Mal
About
AI-native Islamic digital financial platform focused on Shariah-compliant retail banking and financial products.
Recent News
Regional conflict drags MENA startup funding down 22%
MENA startup funding fell 22% in H1 2026 to $1.35 billion with deal count down 41%; funding was highly concentrated in a few large rounds (notably CargoX, Mal and CNTXT AI) and early-stage activity slowed markedly.
BlueFive backs Kling AI's $3B round, Amazon Now enters Egypt
Abu Dhabi-based BlueFive co-led a roughly $3B financing for Kling AI as it prepares for a Hong Kong listing; in MENA activity, Noon Academy (Riyadh) acquired Almakhfi and Keyper (UAE) raised $11M Series A while Amazon launched 20-minute delivery in Egypt.
Saudi Fintech Licences: The Startups Winning Central Bank Approval
Saudi Arabia's Central Bank (SAMA) has begun issuing live open banking licences in 2026, elevating a selective cohort of fintechs to fully regulated status and creating opportunities across payments, credit and treasury services. Notable companies in the cohort include Mal, Tabby and Jeel (Riyad Bank), with licensing expected to accelerate institutional partnerships and capital interest.