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Meta And Startupbootcamp Launch MENA Agentic AI Drive
The three-month accelerator program will fast track AI startups in MENA through the Llama Design Drive, offering tech, mentorship, and funding support.
Meta has teamed up once again with Startupbootcamp to launch a new edition of the Llama Design Drive — a three-month accelerator program aimed at fast-tracking the development of agentic AI startups in the Middle East and North Africa.
At the heart of the initiative is Meta’s open-source Llama large language model, designed to help startups build intelligent AI agents capable of making autonomous decisions to solve real-world problems. These could range from virtual tutors and healthcare bots to energy efficiency tools and smart mobility assistants.
The program offers selected startups a complete support package: up to $25,000 in AWS cloud credits, mentorship from Meta engineers and AI specialists, and a series of workshops designed to help teams build and scale their products. The journey will culminate at the Llama Summit, where startups will pitch their solutions to regional stakeholders and international investors.
“Through Llama Design Drive, we’re co-creating with the region’s most promising founders, building AI agents that reflect the priorities, challenges, and opportunities of the MENA region,” said Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programs Manager at Meta.
This year’s focus on agentic AI — autonomous AI assistants — comes as the MENA region sees a surge in digital transformation. Governments are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, and enterprises are looking to automate more services across healthcare, education, public administration, and green transport.
Hani Murad, CEO of Startupbootcamp, emphasized the growing relevance of AI agents. “From conversational healthcare bots to digital tutors and public service assistants, agentic AI is uniquely positioned to unlock regional potential,” he noted.
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The 2024 edition of the program proved popular, drawing over 200 applications. 43 startups were selected across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, including Indigo Hive, Carbon Sifr, and Labib Technologies — each building AI solutions across sectors like sustainability, content creation, and accessibility.
Startupbootcamp’s timing couldn’t be better: The enterprise agentic AI market in the MEA region generated $102.2 million in 2024 and is projected to hit $1.07 billion by 2030. On a broader scale, the MENA agent market is forecast to grow from $213.1 million to $2.2 billion in the same period.
With regional AI models like UAE’s Falcon and Saudi Arabia’s ALLaM gaining ground, and workforce readiness initiatives accelerating, MENA is positioning itself not just as a consumer of AI — but as a global innovator.
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The Petshop Launches UAE’s First Pet Care Super App
Dubai retailer folds shopping, bookings and pet records into one mobile hub that features reminders, personalization, and more.
The Petshop has introduced a “Super App” that pulls together shopping, service bookings and pet records into a single platform, pitching it as the first integrated pet care app of its kind in the UAE.
The release turns the company’s stores, services and e-commerce operation into one connected system. Instead of juggling calls, WhatsApp chats and paper notes, customers manage everything from one account.
Each pet gets a dedicated profile. Age, diet, medical notes and behavioral traits sit in one place and update over time. For households with multiple animals, it’s a practical fix: fewer lost details, fewer repeat explanations at the counter.
That data feeds the app’s personalization. Reminders, recommendations and service options adjust to the specific pet rather than defaulting to broad prompts.
Grooming, boarding, relocation, aquatics and wellness services are booked through the same flow. Users can check availability, lock in appointments and see past visits without hopping between tools. All of the key services can be accessed and booked with a few taps.
The company says records and documents are stored with added safeguards, including verified digital paperwork for sensitive information, while usage signals trigger timely prompts without exposing private data.
“Over the past fifteen years, we’ve grown alongside the pet community in the UAE and seen how pet ownership has evolved,” said Amr Hazem Youssef, CEO of The Petshop. “For pet families, care now depends on continuity, accurate information, and services that match real life, not isolated transactions. This app brings those elements into one place with a structure that supports reliable care”.
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He added: “Pets have individual needs that change over time, and those needs shape daily decisions around routines, health, and wellbeing. By keeping information organized and connecting services within one system, we can reduce friction for pet families and deliver greater consistency across the experience.”
Founded in 2011, The Petshop now operates 11 outlets across the United Arab Emirates, including megastores in Dubai Investment Park and Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island, plus an online catalogue of more than 12,000 products.
The Petshop Super App is available on both the App Store and Google Play.
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