Tech News
eToro and Arabesque AI launch Sharia-compliant portfolio powered by AI

- 84% of retail investors in the UAE consider ESG factors before investing.
- Over the past ten years, Sharia-compliant stocks in the S&P 500 have performed better than the index overall.
eToro, the trading and investing platform, has partnered with Arabesque AI, an investment advisory and technology company, to launch a new Sharia-compliant portfolio for users in the Middle East. Named ShariaAI-Growth, the portfolio leverages Arabesque’s AI technology and bank of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data to identify high-growth US stocks that comply with Sharia principles.
“Since our launch in the UAE six months ago, our goal has been to tailor our services to meet the evolving needs of our users in the region,” explainedGeorge Naddaf, GCC & MENA Regional Manager at eToro.“Our recent survey of retail investors in the UAE found that 84% consider ESG factors before investing, with 35% emphasising the importance of their investments being Sharia-compliant. We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Arabesque AI to offer a portfolio that leverages advanced AI technology and ESG data.”
Sharia-compliant investment products have provided competitive returns over the long term. The S&P 500 Shariah Index returned 14.25% per year for the 10-year period to the end of March 2024, compared to 12.96% per year for the regular S&P 500 Index.
Omar Selim, Group CEO of Arabesque said: “We are delighted to partner with eToro to deliver faith-based investment products at scale, powered by Portfolio Dragon and ESGBOOK.”
The ShariaAI-Growth portfolio comprises up to 40 US equities. The selection process is as follows:
- Step 1: From the pool of US stocks available on the eToro platform, only those with a market cap of over US$1 billion and an average daily trading volume of over US$10 million are eligible.
- Step 2: The eligible stocks then have to pass a business activities screen and financial ratio screens to guarantee their compliance with Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Sharia principles.
- Step 3: The compliant stocks are evaluated with Arabesque’s AI technology to select those with the highest expected returns, strong earnings growth over the previous 12 months and high ESG scores to be included in the final portfolio.
The portfolio is rebalanced quarterly taking into account expected returns, as well as risk and transaction costs. The Sharia screening process is based on the AAOIFI Shari’ah Standard No. (21).
Initial investment starts from US$500 and investors can access tools and charts to track the portfolio’s performance, while eToro’s social feed will keep them up-to-date on developments in the sector.
Tech News
Syncrow Revolutionises Smart Building Management with New IoT Platform SyncOS

Syncrow, a provider of scalable and innovative automation solutions powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), has launched SyncOS, a cloud-based IoT platform set to redefine smart building management across the GCC region.
SyncOS’ flexibility and scalability provide a more effective way for businesses and organisations to manage multiple buildings, floors, or rooms through the web or a mobile app. With this launch, Syncrow is expanding its lineup of comprehensive IoT and automation solutions that enhance efficiency, comfort, sustainability, and wellness across various sectors.
Featuring an intuitive dashboard, SyncOS gives property and facility managers all the information they need at a glance. This allows for easy monitoring and control of all connected devices, including lighting, water, HVAC, and security systems, across residential, commercial, and mixed-use environments.

Leveraging the power of IoT and smart sensors, SyncOS offers predictive maintenance capabilities by monitoring device health and sending out early warnings to reduce downtime and prevent costly failures.
SyncOS’ advanced technology enables a smooth transition from traditional wired systems. With Syncrow’s wireless-first approach, the platform transforms existing buildings into smart environments – delivering cost-efficiency, peak system performance, and minimal operational disruption.
To ensure effortless onboarding and rapid adoption of new smart devices, SyncOS supports over 60 device types, with more added on a regular basis. This wide compatibility allows businesses and partners to integrate their existing apps and ecosystems using open APIs and white label options.

One of Syncrow’s key focus areas with the launch of SyncOS is wellness. The company is committed to advancing people’s wellbeing by creating technologies that respond to increasingly stringent occupant health standards. The IoT platform is capable of automating key environmental factors, including thermal comfort, air quality, water purity and more.
The launch of SyncOS contributes to various government initiatives, such as the UAE’s Green Agenda – 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030. Both programmes emphasise the use of advanced technologies to promote energy efficiency and sustainable development.
With roots in the UAE and active operations in Saudi Arabia, Syncrow has critical hands-on knowledge and experience with building codes, technical standards, and project workflows in the region. The company has successfully delivered projects for leading brands across the GCC, demonstrating its capability to meet regional demands with precision and reliability.

