When Abdullah Najashi walked into a room of over 300 guests on October 22 — a gathering that included members of the Saudi royal family, family offices, CEOs and global investors — he wasn’t there to make a pitch.

He was there to announce a milestone already achieved. His company, Seha Invest, had launched the largest healthcare private credit fund in the MENA region, closing at SAR2bn ($533m). At only 27 years old, Najashi has achieved what few in global fintech have — building an institutional-scale fund in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. “It’s a huge privilege to be acknowledged as the youngest fintech firm founder in the world,” he comments, yet, for him, this record-breaking launch is less about personal triumph and more about solving a long-standing gap in the region’s healthcare financing ecosystem. “Seha Invest is positioning itself to become the leader in financial solutions for the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia,” he says.

Addressing the healthcare funding gap

Healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and pharmaceutical manufacturing require capital-intensive, long-term financing. Traditional models in the region, however, often fail to recognise the unique revenue cycles and regulatory demands of the healthcare industry. “While Gulf states have invested heavily in hospitals and medical infrastructure, the financing mechanisms to sustain this growth have lagged behind,” Najashi explains. That’s where Seha Invest comes in. Established as the first fintech company in the MENA region dedicated exclusively to the healthcare sector, it aims to fill the financing gap that conventional lenders have long overlooked. By leveraging technology and deep sector expertise, Seha Invest provides tailored credit solutions for hospitals, medical factories, and pharmaceutical firms, offering financing designed to align with the cash flow realities and compliance requirements of the healthcare industry.

The private credit fund represents a major leap forward. Its structure allows for targeted deployment of capital into hospital expansion, equipment financing, and working capital for healthcare manufacturers. Najashi notes that “traditional financing often overlooks the complexities of healthcare operations,” adding that Seha Invest’s approach brings “precision and understanding” to an underserved sector.

​​Institutional scale meets retail access

Najashi’s strategy goes beyond institutional capital. Recognising that true impact comes from financial inclusion, Seha Invest launched Sukuk Seha — the first crowdfunding platform dedicated to healthcare in the MENA region. This platform democratises access to healthcare investments by enabling retail and mid-tier investors to participate in funding opportunities through Shariah-compliant instruments. “Sukuk Seha is becoming an attractive target for investors who are looking to diversify their portfolio investments,” Najashi says. Thousands of investors have registered since the platform’s launch in late 2025, marking a turning point in how ordinary investors engage with the healthcare economy. Sukuk Seha’s rapid growth mirrors broader trends in Saudi Arabia’s SAR600bn sukuk market, one of the largest globally and a cornerstone of the kingdom’s leadership in Islamic finance.

This two-tiered strategy — institutional funding via the private credit fund and mass participation through Sukuk Seha — creates what Najashi calls “a robust, transparent, and accessible financial ecosystem.” It allows investors of all sizes to contribute to Vision 2030’s healthcare transformation while earning competitive, ethical returns.

Aligning with Vision 2030 and Saudi’s Fintech Ambitions

Seha Invest’s emergence comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is pushing hard toward digital transformation and economic diversification. The fintech sector is a critical pillar in this transition, with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market Authority (CMA) driving initiatives to expand digital payments, open banking, insurtech, and crowdfunding. According to Najashi, “fintech will play a defining role in achieving the Saudi Arabi’s goals — enabling inclusion, building efficiency, and creating a cashless economy.” Programmes such as Fintech Saudi are accelerating this momentum by supporting startups and attracting investment, positioning the Saudi Arabia as a regional fintech powerhouse.

Seha Invest embodies this strategy. By merging fintech and healthcare, it turns a traditionally conservative industry into a digitally enabled, investor-friendly ecosystem. The company is already working on solutions that streamline hospital financing, improve liquidity for healthcare providers, and make capital more accessible to private medical projects that align with national priorities. Industry experts note that fintech’s growing integration with healthcare — from digital payments and health wallets to micro-insurance and installment-based financing — is transforming access to care across the Middle East. “Fintech bridges financial and healthcare systems, promoting inclusion, reducing administrative burdens, and empowering patients,” Najashi explains.

