AI Robots Patrol the streets of China

DeepSeek is already powering humanoid robots, new venture funds for early stage starups, and more

Author

Amine Rabehi
February 21, 2025

Reading time: 2 & 8 minutes

Welcome to this weeks technology updates & insights Tech A newsletter.

Your 2-Minute Summary

KSA AI Investment Guide: New comprehensive report (in Arabic) maps government initiatives, funding programs, and practical steps for entrepreneurs. Includes guidance on licensing, registration, and building investor-ready businesses through entities like SDAIA and NTDP.

Palm Ventures' $30M Fund for early stage startups: Saudi-based VC announces initial close of Fund I, targeting early-stage MENA startups with strategic allocation for US-based AI opportunities. Backed by 40+ investors, including corporate CEOs and entrepreneurs, planning for 40 investments.

AI in Government Administration: Shenzhen, China deploys humanoid robots and 70 AI-powered "digital employees" using DeepSeek's language models, achieving 95% accuracy in administrative tasks. This highlights growing opportunities for AI implementation in business operations across regions.

UAE's New Robotics & AI Hub: Expo City Dubai partners with Heriot-Watt University to launch UAE Robotarium, offering startup incubation and PhD sponsorships.

Web Summit Qatar 2025: February 23-26, 2025 at DECC, Doha. Major tech conference connecting global entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

Interested to know more? Scroll below ⬇️ (10 minutes read)
Sometimes, this newsletter’s content gets truncated due to its length
Read Online 

Want to stay ahead and participate in MENA's tech evolution? Subscribe to receive similar insights each week. 👇️ 

📊 MENA Tech Updates

New AI & robotics research hub in Dubai

Expo City Dubai and Heriot-Watt University Dubai have partnered to create the UAE Robotarium, a cutting-edge AI and robotics research hub. The facility aims to foster innovation, incubate startups, and attract global AI talent.

Key Highlights

  • UAE Robotarium: A state-of-the-art AI and robotics R&D center established at Expo City Dubai.

  • Startup Incubation: The facility will support the growth and commercialization of new robotics technologies.

  • PhD Sponsorship: Expo City Dubai will sponsor PhD candidates through Heriot-Watt’s Centre for Doctoral Training to ensure a steady pipeline of AI talent.

AI robots & Digital Employees Deployed in China To Increase Government Efficiency

So..yes, humanoid robots have started to walk the street in Shenzhen, China. The robots have been deployed to assist in governance tasks such as patrols, public services, and administrative duties. These robots are part of a broader effort to integrate smart technologies into daily administration and improve efficiency.

On a less flashy subject, In the Futian district, 70 AI-powered "digital employees," using DeepSeek's large language models, have been deployed to handle administrative tasks with over 95% accuracy in document corrections. We’re working with an accounting firm in Europe, and I can tell you, the opportunity to implement AI in these business activities is massive.

💶 Tech Funding & Support programs

New $30 million fund for early-stage MENA startups

Palm Ventures, based in Saudi Arabia, announced the initial close of its $30 million Fund I. This fund aims to invest in early-stage startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a strategic allocation for US-based AI opportunities.

This venture fund aims to provide access to capital, mentorship, and a network of industry leaders and investors.

Key information:

  • Region: Startups in the MENA region + strategic allocation for investments in US-based AI startups.

  • Startup stage: Early Stage

  • The fund is backed by over 40 investors and advisors, including CEOs of leading corporations, serial entrepreneurs, and investment experts.

  • Palm Ventures plans to invest in 40 deals through this fund.

  • Portfolio companies include Nearpay (fintech), FIFOplus (B2B procurement), Erad (revenue-based financing), and Mala Inc. (B2B BNPL platform).

🗓️ Upcoming Events

Web Summit Qatar 2025

Web Summit Qatar is the Middle Eastern edition of the renowned global technology conference, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of technology. The event features a diverse range of talks, masterclasses, and networking opportunities.

  • Dates: February 23-26, 2025

  • Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Doha, Qatar

  • Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, startups, investors, technology professionals, and industry leaders seeking to engage with the global tech community.

You can register and learn more here.

🤝 Resources & Market Insights

AI investment in KSA report for entrepreneurs & investors

Saudi Arabia's AI market is set to contribute $135.2B to the economy by 2030. It’s always the biggest (might be the most difficult as well) market in the GCC region. Still, if you want to scale, expanding in KSA is a must for entrepreneurs. Here's some key information in the report (it’s in Arabic, you can use AI to translate) :

  1. Market Overview & Opportunities

  • Details Saudi Arabia's AI market potential, with expected AI contribution of over $135.2 billion (12.4% of GDP) by 2030

  • Highlights untapped opportunities across sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, military applications, and energy

  1. Support Ecosystem

  • Maps out key government initiatives including:

    • SDAIA (Saudi Data & AI Authority)

    • The National Strategy for Data and AI

    • Various funding and support programs through entities like NTDP

  • Details private sector resources and accelerators

  1. Practical Guidelines The report provides specific steps for entrepreneurs including:

  • How to obtain necessary licenses and registrations

  • Where to access government support programs

  • Guidelines for building investor-ready businesses

I’m definitely going to use this report to raise funds for one of Turalabs solutions (we develop AI & Automation solution for us & for businesses, so products area already under way 🙂 )

📧 Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe below

Amine Rabehi

🔍 Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 things I can help you with:

  • Tailored Smart Solutions (AI, Automation, Blockchain, IoT): with my team at TuraLabs, we help you assess where AI & other solutions can best provide value for your business (for free, not for long). We then build it for you.

  • Technology Solution/Product consultancy: I help you assess your product idea from a technological & business point of view. So far, I have built a network of professionals covering the MENA region in term of IP, Market Research.

  • Market entry strategy and support: understand the market, legal framework

Reply

or to participate.