Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), the flagship programme by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), has opened applications for its next cohort. The four-month cycle will begin in October 2025, with 20 startups selected from across the UAE.

Abu Dhabi-based startup Ovasave which focuses on addressing women’s health needs has raised $1.2m in pre-seed funding to scale its digital platform for fertility and hormonal health.

Saudi e-commerce fulfilment platform Salasa has secured $30m in Series B funding to accelerate its transformation into a technology-first logistics provider and expand its cross-border operations.

UAE-based Creators HQ has announced a long-term partnership with Snapchat to support and grow the region’s creator ecosystem. The collaboration aims to empower digital talent across the GCC and beyond through a year-round programme of training and talks.

Sharjah’s entrepreneurship hub Sheraa has opened applications for its latest Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) program, inviting UAE-based startups to participate. The initiative offers funding opportunities, mentorship, and access to software tools worth over $0.8m.

Startups across the MENA region raised $289m in May, which was a 25% increase from April. The UAE accounted for $86.7m of that total, spread across 14 deals, highlighting its growing role in the region’s innovation ecosystem.

UAE-based Huspy has secured $59m in a Series B funding round led by UK venture capital firm Balderton Capital.

Riyadh-based Lucidya has secured $30m in a Series B funding round, marking the largest AI-focused investment ever raised in the MENA region.

Saudi Arabia-based digital freight platform TruKKer secured $15m in private credit investment from Ruya Partners via its Ruya Private Capital I fund. The funding will support TruKKer’s expansion across regional markets and the advancement of its AI-enabled logistics platform.

UAE-based biotech startup BioSapien has extended its pre-Series A funding round to over $8m, with new investment from VC firm Globivest which joins existing investors including Global Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, and Dara Holdings.