challenges sustainably. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) steps in as a game-changer. By leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation, AI has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, helping farmers produce more with fewer resources, reduce waste, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. 

Technology, particularly advanced tools like AI, IoT devices, and precision farming techniques, offers powerful solutions to these challenges. These tools provide smarter resource management, real-time monitoring, and predictive decision-making, empowering farmers to increase efficiency and create a more sustainable agricultural system. 

What is agricultural technology?

Agricultural technology (agritech) is the use of innovative tools, systems, and methodologies that apply cutting-edge technologies to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of farming practices. 

It plays a transformative role in revolutionizing the sector by enabling smarter, data-driven decisions. Through tools like precision farming, farmers can analyze soil health, optimize irrigation, and apply fertilizers more accurately, leading to reduced waste and increased yields.

Additionally, IoT sensors and drones provide real-time insights into crop health, allowing early detection of pests or diseases and timely interventions. Meanwhile, automation, such as robotic harvesters and self-driving tractors, helps to address labor shortages while improving operational efficiency.

Agritech can also redefine the supply chain, ensuring traceability and reducing food waste through technologies like blockchain and predictive analytics. These innovations not only make farming more productive and sustainable but also help meet the global demand for food in an environmentally responsible way.

The role of AI in revolutionizing agritech

AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data and deliver actionable insights can revolutionize the agritech sector, introducing smarter, more efficient, and sustainable solutions to traditional farming challenges. By leveraging machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and big data analytics, AI can transform every aspect of agriculture through:

• Precision farming: AI-powered systems analyze data from sensors, drones, and satellites to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
• Crop monitoring and disease detection: Computer vision and machine learning models process real-time imagery from drones or cameras to identify early signs of disease, pest infestations, or nutrient deficiencies.
• Autonomous machinery: AI-based self-driving tractors, robotic harvesters, and automated irrigation systems can reduce labor dependency and increase efficiency.
• Supply chain optimization: AI helps streamline the agricultural supply chain by predicting demand, minimizing food waste, and ensuring traceability.
• Predictive analytics: AI analyzes historical and real-time data on weather patterns, soil health, and market trends to forecast yields, predict pest outbreaks, and plan planting schedules. This helps farmers mitigate risks and make informed decisions.

Additionally, AI models can stimulate the effects of climate change on crops, helping farmers adapt by choosing the right seeds, planting strategies, and technologies to sustain production in extreme conditions.

Challenges and Concerns 

Despite the immense potential of AI in agriculture, its adoption comes with significant challenges and concerns that cannot be overlooked. From issues of affordability and accessibility to ethical dilemmas and data security risks, these hurdles highlight the complexities of integrating technology into traditional farming systems.

Finally, the integration of AI into agriculture is not just a technological shift, it is a revolution that holds the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. From enhancing productivity and sustainability to enabling climate-resilient farming, AI is transforming how food is grown, harvested, and delivered to consumers. As we look to the future, the promise of AI in agriculture lies in its ability to balance the demands of feeding a growing population with the urgent need to protect our planet.

Ghada Ismail

We know by heart how a business trip can feel like piecing together a complex puzzle. With flights to book, accommodations to arrange, meetings to schedule, and budgets to manage, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, the digital age offers an arsenal of tools to simplify the process and keep you focused on your objectives. As the final episode in our series on how business travel fuels SME success, we’ve compiled a list of the most effective apps to help you plan, organize, and execute your trips seamlessly.

a. Booking and Accommodation Apps

• Hopper: This app predicts flight and hotel prices with impressive accuracy, helping you book at the best time to save money.
• Airbnb for Work: With options tailored to business travelers, this app offers unique accommodations that feel like home while providing workspace essentials.
• HotelTonight: Ideal for last-minute trips, this app finds discounted rates on same-day hotel bookings.

b. Travel Itinerary Management

• TripIt: Automatically consolidates all your travel details in one place—flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. It’s your go-to travel assistant.
• Google Travel: Syncs with your email to organize itineraries and offers recommendations for your destination.

c. Expense Tracking and Budgeting

• Expensify: Snap photos of receipts, track expenses, and generate detailed reports for reimbursement or record-keeping.
• Splitwise: Perfect for team travel, this app simplifies expense sharing and ensures everyone’s on the same page.

d. Communication and Productivity

• Zoom: Essential for virtual meetings if you need to connect with your team or clients while on the go.
• Slack: Stay in touch with your team, share files, and collaborate seamlessly, no matter where you are.
• Google Workspace: From Docs to Sheets, this suite ensures you can access and edit your work anytime.

e. Local Navigation and Transportation

• Google Maps: Offers reliable navigation, live traffic updates, and public transport options.
• Citymapper: A must-have for urban travel, this app provides detailed transit information and alternative routes.
• Uber: Dependable for rides in most major cities worldwide.

f. Language and Culture Assistance

• Duolingo: Brush up on essential phrases before arriving at your destination.
• Google Translate: Break language barriers by translating text, speech, and even images in real-time.
• Culture Trip: Get insights into local customs, attractions, and dining recommendations.

g. Health and Safety

• MySOS: A health app that helps you locate medical services quickly.
• Sitata: Provides travel safety alerts, identifies health risks, and offers tips to stay safe abroad.

One last word..

As we close this series, it’s clear that the right apps can turn business travel from a source of stress into an opportunity to excel. With tools that help you book flights, manage expenses, and navigate new destinations, you’re equipped to make the most of every trip. This final episode is a reminder that preparation and smart choices are key to success on the road.

As you gear up for your next trip, try incorporating some of these apps into your routine. They’ll not only make your travel experience smoother but also help you stay one step ahead, no matter where your business journey takes you.