Take a ride through the wild world of MENA startups
Meet the makers transforming the region, one idea at a time
This issue focuses in on the thriving startup scene that’s exploding across the Middle East. Creating a revolutionary, profitable, business is a huge challenge, but this issue is packed with entrepreneurs who are doing just that. At WIRED Middle East, we believe in human ingenuity and the power of technology and we dig into how creative, driven individuals are changing our lives with their incredible companies and vision.
WIRED Middle East Summer 2023 cover
The cornerstone of this theme is our Top MENA Startups roundup, where we take a look at the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and study 15 young companies that could well be set to revolutionize their industries, from fintech to agritech, B2B and logistics, our innovation knows no bounds and accepts no limit. There’s no challenge that can’t be addressed, no problem that can’t be solved. As part of the process, we also looked for lesser-known companies, early-stage startups, and asked founders from across the region to submit pitches for the chance to be featured among our Top MENA Startups of Tomorrow. The process wasn’t a simple one, and our inboxes were flooded with messages from talented individuals. But, in the end, we selected five startups to feature. Here, you can discover the future of the region.
Regional startups are leading the way in any number of fields and we’ve selected some incredible companies, from the Palestinian startups defying the odds to make their mark, to those taking part in the regional battle to build a dominant super app, to companies that are plotting our exploration of space, the innovation on display is undeniable and incredible. Even your pint of milk isn’t immune and this issue you’ll meet the companies creating cow-free, real milk. We’re not talking nut-based alternatives, we’re looking at how true milk is being created in labs by scientists from our region.
Human-led innovation is one thing, but no issue on technological advancement would be complete without talking about AI. The seemingly age-old (but in reality, new,) question of if AI will take over our jobs is addressed. Who’s in danger of becoming obsolete? Should we even be worried? We take a deep dive. We also consider how AI is a reflection of us all, trained as it is on our collective writings, our data and our outputs. In this vein, we asked ChatGPT to describe the perfect day as summer transitions to autumn and then had our creative team bring that vision to life in a fantastic photoshoot that merges the machine and the artist.
ChatGPT described the perfect day in seven different ways
Rounding off our study of AI, we take a look at autonomous vehicles and the MENA region and how the Middle East is aiming to become a world leader in the field. As young countries with incredible infrastructure and a desire, and ability, to evolve, the GCC is perhaps ideally placed to become the forerunner of autonomous vehicles, across both private and public transport, supported by its deep connections to entrepreneurial tech and innovation.
It’s a packed issue and we’re proud of the stories we’ve covered. Go on, dive on in.
