News
ASUS LOOKS TO MAKE A SPLASH

By Editor
With an Intel-powered architecture and a dynamic user interface, ASUS’s newest reincarnation of its ZenFone series has the brand making a real buzz in the regional smartphone market
The recent launch of the new ZenFone Series Android smartphones powered by Intel was a chance to showcase ASUS ZenUI, the all-new mobile user interface that comes with an assortment of new and innovative features. Among them is PixelMaster, a camera technology that enables capture of clear photos and videos in any lighting condition.
Other attributes of the new interface include a new visual design made to be efficient and inviting, contains modern ‘flat’ icons, vivid colour themes, animations, new ringtones and notification sounds, and a clean layout to present information clearly. ASUS ZenUI also includes two ASUS exclusive apps — What’s Next and Do It Later — designed to free users from actively having to manage the multitude of information they are confronted with daily, and enable them to be more productive. What’s Next puts the information currently most important and useful to the user — such as upcoming appointments, new messages and missed calls from VIP contacts, weather at the next destination, and more — front and centre on the lock screen, the home screen and in the notification drawer.
Leon Yu, ASUS Regional Director for System product group in Middle East Region introduced the three products targeting the entry, mid and the higher end users. ASUS, Yu observed, has delivered the phones at a very affordable price point which could likely help the Taiwanese brand market strong headway in the region’s smartphones market.
“The strength of ASUS lies in the innovation of all our products. We are looking forward to unveil the phenomenally crafted and affordable luxurious phone in the Middle East and surpass all expectations of our consumers who are always in search of incredible. We look forward to the region joining us in celebrating our brand spirit, and weaving technology into the fabric of our everyday lives,” added Yu.
The ZenFone Series run on the latest high-performance and power-efficient Intel Atom processors in a bid to deliver outstanding mobile experiences. At the launch, Taha Khalifa, Intel Regional General Manager, Middle East & North Africa said: “Intel is focused on driving innovation and by partnering with ASUS in this region, we are looking forward to the launch of the ZenFone smartphone series.
“Powered by an Intel Atom processor, we put the needs of our customers first – web pages download fast and users can quickly and seamlessly switch between apps. Gamers can now have realistic 3-D gaming experiences with high definition graphics. Additionally, our processor allows for energy efficiency, so you can talk and play without worrying about battery life. This is a prime example of Intel driving innovation in the smartphone arena, while being a forerunner in merging today’s ‘go’ generation and technology”, Taha added.
The phones are available with screens ranging from 4 to 6 inches and in a variety of striking colours. ZenFone 5 & ZenFone 6 models feature Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screens with Corning’s renowned scratch resistance and durability.
ZenFone 4 has a 4-inch display and is easy to personalize with swappable back covers available in Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, Sky Blue and Solar Yellow colours. It supports Micro SD cards up to 64GB, giving plenty of room to store photos, videos, apps, and more.
ZenFone 5 comes with a 5-inch HD IPS+ display that can even be used while wearing gloves. Its stunning design tapers to just 5.5mm at its thinnest edge. ZenFone 5 is available in Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, Champagne Gold and Twilight Purple colours. It is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera and is complemented with a high performance and power-efficient Intel Atom processors to deliver phenomenal mobile experiences.
ZenFone 6 offers a 6-inch HD IPS+ display complemented by SonicMaster audio technology to deliver immersive entertainment experiences. It is equipped with a powerful 13-megapixel camera for clear, high-resolution photos. ZenFone 6 is available in Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red and Champagne Gold colours.
ZenFone4 is priced at AED399 while ZenFone5 has a price tag of AED899 and the premium ZenFone6 is only AED1099.
Financial
SemanticPay: Pioneering Seamless AI Transactions for the Agent Economy

