Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund is really stepping up its game, expanding its tools to champion entrepreneurship within the tourism sector. They've just launched the sixth edition of their 'Tourism Growth Accelerator' program, which is designed to fast-track startup growth and boost their investment readiness. This comes at a time when the Saudi tourism sector is experiencing rapid expansion and increasing competition for exciting investment opportunities. The program, delivered by the Saudi Tourism Development Fund through its Tourism Growth Center, is reshaping how support is offered to entrepreneurs. Instead of just focusing on direct funding, it emphasizes qualification, development, and building capabilities. This approach helps create companies that are more resilient and better equipped to thrive and expand in the market. This new edition of the program will run for four months, starting on April 13, 2026. It offers a fantastic suite of non-financial services, including specialized workshops, mentorship sessions led by experts in tourism and entrepreneurship, and direct connections between startups, investors, and key players in the sector. This model truly reflects a clear commitment to building market-ready companies by sharing practical knowledge and developing operational capabilities, moving beyond just traditional financial support.
Global Reach via Silicon Valley
Related editorial

Saudi TAWAL Eyes Mobily Tower Acquisition, Set to Boost Telecom Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia's telecom scene is buzzing with a potential major deal! TAWAL, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, is reportedly in talks to acquire over 10,000 telecom tower sites from Mobily. This significant acquisition would dramatically increase TAWAL's assets and solidify its role as the Kingdom's leading independent tower operator, driving forward Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure expansion.

Bank NXT and EFG Hermes Launch Egypt's First Card to Blend Daily Spending with Investments
Bank NXT and EFG Hermes have teamed up to launch Egypt's first co-branded credit card. This innovative card, designed specifically for EFG Hermes ONE clients, uniquely brings together banking and securities brokerage services, offering a seamless financial experience that connects everyday spending with investment growth.

Gulf Economies and Startups: Staying Strong Amidst Global Headwinds
Even with global challenges like rising costs and supply chain issues, Gulf markets are proving incredibly resilient. They're adapting well to changes, showing their strength in a tough environment.

Infinity Secures $15M Funding to Usher in a New Era for AI Software
Infinity, a company focused on AI infrastructure, has successfully closed a $15 million seed funding round, reaching a $100 million valuation. The company is developing innovative software to enable AI models to run across various chip types, aiming to reduce reliance on dominant closed platforms and offer greater flexibility to chip manufacturers.

