French AI startup Mistral is reportedly in advanced discussions with investors, including Abu Dhabi’s MGX, to raise $1bn at a $10bn valuation. The funding would nearly double Mistral’s worth from last year.

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.