A cutting-edge AI startup emerges from stealth, announcing the launch of SemanticPay, a groundbreaking solution designed to power the emerging AI agent economy. SemanticPay is set to become the essential infrastructure that enables AI-powered agents to seamlessly transact and create value in the digital world. Developed by a team of AI, FinTech, and Web3 experts, SemanticPay will establish the monetization layer necessary to support autonomous AI agents, positioning itself as the first mover in this transformative space.
The rapid evolution of AI, decreasing compute costs and breakthroughs in AI models like DeepSeek R-1 are democratizing access to powerful AI leading to the proliferation of autonomous “AI agents” – intelligent systems capable of executing complex tasks, optimizing workflows, and unlocking new revenue streams. However, the current internet infrastructure, designed for human interactions, presents significant challenges for AI agents to transact seamlessly. “The internet was built by humans for humans, not agents,” says one of the co-founders of SemanticPay. Challenges arise such as compatibility issues with human-centric systems, regulatory uncertainty that slows adoption rate, restrictive firewalls that misidentify agents as bots, and outdated monetization models not suited for microtransactions.
This is where SemanticPay steps in – building the “Visa for AI” – a comprehensive platform that addresses these challenges and empowers AI agents to become full participants in the digital economy. SemanticPay builds a robust transaction infrastructure that allows AI agents to securely interact, access services, and engage in economic activity. By developing a specialized infrastructure, they will eliminate these constraints and unlock new opportunities for an AI-powered economy.
Key Features of SemanticPay Include:
- Access: SemanticPay’s Agentic API layer ensures that AI agents can access web services and data sources seamlessly, unlocking new opportunities for interaction and information retrieval.
- Identity: Traditional internet structures often categorize AI agents as bots, blocking their ability to perform legitimate tasks. Through Agent ID and “Know Your Agent” (KYA) protocols, SemanticPay establishes a secure, compliant framework for transactions, building trust and ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Payment: The platform will offer optimized payment rails, supporting fiat currencies, stablecoins, and cryptocurrencies for high-frequency, low-value transactions crucial to the AI agent economy.
- Empowerment: Value-added services such as data analytics, decision-making tools, and access to specialized AI models will enhance the capabilities of AI agents, driving efficiency and growth.
Rooted in the GCC, SemanticPay aims to scale globally, with its team currently having a presence in APAC and Europe. They are building the foundation for a new AI-powered economy that bridges the gap between web operators and AI agent builders – paving the way for a future where these intelligent agents play a vital role in our digital world, driving innovation and creating value for all stakeholders.
Financial
Hasnae Taleb and Jeff Ransdell to Drive Innovation in UAE with a $45 Million to Support UAE Startups

Jeff Ransdell, Managing Director and Founding Partner of Fuel Venture Capital, and Hasnae Taleb, Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, are making waves in the UAE investment landscape by introducing a $300 million vintage fund. This ambitious initiative dedicates $45 million specifically to fuel the growth of startups within the GCC region. The fund is strategically structured to offer regional investors a rare opportunity to capture exponential returns by backing high-growth ventures before they reach public markets.
The collaboration between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital takes the form of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), leveraging both firms’ unmatched expertise in capital markets and venture investments. With decades of collective experience, Ransdell and Taleb are uniquely positioned to guide companies through the critical phases of growth, scaling, and eventual public listings. Their shared vision is built on the understanding that private market investments in pre-IPO companies have the potential to generate immediate returns of up to 200% from day one, presenting a transformative proposition for investors across the UAE and broader GCC region.
The vintage fund provides access to an elite portfolio of high-potential startups backed by Fuel Venture Capital. Notable names include:
• Betr – A disruptive sports betting platform co-founded by Jake Paul, integrating real-time engagement with microbetting.
• Curve – A fintech innovator providing a single card that aggregates all financial accounts into one seamless experience.
• CookUnity – A chef-to-consumer platform redefining meal delivery with curated, gourmet-quality meals.
• Novopayment – A fintech infrastructure company driving digital payments innovation across the Americas.
• Aexlab – A pioneer in virtual reality gaming and social engagement technologies.
These companies are not just building market-leading products; they are poised to reshape industries and create outsized investment returns when they enter the public markets.
Jeff Ransdell and Hasnae Taleb believe in creating pathways for local investors to participate in the most promising global opportunities. This vintage fund provides GCC-based investors exclusive pre-market access to disruptive businesses that would otherwise remain out of reach until a much later stage.

Jeff Ransdell, founder of Fuel Venture Capital, brings a remarkable career spanning decades in public markets. As a former Managing Director at Merrill Lynch, he led a team responsible for managing a staggering $130 billion in assets for some of the world’s most influential investors. His deep understanding of capital markets, asset management, and scaling high-growth companies provides him with a unique ability to identify and nurture disruptive startups poised for exponential success.

Hasnae Taleb shattered barriers as the youngest equity trader on Wall Street and the first Arab African woman to achieve such recognition in global capital markets. Known for her sharp analytical mind and fearless decision-making, Taleb earned the nickname “Shewolf of Nasdaq” for her unparalleled ability and navigate high-stakes trading scenarios with precision. Now, as Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, she leverages her expertise in trading, equity markets, and entrepreneurship to build ecosystems that empower innovators and investors alike.
“Both Jeff and I understand what it takes to list companies and the immense value creation that occurs before a company goes public,” said Hasnae Taleb. “We are bringing this opportunity to investors in the region to give them access to exceptional returns and a strategic advantage over traditional investment avenues.”
Jeff Ransdell added, “The GCC market is evolving rapidly, and there’s a growing appetite for sophisticated investment vehicles. This fund delivers exactly that — it empowers investors to support transformative businesses while capturing the kind of returns typically reserved for institutional players.”
The introduction of this vintage fund and the strategic partnership between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital reflect a shared commitment to enhancing the financial ecosystem in the UAE and KSA. By supporting visionary entrepreneurs and scaling innovative businesses, the duo aims to foster sustainable economic growth and establish the region as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence and venture capital success.
Home Integrator
SEE Holding and Arabian Gulf Steel Industries Forge Partnership to Advance Sustainable Construction Practices

SEE Holding, the parent company behind The Sustainable City brand, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), marking a significant step towards advancing sustainable construction practices in the region. The partnership will prioritize the integration of low carbon steel in future projects, reinforcing SEE Holding’s commitment to selecting sustainable materials to achieve its net zero ambitions. Additionally, both entities will explore opportunities to promote circular economy practices, focusing on recycling and repurposing steel products to minimize waste and environmental impact.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at SEE Institute, SEE Holding’s knowledge partner and the region’s first operational net zero emissions building, underscoring a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
Faris Saeed, Chairman & CEO of SEE Holding, stated: “Achieving net zero emissions requires a holistic commitment to reducing both embodied and operational emissions across every facet of the built environment. Our partnership with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries reaffirms our dedication to selecting materials that align with our net zero strategy while driving innovation in sustainable cities and communities. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire transformative change in net zero construction practices across the region, redefining how sustainable infrastructure and cities are designed and built.” The collaboration extends beyond material selection, focusing on research and development (R&D) to innovate and refine techniques that enhance the adoption of low carbon steel in construction processes. Both parties will work together to develop new methodologies that optimize energy efficiency and reduce embodied emissions in building projects.
Asam Hussain, the AGSI’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The partnership with SEE Holding represents a significant step forward by driving sustainable transformation in construction practices in the UAE. Our collaboration will ensure that we structurally embed demand for low-carbon materials to seize the opportunity of accelerating decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sector. Together, we are advancing environmental sustainability and driving positive economic and social impact.”
AGSI is the World’s first Carbon Neutral Steel Plant and Low Carbon Steel Manufacturing Facility based in the UAE. The company is pioneering low carbon products play a critical role in decarbonizing not only the steel industry but also the built environment. By incorporating 100% recycled low carbon steel SEE Holding aims to significantly reduce embodied emissions while maintaining the highest standards of durability and strength required for modern construction. AGSI’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to minimize waste and energy consumption, aligning seamlessly with SEE Holding’s ethos of responsible urban development.
AGSI has also signed the Memorandum of Understanding with SEE Institute with a shared vision of advancing knowledge. Both companies will work together to introduce training programs targeted at architects, engineers, and construction professionals to raise awareness of low carbon steel benefits and foster its adoption across the sector. The partnership will also prioritize performance monitoring, implementing robust reporting mechanisms to track environmental impact, measure emission reductions, and enhance project transparency.
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