Redefining Saudi Arabia’s healthcare financing model

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector, projected to exceed SAR200bn by 2030, is central to national transformation. As public and private operators scale to meet rising demand, access to specialised financing will determine how quickly new hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical facilities come online. Najashi sees Seha Invest’s role as catalytic. “We are building a financial bridge between capital and care,” he says. “Every healthcare provider should have access to smart, flexible, Shariah-compliant financing that supports growth and innovation.” By offering healthcare-specific credit lines and digital sukuk options, Seha Invest is enabling investors to directly back the kingdom’s healthcare expansion — from new hospitals to pharmaceutical manufacturing and AI-driven medical services. This approach aligns closely with the broader government vision of strengthening public-private partnerships and driving local production in strategic sectors.

The next chapter: Scale, technology, and global reach

Seha Invest’s next step is scale — both regional and technological. The company plans to expand its digital infrastructure, deepen its AI analytics for credit scoring, and explore partnerships across the GCC and North Africa. “Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global fintech hub,” Najashi says, “and we want to make Seha Invest a model for how fintech can drive national impact while creating value for investors.” As Vision 2030’s healthcare ambitions accelerate, Seha Invest’s mix of institutional credibility, technological innovation, and youth-led vision positions it uniquely. It is not just another fintech startup — it is a specialised financial institution reshaping how the Middle East funds its healthcare future.

At its core, Seha Invest’s $533m fund is more than a financing vehicle. It is a statement of confidence — in Saudi Arabia’s transformation agenda, in the power of fintech to drive real-world outcomes, and in a new generation of Saudi entrepreneurs ready to lead. As Najashi puts it, “We’re just getting started. What we’re building at Seha Invest isn’t just for today’s market — it’s for the healthcare economy of the next 20 years.”

Property Finder, the MENA region’s property platform, has announced a strategic partnership and investment in Keyper, the UAE’s leading rent-now-pay-monthly solution. In a first for the region’s property sector, Keyper’s rent-in-installments technology will be fully integrated into the Property Finder app and website, giving residents the ability to pay rent monthly rather than in large upfront cheques. It’s a major step forward for the UAE’s rental landscape.

Historically, tenants in the UAE have been required to pay annual rent in one to four cheques, creating financial pressure and limiting access to homes that truly fit their needs. Keyper’s system already enables thousands of tenants to pay rent monthly, representing more than Dhs2bn in rental demand.

Benefits across the rental ecosystem

The partnership benefits the whole rental ecosystem. Residents gain flexibility and financial control through manageable monthly payments via card or direct debit. Agents can close deals faster, access more qualified tenants, and reduce fall-throughs caused by large upfront costs.

Landlords benefit from reliable income, fewer administrative burdens, and reduced default risk through digital payments.

Read more-Rent smart in Dubai: Top areas that are actually worth your money

“This partnership marks an important milestone in our mission to bring greater transparency, flexibility and convenience to the UAE’s real estate market,” said Michael Lahyani, founder & CEO of Property Finder. “By easing the financial burden of large upfront rental payments, we’re helping new residents establish themselves more easily and build long-term roots in the country. It aligns with Dubai’s strategic push towards a smarter, more efficient economy under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s D33 plan. It’s another step forward in our purpose to change living for good in the region.”

Omar Abu Innab, CEO & founder of Keyper, added: “We’re excited to partner with Property Finder to make renting even easier and accessible for millions of people. Monthly rent payments are the norm in major global cities, and the UAE is moving in that direction. By bringing Keyper’s technology into Property Finder’s ecosystem, we’re offering renters greater flexibility and landlords greater certainty, delivering meaningful value to the entire market.”

The partnership also supports Dubai’s digital transformation agenda and the move to modernise and digitise the rental experience. Keyper’s rent-in-installments functionality will go live on the Property Finder platform in the first half of 2026, offering a more flexible and financially accessible way to rent in the UAE.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded its highest quarterly passenger traffic in its 65-year history in Q3 2025, welcoming 24.2 million passengers between July and September, a 1.9 per cent increase from the same period last year, Dubai Airports said on Tuesday.

The strong Q3 performance lifted total passenger traffic for the first nine months of 2025 to 70.1 million, up 2.1 per cen year-on-year. The airport’s rolling 12-month traffic at the end of September reached a record 93.8 million.

