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Cyprus Eyes United Arab Emirates Partnership On Landmark Subsea Cable Project

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 9, 2025

Strategic Political Engagement

Cyprus has turned to the United Arab Emirates as it looks to forge a stronger cooperative bond to develop an ambitious EU-financed subsea power cable. This initiative, designed to link Europe with the eastern Mediterranean, underscores Cyprus’ unwavering backing of the project. In a recent meeting, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and his foreign minister held discussions with UAE leadership to explore the potential for joint investment and broader collaboration in related sectors.

Investing In Infrastructure and Future Growth

The dialogue marks a notable step forward in international energy infrastructure, paralleling the vigorous political interest in regional connectivity. The discussions come in the wake of remarks from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which prompted Cyprus to elaborate on its strategic plans. A partnership with the UAE could not only inject fresh capital into the project but also signal robust, multinational support in an era when energy security and sustainability are paramount.

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Technical Milestone With Global Implications

At a length of 1,240 km and reaching depths of 3,000 metres, the cable – currently under construction by Greek transmission operator Admie – is poised to become the world’s longest high-voltage and deepest subsea link. Building on nearly a decade of groundwork by Cyprus-based developers, the project now navigates complex financial and operational challenges, including clarifications on overall cost, viability, and accountability for delays.

Regulatory Hurdles And Future Outlook

Adding to the scrutiny, European prosecutors recently initiated an investigation into potential criminal offences related to the €1.9 billion venture that aims not only to connect Cyprus with Greece but also extend to Israel. Despite these challenges, the trilateral support from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel is a robust testament to the project’s strategic importance and its potential to reshape regional energy dynamics.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.