Juspay expands integrated payment system to Middle East

Juspay expands footprint with DIFC headquarters: India-based fintech firm Juspay launched its regional headquarters in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), according to a statement. The new base will help boost Juspay’s engagement with GCC-based institutions, focusing on the region’s aviation, financial services, e-commerce, and hospitality sectors.

Its offering: Juspay provides a unified, institutional-grade payment platform for the likes of Amazon, Google, and HSBC. It already operates in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, and the US.

Dubai Founders HQ + Antler strengthen venture-backed startups

Dubai Founders HQ is launching a new residency through a tie-up with global VC firm Antler, according to the Dubai Media Office. The 10-week program targets early-stage founders, providing them with multi-stage support to secure pre-seed funding and up to USD 500k in potential investment, according to a post on LinkedIn. Applications are currently open for the April residency in Dubai to upskill 600 founders.

Antler is also setting up a UAE headquarters within Dubai Founders HQ, which will be staffed by its investment and program teams.

Fresh capital for fresh produce

UAE-based fresh-commerce startup QuicKart raised USD 1.5 mn in seed funding led by Orbit Ventures, with participation from angel investors including Ashneer Grover and regional HNWIs, according to a press release.

Where it’s going: The capital will support expansion across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman ahead of an Abu Dhabi launch while funding supply-chain optimization, tech upgrades, last-mile logistics, and cold-chain buildout. The company also plans to onboard more local farms and broaden its product range.

The play: QuicKart operates a direct farm-to-home platform focused on dairy and fresh produce, cutting intermediaries to deliver within hours. It also serves HoReCa clients and cloud kitchens, targeting demand for faster, traceable sourcing in the UAE.

Ghassan Aboud Holding doubles down on Jafza

A spare-parts hub is landing in Jafza: Gallega Global Logistics — the logistics arm of UAE conglomerate Ghassan Aboud Holding — inked an agreement with IHC’s motor leasing subsidiary EasyLease to set up an aftermarket spare-parts hub in Jafza. The 215k sq ft facility will handle over 10 mn automotive parts annually, including electric vehicle batteries. The move aims to solidify the GCC’s spare parts supply and distribution network as the regional automotive aftermarket continues to grow at a 5% annual clip.

BACKGROUND- The two players’ ties run deep, with EasyLease acquiring a 51% stake in Gallega Global Logistics back in 2024.

Aster DM Healthcare allocates AED 1 bn to UAE, Saudi expansion

Aster’s eyes AED 1 bn expansion: Dubai-based hospital, clinic, and pharma operator DM Healthcare is planning expansions worth AED 1 bn across its UAE and Saudi operations, according to a press release. It’s aiming to scale up its customer base to 75 mn over five years, up from its current 17.6 mn.

The expansion plans: Aster will add 370k beds to its Dubai footprint by opening two new hospitals in the city and expanding its Al Qusais facility. It also plans to open an advanced robotic rehabilitation center in Dubai and roll out Sharjah’s first private organ transplant facility. In addition, Aster earmarked USD 250 mn for Saudi Arabia expansion.

Tags: