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Jordan has partnered with Replit to launch “Siraj,” an AI learning assistant built by one developer in under a month to support 1.6 million students across public schools. In Saudi Arabia, Uber and WeRide have started autonomous Robotaxi rides in Riyadh, the first driverless service on Uber’s platform in the Kingdom, linking Roshn Front and Princess Noura University. Meanwhile, Qatar’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is expanding his Dilmon family office into Monaco and London, hiring a Goldman Sachs veteran to manage his multi-billion-dollar fortune.

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Markets

Jordan and Replit Unveil “Siraj,” an AI Learning Assistant Built by One Person in Under a Month

🔹 What Is It About

The Government of Jordan has partnered with Replit, founded in 2016 by Palestinian-Jordanian-American entrepreneur Amjad Masad, to launch “Siraj,” an AI-powered learning assistant designed to modernize education through the National Council for Future Technology. Built in under a month by one person, Amer Abulaila, the pilot version uses generative AI to provide curriculum-aligned answers and trusted educational resources sourced from official Jordanian textbooks.

🔹 Why It Matters

The partnership marks a milestone in AI adoption by Middle Eastern governments, showcasing how local innovation can align with global tech platforms. It positions Jordan as a regional leader in AI-driven education, demonstrating how emerging markets can leverage technology for public sector reform. For Replit, recently valued at $3 billion after a $250 million funding round, the project highlights the company’s growing influence in global digital transformation efforts.

🔹 What’s Next

Following its pilot success—reaching 100,000 users and 600,000 interactions—Siraj will expand to 1.6 million students and 90,000 teachers nationwide. Analysts say this rollout could set a regional precedent for AI-enabled public education and spark broader government partnerships across the Middle East.

Uber and WeRide Launch Autonomous Robotaxi Rides in Saudi Arabia for the First Time

🔹 What Is It About

Uber and WeRide have begun offering autonomous Robotaxi rides in Riyadh, marking the first time driverless vehicles are available on the Uber platform in Saudi Arabia. The program, launched in partnership with the Transport General Authority (TGA), connects Roshn Front and Princess Noura University. Each vehicle currently includes a safety operator, with plans to transition to full autonomy.

🔹 Why It Matters

The rollout represents a major step in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push to develop smart, sustainable mobility and diversify its economy through innovation. For Uber, it deepens its footprint in the Middle East’s autonomous transport sector, while for WeRide, it strengthens its status as a global AV leader after securing Saudi Arabia’s first Robotaxi permit. The collaboration also signals Riyadh’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for AI-driven transport.

🔹 What’s Next

WeRide and Uber plan to expand routes following regulatory evaluation, moving toward fully driverless operations. Analysts say the program could accelerate Saudi Arabia’s autonomous vehicle policy framework and attract more global tech partnerships in mobility and AI development.

Qatar’s Former Emir Builds Global Family Office, Hires Goldman Veteran to Manage Billions

🔹 What Is It About

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s former emir, is expanding his family office Dilmon into an international investment powerhouse. According to Bloomberg, Dilmon has received approval to establish operations in Monaco and has hired Arnaud Caussin, former co-head of Goldman Sachs’ Monaco division, as deputy chief investment officer. The firm is building a multistrategy investment team across Monaco and London to manage Sheikh Hamad’s multibillion-dollar fortune.

🔹 Why It Matters

The move highlights how Gulf wealth continues to reshape global finance, with Qatar’s ruling family—whose private holdings are estimated at $150 billion—deepening its international footprint. The expansion into Monaco, known for its tax advantages and luxury investor base, also reflects a growing trend among the world’s richest families to establish multi-location offices and attract top banking talent.

🔹 What’s Next

Dilmon’s next-generation investment platform will focus on public markets, private equity, and strategic corporate stakes. As recruitment continues, the office’s global growth signals Qatar’s broader ambition to diversify beyond energy and sustain its position among the world’s wealthiest dynasties.

🦄 World of Startups

• UnifyApps Raises $50 million to scale enterprise AI Platform and expand Gulf presence.

• 1001 AI, a deep-tech startup dual-headquartered in London and Dubai and founded by Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, has raised $9 million in a seed funding round with participation from Amjad Masad (Replit), Amira Sajwani (DAMAC), Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud (Saudi RA’ED Ventures), and Hisham Al-Falih (Lean Technologies).

• The Canadian regulatory authorities granted Whish Money, Lebanon-based remittances and mobile wallet platform, financial services licenses to operate in Canada.

• KitchenomiKs, Oman-based foodtech, raised $3.2M in a funding round led by Jasoor Ventures.

• Kure Cells, US-based biotechnology company, received a $10M pre-Series A funding round led by Wa'ed Ventures (Saudi Aramco), Qomel (Saudi), and international investors.

• Neolix, China-based autonomous delivery startup, raised $600M in a funding round led by Stone Venture (UAE), and global investors.

• Uniphore, US-based business AI company, raised $260M in a Series F funding round at a $2.5B valuation from Prosperity7 Ventures (Saudi Aramco), and leading global investors.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• UAE Tycoon Al Habtoor Slams Israeli Minister Over Remark That Saudis Should ‘Keep Riding Camels in the Desert’

• Pavel Durov’s tweet on the Louvre heist takes an unexpected turn, blending humor with sharp criticism of French security.

• UAE’s Hadban Twins Among First 25 Creators Honoured With Instagram Rings in New York.

🔍In other news…

• Dubai Ruler Hails Emirates as ‘World’s Best Airline’ as It Marks 40 Years Since First Flight

• Saudi Arabia Shifts Strategy, Urges Investors to Bet on AI

• BCG Introduces New Protocols Following Gaza-Related Backlash

• Has the Carlos Ghosn Story Ended? I ArabCast Episode

• US, Qatar to fill gap after EU bans Russian LNG imports

• Abu Dhabi Targets Global Elite With New Secular Divorce Court for Non-Residents

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