Explosive Growth In MENA’s Startup Ecosystem

by News Editor

March 5, 2025

February marked a groundbreaking month for MENA’s startup landscape, with an impressive $494 million raised across 58 deals—almost five times more than last year’s total for the same month. While Saudi Arabia dominated with $250.3 million accrued over 25 deals, the UAE and Egypt followed suit with $203.5 million and $27.5 million respectively.

Debt Financing Dips In February

Unlike January, where debt financing took the bulk of investments, February saw it drop to just 15% of total funding. The exclusion of debt reveals a staggering 371% increase in investment activity, highlighting a promising shift in financial dynamics.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Industry Leaders And Rising Sectors

Fintech emerged as the leading sector, delivering $274 million over 15 deals. Insurtech and logistics took the next spots, with $55 million and $28.5 million respectively. This upswing showcases both sustained interest and escalating financial backing for key tech industries.

Regional Contributions and Gender Disparities

B2B models attracted the most attention in February, garnering $191.6 million through 33 transactions. However, gender disparities remain, as startups led by male founders bagged 87% of the total investment. Despite the progress, this underlines the need for more equitable funding allocations.

For further insights into startup ecosystems, explore how Cyprus is setting new records in global startup growth.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Job Vacancies Fall 7% As Hiring Demand Softens

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 14, 2026

Cyprus’ job vacancy rate fell to 2.6% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.8% in the previous quarter and 3.3% a year earlier, according to data from the Statistical Service, or Cystat.

Vacancies declined by 975, or 7%, from 13,905 in the first quarter. The drop points to softer hiring demand, although several sectors continue to face staffing shortages.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Hospitality Records Highest Vacancy Rate

Accommodation and food service activities had the highest vacancy rate at 4.6%, reflecting continued demand for workers in one of Cyprus’ most labor-intensive industries.

Transportation and storage and administrative and support services followed at 3.5% each, while construction recorded a 3.1% vacancy rate. Wholesale and retail trade stood at 3%.

Hospitality And Trade Have Most Openings

Accommodation and food service activities also recorded the largest number of vacancies, with 2,827 positions. Wholesale and retail trade followed with 2,286, while construction had 1,330.

Professional, scientific and technical activities recorded 874 vacancies, followed by transportation and storage with 859, manufacturing with 854, and administrative and support services with 789.

Public administration and defense had 665 vacancies, while human health and social work activities recorded 572. Information and communication activities had 441 openings, and financial and insurance activities had 398.

Vacancy Rates Vary Widely Across Sectors

Manufacturing and human health and social work activities each recorded vacancy rates of 2.2%. Publishing, broadcasting and content production, information and communication, and public administration and defense each stood at 2%.

Water supply and waste management and professional, scientific and technical activities recorded 1.9%, while other services stood at 1.8%, financial and insurance activities at 1.7%, and arts, sports and recreation at 1.5%.

Education had a vacancy rate of 0.7%, while electricity supply and real estate activities each stood at 0.6%. Mining and quarrying recorded no vacancies.

What Counts As A Job Vacancy

Cystat defines a job vacancy as a paid position that is newly created, unoccupied or about to become vacant, where an employer is actively seeking an external candidate and intends to fill the role immediately or within a specified period.

Breaking news