March 16, 2026

Builders don't pause - especially in MENA

Look around and you’ll notice something: MENA’s builders keep building – and hiring. Would you expect anything else though? I wouldn’t.

Today I want to highlight how founders across the Arzan VC portfolio are navigating these uncertain, stormy waters.

We currently have 30 active companies across three funds, most of them based in Riyadh and Dubai.Here are some of their latest wins and struggles.

Builders don't pause – especially in MENA

Arzan VC has 30 active portfolio companies across three funds, with most based in Riyadh or Dubai.

We’ve been in touch with several founders to find out how their teams have navigated the last 17 days.

Here are some of their latest wins and struggles, ranging from supply chain resilience, to supporting small businesses in local communities, to boosting engagement in uncertainty, to people-first leadership.(Many of our portfolio companies are also actively hiring – you’ll find open roles at the bottom of this newsletter.)

TruKKer has built resilient overland freight corridors - with fixed pricing

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered more than a shipping disruption - it has forced a supply chain redesign across the GCC. With maritime routes becoming less predictable, overland transport has emerged as the most reliable mode of moving cargo. Ports outside the Strait, including Khorfakkan, Fujairah and Sohar, are now critical gateways for inland markets across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. TruKKer, a Riyadh-headquartered digital freight network, responded quickly, activating a dedicated land bridge operation to keep cargo moving from East Coast ports into key consumption and industrial hubs. Starting with 100 trucks in continuous rotation, the company is scaling toward 500 trucks per day.

TruKker’s clients may route cargo through safer gateways and managed trucking legs, including:- Khorfakkan corridor → Dubai/Abu Dhabi → Bahrain/Qatar when required

- Sohar corridor → repeat cycles into UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah) + Oman- Jeddah corridor → Riyadh → GCC dispatch (Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan as conditions allow)

The company has also voiced its commitment to fixed, transparent pricing, no profiteering and no surprises. “TruKKer GCC teams are working 24/7 to complete pilots for various ports, including Jeddah, Sohar, Fujairah, Neom and Duqm, and we will publish fixed guidance rates to prevent unreasonable price escalations and profiteering,” assures founder Gaurav Biswas. ‍

Classcard turns challenge into opportunity for small businesses

Classcard, a Dubai-based edtech, has seen opportunity amid uncertainty, noting that while some people are leaving the UAE, many business owners remain – a positive sign for the platform. The team is exploring ways to turn this into a marketing opportunity by creating a list of customers offering classes for both kids and adults, helping the public discover available sessions and special deals.In addition, Classcard is planning a small business continuity meeting to share ideas and enable resource‑sharing among customers. As co‑founder Suraj Talreja explains, “we want to create a page for all our customers who are running classes, which we can market for them, and this will allow the public to discover available classes and avail of special price deals.” (Such a meaningful way to help small businesses in our communities!)

Merit strengthens client connections as engagement becomes more relevant

Over the past two weeks, Merit Incentives, a global engagement tech company based in Riyadh, has placed the safety and well-being of its team and their families at the forefront, encouraging employees to stay safe while leadership aligned quickly to assess the situation and plan next steps. Business continuity has been maintained, with operations running as usual.“We connected with many of our clients in the region and around the world. The level of support and solidarity we received has been incredibly reassuring,” says co-founder Julie Barbier-Leblan. These conversations have also reinforced the importance of engagement during uncertain times and Merit’s role has become even more relevant: “When companies need alignment, motivation and clarity across teams and markets, platforms like Merit become even more relevant. We are seeing clients lean on us even more to help keep their organizations connected and focused.”

Yamm continues uninterrupted, warns of supply chain risks

Khobar-based Yamm, a post-purchase logistics startup specialized in automated return and refund solutions, continues to operate as usual without any material disruption to the business. The team also has the flexibility to work fully remotely.

But co-founder Mohammed Al-Shalati cautions that “any prolonged disruption to regional supply chains could eventually influence merchant inventory levels and consumer purchasing behavior, which may have an impact on overall transaction volumes.”‍

Citron stays resilient, people first

At Citron, a Dubai-based lifestyle brand, operations continue normally and supply chains are functional. Citron’s team is focused on supporting partners and customers across its numerous markets, while prioritizing the well-being of employees and their families. As founder Sara Chemmaa emphasizes, “the well-being of our people and their families remains our top priority.” The moment may be uncertain, but the work continues. Across the Arzan VC portfolio, founders keep building and we’ll keep following their journey closely.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and blessed Eid Mubarak in advance.

Stay well and stay safe,

Hasan

TL;DR

Our founders, most of whom are based in Riyadh and Dubai, are adapting in real time: stabilizing supply chains, supporting small businesses in local communities, maintaining operations and prioritizing employee safety. Examples include TruKKer helping stabilize freight pricing, Classcard supporting local class providers and Merit helping companies stay connected. Despite the uncertainty, the message is simple: builders keep building (and hiring).

Family Postcard

  • Yozo’s voice-to-voice feature went live, letting customers describe a campaign or flow – whatever’s on their mind, in any language, slang included – and the agent takes care of the rest.Yasmina and RER signed a cooperation agreement to leverage real estate data in developing insurance solutions.‍
  • Lucky announced a strategic partnership with Suez Canal Bank to enhance credit accessibility and expand digital financial services in Egypt.‍
  • Zid participated in the Farah Clothing Initiative, which provides Eid clothing for beneficiary families.‍
  • Qoyod published a guide on how to prepare businesses for Zakat.‍
  • Money Fellows shared a guide on how to pay off holiday debt fast. According to studies, nearly 60% of people carry debt after the holiday season, often from gifts, travel and celebrations.‍
  • Citron’s founder Sara Chemmaa got featured in Gulf News. ‍
  • Mejuri was shortlisted for “Jeweler of The Year Award” by Positive Luxury.