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Cyprus Airports Propel Expansion With €170 Million Investment Amid Record Passenger Traffic

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 9, 2025

Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic

Cyprus’ airports have reached an unprecedented level of activity, with Larnaca and Paphos recording a combined 1.8 million passengers in August. This figure marks a notable increase from 1.6 million in the previous year and underscores a resilient rebound beyond pre-pandemic levels. Larnaca, in particular, observed growth from 1.2 million to 1.3 million passengers, while Paphos reported an increase from 439,900 to 501,100 passengers year-over-year.

Robust Expansion Programs Underway

Construction is now well underway on the second phase of a major expansion programme, endorsed by a €170 million investment. The initiative, which commenced in March, saw President Nikos Christodoulides laying the foundation stone in June. At Larnaca, the upgrade will encompass approximately 20,000 square metres, adding new arrival and departure gates, enhanced baggage handling, expanded passport control, advanced security checks, and enlarged commercial areas alongside increased aircraft parking capacity. Paphos is set to experience a terminal capacity boost of around 30 per cent, significantly refining passenger processing and overall efficiency. Operational enhancements also include the extension of the southern parallel taxiway, further elevating the airports’ flexibility and throughput. Once complete, Larnaca and Paphos will boast annual capacities of 12.4 million and 5 million passengers, respectively.

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Tourism Surge And Revenue Growth

The momentum extends beyond infrastructure. Recent statistics show that tourist arrivals in Cyprus escalated by 6.9 per cent in July 2025, with the UK, Israel, and Poland topping the list of source markets. Meanwhile, tourism revenue climbed by 9.6 per cent to reach €422.3 million in June 2025, with overall spending per visitor also rising. The first half of the year collectively generated €1.38 billion in revenue, marking a 21.3 per cent increase over the previous year. Such figures attest to the strong recovery and continuous expansion of Cyprus’ tourism sector, further supported by a record-breaking influx reflected in over 12.3 million passengers in 2024.

These developments not only highlight the strategic importance of airport expansions in meeting growing demand but also underscore Cyprus’ robust economic recovery and commitment to enhancing its infrastructure for sustainable growth.

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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.