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Ultra app botim launches new user interface, refreshed brand identity

Built originally as a VoIP service, botim now serves over 150 million users globally, with growing traction in digital financial services across the MENA region

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

21 July, 2025

Ultra app botim launches new user interface, refreshed brand identity
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The flagship platform of UAE-based Astra Tech, botim, has launched a new user interface and refreshed brand identity as part of its ongoing transformation into a fintech-first, AI-native ultra app.

The update comes amid a sharp increase in usage of the app’s financial tools, with botim reporting a 50 per cent rise in monthly active wallet users between January and May.

The redesigned interface aims to simplify access to key services including payments, peer-to-peer transfers, lending, and voice and video calling.

Botim reinforces is positioning as a fintech-first platform

“botim has always been a trusted platform for meaningful connection but is much more,” said Dr Tariq Bin Hendi, board member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim. “With this update, we’re reinforcing our position as a fintech-first platform, built on a foundation of secure VoIP, and designed with simplicity at its core.”

The upgrade also reflects Astra Tech’s strategy to expand botim’s role as an integrated financial services platform.

Built originally as a VoIP service, the platform now serves over 150 million users globally, with growing traction in digital financial services across the MENA region.

The latest interface update includes a more intuitive layout, clearer navigation, and direct access to financial tools within the chat function.

The app now adapts to different user profiles, surfacing relevant features for both first-time users and VIPs, and incorporates AI-driven capabilities such as real-time translation, smart call filtering, and in-app chatbot support.

The UAE’s population hit an all-time high of 11.22 million in 2025, according to Worldometer, with the country seeing rapid digital adoption. botim’s evolution into a unified communication and finance app positions it to serve this growing, mobile-first demographic.

“This is the first step in a broader brand evolution,” the company said in a statement, adding that further integration of financial services and platform capabilities is planned as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Dubai Police arrest cybercrime gang behind fake online investment schemes

The operation was part of the ongoing national awareness campaign, launched to educate the public about rising cyber threats

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

21 July, 2025

Dubai Police arrest cybercrime gang behind fake online investment schemes
Image: Dubai Media Office

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Dubai Police have arrested a cybercrime gang accused of running fraudulent online trading and investment schemes through social media platforms, the force said on Sunday.

The arrests were carried out by the Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, following extensive monitoring and investigation efforts, according to a report published by the Dubai Media Office.

The suspects had contacted victims through phone calls, falsely presenting themselves as representatives of legitimate electronic trading and investment platforms.

They used these claims to gain victims’ trust and convince them to transfer funds with the promise of fast and high returns, police said.

The funds were then funneled into bank accounts located outside the UAE, authorities added.

Dubai Police made the arrest as part of larger efforts to raise awareness about cyber threats

The operation was part of the ongoing national awareness campaign, launched to educate the public about rising cyber threats.

Dubai Police said they acted swiftly after receiving several reports from victims and were able to identify the gang’s identities and locations before making the arrests.

Legal procedures have been initiated to refer the suspects to the appropriate judicial authorities.

Mubadala announces reinvestment in PCI Pharma Services

The new investment will support both organic and inorganic expansion, including growth in sterile fill-finish injectables, high-potency drug manufacturing, and specialised therapies

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

21 July, 2025

Mubadala announces reinvestment in PCI Pharma Services
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Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor, said on Monday it has entered into an agreement to make a significant reinvestment in PCI Pharma Services, a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) focused on biotherapies.

The deal is part of a strategic transaction co-led by Bain Capital and existing lead investor Kohlberg. Partners Group will also remain involved with a minority investment, Mubadala said in a statement.

Mubadala first invested in PCI alongside Kohlberg in 2020.

PCI has been expanding its presence in pharma

Over the past five years, PCI has delivered more than 450 product launches and continues to build on its 50-year history in pharmaceutical services.

“PCI Pharma Services has been one of our top-performing healthcare investments and is a testament to what can be achieved when long-term active investors partner with strong management teams,” said Camilla Languille, co-CEO of Private Equity at Mubadala.

“Our team will continue to focus on similar opportunities in the healthcare space as the sustained outsourcing of mission-critical but non-core activities by pharma companies aligns with our commitment to address global unmet clinical needs, reduce the cost of care to the system, and enable greater access,” she added.

Mubadala investment reflects PCI’s potential

Mina Hamoodi, head of Healthcare at Mubadala, said: “Our reinvestment in PCI reflects our deep conviction in the company’s mission, leadership, and long-term potential. At this important juncture, we are delighted to welcome Bain Capital, an industry-leading healthcare investor with deep expertise in growing pharma services businesses, as a partner.”

She added that Mubadala looks forward to partnering with Bain and Kohlberg and working closely with PCI’s management as the company enters its “next chapter of accelerated growth”.

The new investment will support both organic and inorganic expansion, including growth in sterile fill-finish injectables, high-potency drug manufacturing, and specialised therapies.

