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Deloitte Releases Fifth Edition Of Middle East And Cyprus Technology Fast 50

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 13, 2026

Regional Innovation Recognized

Deloitte has unveiled the fifth edition of its Middle East and Cyprus Technology Fast 50, a rigorous ranking that celebrates the fastest-growing technology startups across the region. The initiative, driven by the vision of regional founders and backed by significant revenue growth over the last four years, underscores the evolving innovation landscape amidst global uncertainty.

Comprehensive Methodology And Diverse Categories

This acclaimed programme not only assesses companies on their revenue performance but also serves as a broader platform for acknowledging growth, resilience, and ambition. The current edition categorizes firms into five distinct segments, highlighting the spectrum of the region’s technology sector. Alongside the main ranking, Deloitte recognizes Rising Stars for promising startups, Impact for companies integrating ESG principles, Women In Leadership for female-led enterprises, and Kiyadat for established businesses led predominantly by teams from GCC countries.

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Market Leadership And Regional Milestones

This year’s report marks several milestones. Notably, the top five Fast 50 companies include three from the United Arab Emirates and two from Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the dominance of these markets. Similarly, the Rising Stars top ten are exclusively based in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating robust startup ecosystems in these countries. Meanwhile, Cyprus maintains a strong presence, contributing 14% of the ranked companies, largely in the software and fintech sectors, along with commendable performances in the Rising Stars and Women In Leadership categories.

Insights From Industry Leaders

Mutasem Dajani, CEO of Deloitte Middle East, observed, “The fifth edition is more than just a snapshot of growth—it is a recognition of the stories that drive that growth. Founders in the region are building resilient, purpose-driven businesses that compete on the international stage.” These sentiments reflect the broader narrative of an innovation hub that continuously reinvents itself, both in scope and scale.

Global Perspective And Future Outlook

Beyond the rankings, Deloitte’s detailed report illuminates regional trends that are vital for investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Projects gaining traction in this programme are also set to be recognized on a larger scale at the EMEA Technology Fast 500, further elevating their international profiles.

Celebrating A Half-Decade Of Excellence

Kyriakos Charalambides, Partner and Head of the Fast 50 DME programme, remarked, “This edition marks half a decade of acknowledging the dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit thriving across the region. With an expanding pool of applications and enhanced regional representation, the programme continues to set a benchmark for innovation and excellence.”

In conclusion, Deloitte’s fifth edition offers a compelling narrative of growth and diversification in the Middle East and Cyprus technology sectors, signaling robust opportunities in an ever-evolving global market.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.