Global technology company Yango Group has launched Yango Ventures, a corporate venture fund aimed at supporting promising startups across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), as well as other high-growth regions where the company operates.

Yango Ventures will focus on early-stage startups, from seed to series B, in the online-to-offline (O2O), B2B SaaS, and fintech sectors.

With an initial fund of $20m, the fund is designed for scalability, with plans to expand its capital base in the near future to match the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems in dynamic markets.

“We’re more than a tech company; we are an ecosystem committed to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide,” said Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group. “At Yango Group, we believe that technology is not just about innovation — it’s a catalyst for tangible progress. Through Yango Ventures, we’re sharing our expertise and network to help startups scale, thrive, and drive meaningful change in their communities.

“Our mission is simple: let people grow with us. By supporting local talent with the right tools and resources, we aim to foster sustainable business growth and contribute to resilient, inclusive economies across the globe.”

Fund aligns with Yango Group’s broader strategy

The initiative aligns with the group’s broader strategy to foster local innovation by providing both financial backing and access to its extensive expertise and networks. By investing in startups that drive digitalisation and economic development, Yango Ventures aims to create sustainable impact within its target regions.

The fund’s advisory board consists of seasoned experts with experience in scaling B2B SaaS and B2C technology solutions across industries such as mobility, entertainment, fintech, and artificial intelligence. Yango Ventures will also organise networking events, collaborate with educational institutions, and host initiatives that equip future innovators with practical skills.

Read: How Yango’s smart mobility solutions are powering business growth

The first day of Eid Al Fitr in Oman is likely to fall on Monday, March 31, as predicted by astronomers.

As a result, the Eid holidays in Oman are expected to begin on Sunday, March 30, and last until Thursday, April 3, giving citizens and residents a five-day break, a report in the Oman Observer said.

However, the holidays may be extended further since Friday (April 4) and Saturday (April 5) are weekend days, creating a nine-day break starting from the pre-Eid weekend.

If the first day of Eid Al Fitr falls on Monday (March 31), it will be due to the 29th of Ramadan, which corresponds to March 29. On this day, the sun will set at 6:21 pm, and the moon will set at 6:26 pm, making it nearly impossible to see the moon, according to Abdulwahab Al Busaidy, head of the observatory at the Oman Astronomical Society.

Al Busaidy also explained that the moon will be visible on the horizon for just five minutes, depending on the observer’s location in Oman.

The moon will be positioned only two degrees above the horizon, with an illumination of 0.04%. Therefore, it is less likely to be sighted in countries like Oman, which rely on moon sightings to declare Eid.

For countries that depend on the birth of a new moon, Al Busaidy mentioned that they might be fasting for only 29 days, and their first day of Eid Al Fitr will be on March 30.

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, will be a paid holiday for all private sector employees across the country to mark the festival of Eid Al Fitr. The ministry also stated that if Ramadan concludes on the 30th day, the holiday will be extended to Wednesday, April 2.

Eid Al Fitr holidays for federal government employees in the UAE will be observed from the 1st to the 3rd of Shawwal 1446 AH, with official work resuming on the 4th of Shawwal.

The 30th of Ramadan will be recognized as an additional public holiday if the Holy Month of Ramadan concludes with 30 days, thus extending the Eid Al Fitr break.

UAE-based fintech firm Hubpay has unveiled Hubpay Payroll, an innovative payroll solution designed to streamline payments for businesses with international teams.

The launch marks the company’s entry into the UAE’s $1.2bn payroll market, offering businesses a seamless and cost-effective way to manage global payroll.

As UAE businesses increasingly expand across borders, the demand for efficient payroll solutions has risen. Hubpay Payroll enables businesses to pay employees worldwide while minimising administrative burdens.

The service features bulk beneficiary uploads, easy mass payments, and competitive exchange rates, ensuring cost-effective and timely transactions.

Aiming to support SMEs

“With the UAE aiming to grow the number of SMEs to over one million by 2030, Hubpay is committed to supporting this vision through our new payroll service,” said Kevin Kilty, CEO and founder of Hubpay. “We recognise the challenges businesses face in managing global payroll, and Hubpay Payroll offers a scalable, efficient, and compliant solution tailored to their needs.”

Fully integrated with Hubpay’s cross-border payments network, the payroll service allows businesses to manage financial transactions from a single platform.

The new offering complements Hubpay’s existing business solutions, including a digital business account that reduces standard account processing times to under 24 hours.