Aircraft movements also remained robust, with 115,000 flights recorded in Q3 and 336,000 flights across all categories from January to September, a 2.7 per cent increase year-on-year.

The average number of passengers per aircraft stood at 213.

Dubai Airports said it is investing in terminal enhancements to maintain operational efficiency and improve the passenger experience. Projects underway include CB Central, CB East, and CB West in Terminal 3, offering premium shopping, dining, and family-friendly spaces, as well as CD Central in Terminal 1 with updated dwell areas and improved access to retail.

Looking ahead, Dubai Airports is preparing Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) to eventually become the city’s main international gateway in the early 2030s.

The new airport is being designed as a “smart global aviation hub” with a focus on efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “These record-breaking results reflect the continued strength of Dubai’s aviation and tourism sectors… The vision for DWC goes beyond capacity expansion – it represents the reimaging and evolution of the entire travel experience.”

Dubai International: DXB attracted travellers from these regions

DXB’s top markets for the first nine months were India (8.8 million passengers), Saudi Arabia (5.5 million), the UK (4.6 million), Pakistan (3.2 million), and the US (2.4 million).

The most popular city destinations included London, Riyadh, Mumbai, Jeddah, and New Delhi.

The airport also recorded strong outbound leisure travel, with Malaysia, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, and Denmark among the top destinations.

Baggage handling and passenger processing continued to perform efficiently.

DXB handled 63.8 million bags in the first nine months, up 6.2 per cent year-on-year, with 90 per cent delivered within 45 minutes.

Passport control and security screening remained rapid, with nearly all passengers cleared within target times.

The record performance highlights Dubai’s position as a global aviation and economic hub, where the airport continues to drive tourism, trade, and investment.

Cityscape Global 2025 continued its high-profile run in Riyadh this week, drawing international real estate leaders to explore the theme, The Future of Urban Living. Sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in partnership with REGA, Vision 2030, and the Housing Program, and organized by Tahaluf, the event has solidified its status as a premier platform for global real estate investment, innovation, and planning discussions.

Foundation partners for the event include NHC, Diriyah Company, ROSHN Group, New Murabba, Qiddiya City, and Rua AlHaram AlMakki Co., reflecting the kingdom’s commitment to fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

Read more-Cityscape Global 2025: Saudi unveils $43bn in deals as it showcases its urban future

Cityscape Global 2025’s opening days showcased major projects and the growing role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in reshaping Saudi Arabia’s real estate landscape. A high-level panel featuring Loaye Al Nahedh, CEO of REDF; Brian Higgins, founder and managing partner of King Street Capital Management; and Mohammed bin Saleh Albuty, CEO of NHC, explored how government-backed initiatives are driving investor confidence. The panel highlighted a sharp rise in global interest, particularly in sectors such as data centers and digital infrastructure.

John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, provided further insights in a fireside chat, emphasising the kingdom’s rapid progress in developing flagship destinations. “I set out to build a national champion for Saudi real estate, and I think we’ve achieved that,” Pagano said, noting that ten resorts are now operational, with seventeen more scheduled to open next year. Red Sea and Amaala, he added, are now the world’s largest destinations powered entirely by renewable energy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability in line with Vision 2030.

Masterplanning the future

Discussions on innovative urban design featured Oussama Kabani, group chief development officer at ROSHN Group, alongside Sheela Maini Søgaard, CEO of Bjarke Ingels Group. The pair highlighted how future masterplans must combine flexibility with affordability to attract investment and ensure long-term success. Kabani stressed the importance of cross-project collaboration, while Søgaard underscored that technological advances, such as AI-enabled design tools, must still be anchored in human values and youth engagement.

Parallel discussions explored how mega-events are accelerating urban transformation. Eng Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO of Rua Al Madinah; Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; Alessandra Priante, President of the Italian National Tourism Board; and Gavin M. Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, examined the role of large-scale events in shaping city infrastructure and international perception.

Hamidaddin noted that Riyadh Season and AlUla Season 2024 host more events per week than Las Vegas, putting Saudi Arabia firmly on the global map. Priante emphasised the importance of long-term planning, citing Milan’s post-Expo 2015 legacy as a model.