Commenting on the launch, Syncrow Co-Founder and CEO, Talal Debs, says: “We developed SyncOS to combine the capabilities of legacy building management systems with modern controls, data, IoT automation, and cloud connectivity. Our platform enables businesses to benefit from real-time actionable insights with detailed device-level information to drive smarter decisions.”
“People today are more conscious than ever about their health and overall well-being, whether at home, at work, or while traveling,” Talal added. “At Syncrow, we’ve designed our solutions to prioritise these evolving needs by focusing on air quality and environmental wellness. By doing so, we’re not only improving people’s lifestyles but also enabling businesses to deliver healthier, more responsive environments for their customers.”
Following the launch of SyncOS, Syncrow will continue developing various smart automation solutions that are centred on the needs of the GCC markets and deliver long-term scalability and resilience in the fast-transforming region.
Tech News
OPSWAT and SentinelOne Enter OEM Partnership to Further Strengthen Multi-Layered Malware Detection with AI

OPSWAT, a global leader in critical infrastructure protection, and SentinelOne (NYSE:S) today announced their OEM partnership with the integration of SentinelOne’s industry-leading AI-powered detection capabilities into OPSWAT’s Metascan™ Multiscanning technology. This collaboration elevates malware detection across platforms, empowering enterprises to combat modern cyber threats with even greater precision and speed.
With SentinelOne’s AI/ML detection capabilities now part of OPSWAT’s Metascan Multiscanning, joint customers benefit from:
- Enhanced detection accuracy through industry-leading AI capabilities
- Cross-platform functionality, supporting both Windows and Linux deployments
- Stronger ransomware and zero-day threat defense with autonomous, cloud-independent operation

“OPSWAT’s mission is to ensure the secure and compliant flow of data across the world’s critical infrastructure,” said Tom Mullen, Senior Vice President, Business Development, OPSWAT. “Integrating SentinelOne’s AI detections strengthens Metascan’s multilayered defense, giving our customers faster, smarter protection against today’s most sophisticated threats.”
The inclusion of SentinelOne’s AI/ML detections in Metascan Multiscanning provides unmatched malware detection through simultaneous scanning with over 30 leading anti-malware engines, utilizing signature, heuristic, and machine learning techniques to achieve over 99% detection accuracy. The integration of SentinelOne’s AI/ML detections further amplifies this capability by identifying threats that bypass traditional defenses such as polymorphic malware.
“Our collaboration with OPSWAT reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cybersecurity through innovation,” said Melissa K. Smith, Vice President, Strategic Technology Partnerships and Initiatives, SentinelOne. “By integrating our AI/ML detections with Metascan Multiscanning, we’re delivering joint value that helps organizations elevate their threat detection strategies and better protect critical infrastructure across complex environments.”
This integration is available immediately as part of the latest Metascan Multiscanning release and supports key OPSWAT products both on-premises and cloud, including MetaDefender Core, MetaDefender ICAP Server, and MetaDefender Kiosk.
Tech News
PROVEN Reality Launches Comprehensive VR Lab Service Across the GCC


PROVEN Reality, a leading Virtual and Augmented Reality company, has announced the launch of a new service to help organizations establish a fully operational Virtual Reality (VR) lab. This service will help organizations set up a place to seamlessly integrate VR into their operations for education, training, and more.
The full-service offering will be an all-inclusive step-by-step solution designed for schools, universities, hospitals, and enterprises looking to adopt VR technologies without the hassle of going through a complex setup process.
“Virtual reality has moved from novelty to necessity,” said Pavel Makarevich, Vice President at PROVEN Solution. “With our VR lab service, PROVEN Reality can help institutions across the GCC take that critical leap—from passive learning and limited training models to immersive, high-impact experiences that improve outcomes and operational efficiency.”
A VR lab can be a dedicated, purpose-built space where everyone can experience immersive simulations using VR technology ideal for:
Universities – Using VR enables a more hands-on learning experience. For example, engineering students can now simulate complex machinery and electrical systems while medical students can safely practice procedures without risk.
Schools – VR transforms traditional classroom learning by making subjects interactive and engaging. The result is deeper engagement, improved comprehension, and stronger knowledge retention.
Enterprises – Businesses can use VR for onboarding, product design, and skill training simulations, such as crisis management and equipment handling, in a risk-free environment. VR can be utilized for real-time collaboration among remote teams and allow product prototyping in shared virtual spaces.
Hospitals – Medical students and professionals can safely practice surgeries and patient care scenarios in lifelike VR environments. Hospitals can also use VR to train staff in emergencies.
Backed by Expertise and Strategic Partnerships
PROVEN Reality draws on extensive experience in the GCC market, with a regional presence in Riyadh and Dubai. The company’s VR solutions are powered by partnerships with global hardware vendors, including HTC, PICO, Apple, and Magic Leap.
PROVEN Reality’s unique blend of in-house R&D, subject-matter experts, and a vast consultant network ensures sector-specific insight and robust implementation across any industry.
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