News

Hub71’s Startup Ecosystem Now Boasts Over 200 Members

Companies from 6 individual countries have been welcomed by the Abu Dhabi-based tech ecosystem in the latest round of admissions.

Published

3 years ago

November 29, 2022

Nour Nasir

Hub71

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that assists creators in tech businesses, has grown its ranks to over 200 members. After a 60% increase in applications, an additional 20 firms were chosen to join the community, helping more startups than ever to maximize opportunities for funding and other business development in the UAE’s capital.

Entrepreneurs joining Hub71 gain access to huge networking potential within the ecosystem, which has now grown into a sizable community of tech entrepreneurs and attracted the attention of leading investors, as well as corporate, governmental, and academic partners.

Startups from six different nations have been welcomed to Hub71 in this latest round of admissions, and another 11 companies have relocated to Abu Dhabi after joining the growing community. The UAE is enjoying something of a tech renaissance of late, as it draws more and more top-flight companies from around the globe.

Also Read: How To Find The Best Remote Work Opportunities In The Middle East

“This success is a testament that Abu Dhabi is becoming a destination for high-quality startups that showcase great potential and impact,” says Badr Al-Olama, acting CEO of Hub71.

Among the companies chosen to join Hub71 is 44.01, an unusually-named business that aims to reduce carbon emissions by converting CO2 into rock. Adding to the community’s green credentials is Finland’s iFarm, which develops agricultural tech solutions to support automated vertical farming, highlighting the importance of cleantech and agribusiness development in the Hub71 portfolio.

News

Google Pay Launches In Lebanon With Support From Multiple Banks

Bank Audi, Neo Digital Bank, and Whish Money are all offering support for Mastercard and Visa cardholders.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 25, 2025

Nour Nasir

google pay launches in lebanon with support from multiple banks

neo Bank Audi

Google Pay has officially launched in Lebanon, allowing Android users to make secure, contactless payments via their smartphones. The rollout has been quickly supported by BLOM, BLF, Whish Money, Bank Audi, and its digital banking offshoot Neo Digital Bank. Customers of all three services can now add eligible Mastercard and Visa payment cards to their Google Wallets.

The integration enables in-store tap-to-pay transactions, as well as online and in-app purchases, using the same cards users already carry. For Bank Audi and Neo Digital Bank, the launch covers Mastercard products; for Whish Money, BLOM, and BLF it includes Visa cards. Payments are processed through the Google Pay platform, which maintains cardholder privacy while extending standard card protections.

To begin using the service, customers can download the Google Wallet app from Google Play, select “Add to Wallet,” and follow a short verification process. Once set up, payments can be made with a single tap — eliminating the need to carry physical cards or cash.

Also Read: Oakley And Meta Reveal Performance-Focused AI Smart Glasses

“This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to digital innovation and customer convenience,” said Toufic Koussa, CEO at Whish Money. “By making Whish Visa Card available on Google Pay, we’re enabling our customers to make everyday transactions faster, more secure, and more inclusive. It’s about giving them the tools they need to transact seamlessly, wherever they are”.

The move follows the official activation of Google Pay in Lebanon on June 24, 2025, and marks a notable expansion of mobile payment options in a market where Apple Pay has yet to gain traction. Google’s entry is expected to increase digital wallet adoption among Android users and pave the way for further collaborations with regional financial institutions.