The company also plans continued investment in the United States to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

Hub71 startup, Ovasave, raises $1.2m pre-seed round

The startup is now preparing to launch in Saudi Arabia later this summer, as part of a broader three-year regional growth strategy

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

21 July, 2025

Hub71 startup, Ovasave, raises $1.2m pre-seed round
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Ovasave, an Abu Dhabi-based digital health startup focused on fertility and hormonal care, has raised $1.2m in pre-seed funding, a sign of growing investor appetite for women’s health innovation across the Gulf.

The funding round was led by PlusVC, Annex Investments, and New York-based venture studio 25 Madison. It also drew support from strategic angel investors and family offices across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a widening pool of capital being deployed into early-stage femtech ventures.

Backed by Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 ecosystem and registered with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Ovasave is positioning itself as a pioneer in a segment long underserved across the region.

The company plans to use the funding to accelerate its expansion across the GCC, build new corporate partnerships, and roll out the next phase of its mobile platform, which will offer menstrual cycle tracking, symptom monitoring, AI-guided treatment protocols, and access to care.

Ovasave aiming to fill gap when it comes women’s healthcare in the region

“There is a critical need for timely intervention in women’s health, particularly around fertility and hormonal health,” said Torkia Mahloul, co-founder and CEO of Ovasave. “This funding marks a crucial step in our mission to disrupt women’s health and expand access across the region.”

Majd Abu Zant, co-founder of Ovasave, added that Abu Dhabi’s regulatory support and proximity to decision-makers have been central to their early momentum. “It’s the right environment to build and scale high-impact ventures. From here, we are expanding into Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region,” he said.

The raise comes amid a push by Gulf governments to diversify healthcare offerings and advance gender equality through national policy. In the UAE, reforms in healthcare, technology, and women’s rights have created a fertile ground for emerging FemTech players to gain traction.

Femtech, once considered a niche sub-sector, is increasingly drawing investor interest. A recent report by FemTech Analytics projects the MENA femtech market will reach $3.8bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual rate of 15 percent.

Startups like Ovasave are hoping to ride that wave by addressing long-standing taboos and gaps in care, particularly in fertility and hormonal health.

The startup is now preparing to launch in Saudi Arabia later this summer, as part of a broader three-year regional growth strategy. By combining AI-powered tools with direct access to care, Ovasave aims to move women’s health from reactive to proactive – a shift that investors are starting to bet on.

Air Arabia-led consortium wins bid to launch new low-cost airline in Saudi Arabia

The carrier will be based in Dammam and aims to serve 10 million passengers annually by 2030

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

20 July, 2025

Air Arabia-led consortium wins bid to launch new low-cost airline in Saudi Arabia
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A consortium comprising Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding has won a bid from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to establish and operate a new national low-cost airline headquartered in Dammam.

The carrier will be based at King Fahd International Airport and is intended to boost both domestic and international connectivity for the Eastern Province.

The win marks the result of a strategic partnership among the three firms, aimed at supporting the kingdom’s aviation goals and economic development objectives.

“We are proud to have been selected by GACA to launch a new national low-cost airline headquartered in Dammam,” said Adel Al Ali, group CEO of Air Arabia. “This achievement represents a key milestone that reaffirms our commitment to supporting the growth and development of the kingdom’s aviation sector.”

New airline inspired by Air Arabia’s model

The airline, which draws on Air Arabia’s regional low-cost operating model, aims to deliver reliable and value-driven travel for passengers while creating economic opportunities in the region. According to Al Ali, the project will contribute to job creation and the broader economic development of the Eastern Province.

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Faisal Bin Saleh Al-Turki, president of Nesma Group, and Mohamed Bin Nabil Hefni, CEO of KUN Holding, called the initiative a direct contribution to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure and local economy.

“Launching a new low-cost carrier from Dammam is not merely an air transport project,” they said in a joint statement, “but a contribution to creating high-quality jobs, empowering national talent, and supporting aviation-related commercial activity. We believe this project reflects the private sector’s role in supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

By 2030, the airline plans to operate 45 aircraft, covering 24 domestic and 57 international destinations, and serve around 10 million passengers annually.

The project is expected to generate over 2,400 direct jobs in the aviation sector and contribute significantly to tourism and economic growth in the Eastern Province.

Read: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to increase operational capacity by 40% in 2025

Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud dies after 20 years in coma

The funeral prayer was held on following the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

20 July, 2025

Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud dies after 20 years in coma
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Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court issued a statement on Juy 19, announcing the death of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The funeral prayer was held on following the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Alwaleed — widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince” remained unconscious since a 2005 car accident, believed to have occurred in London, which left him with critical brain injuries.

His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, also posted about his passing in an emotional message on social media platform, X.

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Family‑shared videos showed him connected to life‑support machines, one image draped in a Saudi flag.

The Global Imams Council also shared a statement sharing its respects and condolences with the Saudi Royal family.

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