Hubpay has processed over $2.6bn in trade payments since its inception and is the first independently regulated fintech in the UAE licensed for cross-border and local payments.

The company has raised over $30m in funding and was recently listed in the Future100, an initiative recognising startups contributing to the UAE’s future economy.

Porsche Design and HONOR have launched the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR.

The collaboration integrates Porsche Design’s signature sports car-inspired elements with HONOR’s advanced smartphone capabilities, featuring a sophisticated AI-powered camera system.

The phone incorporates Porsche’s signature design elements with a hexagonal camera module inspired by high-performance components.

The aerodynamic aesthetics of the Taycan Turbo S are seamlessly integrated, and the symmetrical arrangement of four imaging units (three cameras and one graphic element) resemble sports car headlights, protected by 3D glass echoing Porsche’s windshield curves.

Advanced camera features in the HONOR Magic7 RSR

Equipped with the AI Falcon camera system, the Magic7 RSR features a 50MP super dynamic Falcon main camera, a 200MP ultra-sensitive telephoto camera, and a 50MP wide camera, delivering professional-grade photography.

The system enhances clarity, depth, and colour accuracy, which will enable users to capture high-quality images in diverse conditions, from cityscapes to desert landscapes.

The 200 MP ultra-sensitive telephoto camera supports AI super zoom, allowing for detailed long-range photography. The HD super burst feature ensures high-speed action shots, making it handy for sports and adventure photography.

Low-light capabilities are enhanced by an ultra-large aperture and advanced noise-reduction algorithms, optimising clarity and contrast in dimly lit environments.

Portrait photography is powered by the AI HONOR IMAGE ENGINE, incorporating features such as All-scenario Harcourt portrait and AI enhanced portrait to deliver professional-quality images.

The device supports 4K 60fps video recording, with stage mode designed for capturing concerts and live performances with high detail.

Human-centric display technology

The Magic7 RSR features the natural light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, certified by TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display 4.0, it prioritises eye health while delivering stunning visuals.

Built for durability, it boasts the HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield and IP68/IP69 ratings, ensuring resistance to dust, water, and everyday wear.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the device offers seamless gaming and multitasking, complemented by an immersive HONOR Surround Subwoofer.

With 100W wired and 80W wireless HONOR SuperCharge and a 5850mAh third-generation silicon-carbon battery, it ensures long-lasting power.

The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is positioned as a top-tier smartphone for photography enthusiasts and content creators, offering AI-driven enhancements and Porsche Design’s luxury appeal.

Available in shades termed Agate Grey and Provence, the phone is priced at Dhs5,999.

Read: How Honor is redefining the smartphone experience

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has completed rapid traffic enhancements on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The road adjacent to the Financial Centre Metro Station has been expanded in the direction heading towards Abu Dhabi, increasing the number of lanes from three to four.

Read-Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road: What the RTA is doing to reduce traffic

According to a WAM report, this road expansion has boosted its capacity by 25 per cent and is now set to accommodate 3,200 vehicles per hour, as opposed to 2,400 previously. Traffic congestion has been significantly reduced at the road entrance, eliminating vehicle queues and cutting the journey time from five minutes to just two.

The enhancements were carried out to optimize the efficiency of the emirate’s road network, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion at key intersections, and increase road capacity, while maintaining road safety standards.

Sheikh Zayed Road: Dubai’s vital economic corridor

This project included the expansion and upgrading of key locations along Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

As a vital economic corridor surrounded by residential areas and major economic and commercial landmarks—including the Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, multinational corporations, banks, investment firms, hotels, and entertainment facilities—it serves as a primary route for business and daily commuting. It is also a key arterial roadway in Dubai.

The improvements along this road are part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to implement innovative traffic solutions on Dubai’s key roads, in order to keep pace with the city’s urban growth and expansion.

“RTA remains committed to enhancing traffic flow across Dubai, particularly on Sheikh Zayed Road. Through innovative enhancements and traffic solutions, we aim to provide a seamless and safe travel experience for all motorists and road users across the emirate,” said Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

The RTA has also optimised the traffic merging distance between Al Khail Road and Financial Centre Street in the direction towards Dubai.

The extension of the merging distance has eased congestion and improved service levels, resulting in a 25 per cent reduction in journey time along Sheikh Zayed Road, from four minutes to three. This development has ensured smoother and more efficient traffic flow.