
I've been wanting to do an issue on AI for some time now, and it seems Magnitt has been reading my mind—just yesterday they shared a map of AI initiatives in the region, which beautifully complements some notes I sketched during my research.
And then there’s the new power couple of 2025; Saas & AI. Did you know that 70% of SaaS companies are now using AI?
Cherry on today’s cake: Insights from Gameball’s co-founder Ahmed Khairy.
AI was eating VC for breakfast in 2024 when it accounted for over 50% of global VC dollars. Turns out, if you sprinkle “AI” on your pitch deck, it’s like a magnet for term sheets.In the region, AI is expected to drive the local VC market to a projected $6.19 billion by 2030.

We can safely say today that the GCC is planting its flag as a global AI capital.
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Looking ahead, brace for more:

The new power couple of 2025: SaaS and AI AI (agentic AI to be precise) is reshaping the SaaS landscape by automating tasks that previously required multiple software tools or human input.In practice – globally:
I spoke to Gameball’s co-founder Ahmed Khairy about the impact of AI on their business. Quick recap: Gameball is a SaaS startup that uses gamification to offer intelligent and customizable loyalty and rewards programs, behavior-based notifications and referral management system, all within a single gamified experience.
Has AI impacted Gameball’s pricing model?
“AI is definitely shifting how we think about value delivery and pricing. While subscription isn’t “out,” it’s no longer enough. At Gameball, we’ve been experimenting with value-based pricing models tied to engagement outcomes, not just usage or features. AI lets us track and prove impact in ways that justify more dynamic models.”
How has it impacted your product roadmap?
“We’re moving toward predictive loyalty and intelligent user journeys. AI allows us to pre-empt churn, suggest optimal rewards, and personalize at scale. It’s speeding up cycles and elevating the whole product strategy.”
Is MENA’s SaaS M&A landscape heating up?
“We’re definitely seeing a shift. The consolidation game has started, especially for companies that own a niche or have built strong vertical moats. AI-driven differentiation is becoming a magnet for acquisition, and MENA’s SaaS ecosystem is now mature enough to spark serious interest, both regionally and from global players.”We’re no venture tourists at Arzan VC, but 2026 will be the year of AI… for the fifth time.
Eid Mubarak!
Hasan
AI ate half of global VC in 2024 and is now reshaping SaaS into its sidekick. The GCC is going all-in: Saudi’s $10 billion Humain wants to run 7% of the world’s AI, UAE’s MGX is managing $100 billion in AI assets (hello, Stargate), Qatar’s packing $2.5 billion and Oman’s quietly joining the race. Globally, 70% of SaaS players use AI, usage-based pricing is rising and M&A is heating up. Gameball’s co-founder Ahmed Khairy says AI is rewriting how they build, price and grow—proof that SaaS + AI is the power couple of 2025.