$43bn in deals highlight economic growth

Deal-making momentum was a centerpiece of the event, with $43bn in deals revealed over the first two days. Highlights included:

• ROSHN Group announced a $293m development within the SEDRA community, encompassing over 700 residential units, alongside land sales in ALAROUS with sub-developers.
• Al Bilad Capital unveiled the $4.4bn Makkah Vision Fund for a 686,000 sqm site near Masjid al-Haram, as well as the Al Bilad Opportunities Fund II for a 229,000 sqm mixed-use site in Qurtubah.
• ALUPCO & AAG signed a $500m Saudi-Chinese agreement to establish aluminium plants supplying major real estate projects.
• SAB Invest launched two major mixed-use development funds totaling $764m, including an office-led high-rise on King Fahd Road in Sahafa and a multi-purpose mid-rise community along the Eastern Ring Road in Hamra.
• Eleven municipalities signed PPP contracts with Elm and TUV Rheiland to enhance urban sustainability, foster innovation ecosystems, and ensure high-quality civil works delivery.

These announcements underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing attractiveness for both domestic and international investors, reflecting the kingdom’s strategic approach to urban development and economic diversification.

Saudi mayors shape the urban vision

Cityscape Global 2025 also featured a data-driven discussion on heritage-led urban development and the role of private-sector participation in city planning. Moderated by Saud Alsulaimani, country head, KSA at JLL, the session brought together:

• Saleh Al-Turki, Mayor of Jeddah
• Musad bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood, Mayor of Holy Makkah
• Abdullah Mahdi Al-Jali, Mayor of Aseer Region

Al-Turki highlighted Jeddah’s dynamic growth, noting 29 completed investment projects spanning housing, engineering, and industry. “Our priority is creating a vibrant city with strong infrastructure and quality-of-life indicators, making Jeddah a global destination for investment,” he said.

Musad bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood emphasised Makkah’s ambitious urban agenda, citing over 100 investment opportunities launched in 2024. He stressed that restructured urban areas, logistics hubs, and labour housing zones are driving sustainable urban development.

Abdullah Mahdi Al Jali outlined Aseer Region’s tourism-driven urban identity, focusing on open, sustainable spaces designed to leverage sunlight and natural airflow. “We resolved 95 per cent of stalled projects and paved the way for new investments through unprecedented regulatory flexibility,” Al Jali noted, reinforcing Asir’s position as a growing investment hub.

Exclusive financing and attendee benefits

In addition to deals and discussions, Cityscape Global 2025 offered attendees unique opportunities for financing and incentives. Banks on-site provided mortgage rates below 3 per cent, while exclusive cash backs, discounts, and prizes worth over SAR11m enhanced the appeal of participating in the event.

Rachel Sturgess, SVP at Tahaluf, emphasised the transformative role of Cityscape Global. “Cityscape Global 2025 is driving thought leadership and facilitating conversations that shape the future of real estate. It is where transformative deals and strategic investments are made between Saudi Arabia and the global community to unlock new opportunities for growth,” she said.

Sturgess also highlighted the strategic impact of the inaugural ESTAAD, co-located with Cityscape Global. The event proved a valuable forum for discussions on sports infrastructure, stadiums, and Saudi Arabia’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2034.

As Cityscape Global 2025 progresses, the event continues to exemplify Saudi Arabia’s vision for urban transformation, blending sustainable development, mega-projects, and international collaboration. From high-value deals to discussions on heritage-led planning and future-ready masterplans, the event underscores the kingdom’s strategic positioning as a global real estate and investment hub.

With the combination of government initiatives, private-sector engagement, and international investment, the future of urban living in Saudi Arabia is taking shape rapidly, offering investors, planners, and developers a blueprint for sustainable growth and innovation.

Gulf Air signed an agreement on Tuesday with Boeing to buy at least 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, the carrier said.

The definitive purchase agreement to buy between 12 and 15 Dreamliner planes, signed at the Dubai Airshow, finalises an announcement in July that the carrier would buy 12 aircraft with an option for six more, Gulf Air said.

A White House official said at the time that the Gulf Air deal was valued at about $7bn, part of a broader pledge by Bahrain to invest $17bn in the USl

“The additional 787s will enable Gulf Air to enhance its premium long-haul offering and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive regional market,” Gulf Air said in its statement.