In H1 2024, startup funding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) totaled US$882 million. Among the various sectors, fintech stood out as the second most favored, attracting US$156 million across 50 deals and representing 17.8% of the total funding, according to a new report by Wamda and Digital Digest.

As fintech continues to grow and cement its position as a key vertical within the MENA startup ecosystem, a number of fintech events are being organized across the region. These events aims to serve as platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and the showcase of innovative solutions.

Today, we look at some of the top fintech events taking place in MENA in H2 2024. These large-scale events are expected to bring together some of the sector’s top innovators and entrepreneurs, providing a platform to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and pressing challenges facing the industry.

List of Top Upcoming Fintech Events in MENA in H2 2024

• Jordan StartUp Expo
• Middle East Banking Innovation Summit 2024
• Digital Transformation Summit Qatar 2024
• Tahawultech Conference 2024
• Techspo Dubai 2024
• Gartner CIO and IT Executive Conference
• Africa Tech Show Morocco 2024
• Step Riyadh 2024
• MENA Fintech Festival
• BITEX 2024
• Webrazzi Fintech 2024

Jordan StartUp Expo

August 14-15, 2024

Fairmont Hotel, Amman, Jordan

The Jordan StartUp Expo, scheduled to take place on August 14 and 15, 2024, in Amman, is a premier large-scale business-to-business (B2B) conference and exhibition in Jordan designed to bring together the country’s most innovative and emerging startups with leading regional solution providers, venture capital (VC) firms, angel investors, accelerators, and incubators.

The Jordan StartUp Expo aims to further fuel the growth of Jordan’s startup ecosystem by helping startups bridge the gap from idea to funding, and by providing essential solutions and infrastructure for scaling and progress. This event is expected to feature over 1,000 attendees, 200 startups, 50 speakers, 50 solution providers, more than 30 accelerators and incubators, and over 100 investors.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive entrepreneurial experience, including a startup solutions showcase, startup awards, government participation, investor meetings, a pitch competition, a hackathon, demo days, and a startup expo.

The expo will cover various solution provider categories, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, finance, accounting and payroll solutions, sales and marketing solutions, customer and employee experience solutions, human capital management, project management software, cloud, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation solutions, workplace and IT management, cybersecurity solutions, co-working spaces, and office infrastructure.

The event will also feature four new tracks, tackling key themes and issues in the startup ecosystem:

• The “Startup Development and Grassroots” track will discuss business models, pricing strategies, survival strategies, and cash flows, focusing on the essential tools for successful expansion;
• The “Performance, Technology, and Data Science” track will delve into the mechanics of successful startups, including AI, machine learning, and top tech innovations;
• The “Brand and Engagement” track will offer strategies for marketing, targeting new markets, and scaling efforts, featuring insights from growth hackers, marketing gurus, and social media experts; and
• The “Finance and Funding” track will explore funding models, investor relations, outreach processes, and exit strategies, providing concrete strategies to secure the necessary funding for startups.

Middle East Banking Innovation Summit 2024

September 18-19, 2024

JW Marriott Hotel Marina, Dubai, UAE

The Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS) 2024, taking place on September 18 and 19, will bring together more than 400 senior bankers from across the Middle East region. The primary objective of this summit is to explore the latest advancements in banking and fintech sectors.

The conference agenda will cover the most significant and disruptive trends in the banking industry. It will provide senior bankers and fintech leaders from the MENA region with educational case studies, panel sessions, and networking opportunities for face-to-face business discussions.

Topics will include the digital banking landscape, building digital payment hubs, omnichannel banking excellence, integrating AI and machine learning (ML) in banking operations, data-driven strategies for competitive advantage, transforming banking security through AI, open banking, monetization strategies in the digital age, and driving innovation and customer engagement in banking.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with senior leaders from various banking functions, including risk and fraud, retail, business and investment banking, IT and data analytics, research and development, customer experience, online and mobile banking, transaction processing and support, audit and inspection, cards, payments and merchant services, loans and mortgage, strategy and operations, and treasury.

Digital Transformation Summit Qatar 2024

September 19, 2024

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, Doha, Qatar

The Digital Transformation Summit Qatar 2024 will be held on September 19 at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel in Doha, Qatar. This event, now in its 31st edition, aims to assist businesses in identifying best practices for engaging users at all endpoints to embrace digital transformation effectively and sustainably.

The summit will bring together over 600 speakers and more than 400 sponsors. These speakers will include:

• Berthold Trenkel, Advisor to the Chairman of Qatar Tourism;
• Dr. Mohamed Elhindi, Chief Information Officer at Hamad Bin Khalifa University;
• Fethi Filali, Director of Technology & Research at Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC);
• Dr. Ali Al Sanousi, Executive Director of Clinical Information Systems at Hamad Medical Corporation;
• Max Renault, Director of Innovations in Global Precision Health at Weill Cornell Medicine;
• Firas Georges Khalil, IT Director at Baladna Food Industries, Javier Hernandez Fernandez;
• Technical Director at Iberdrola Innovation Middle East;
• Imran Chowdhury, Data Protection Officer at Al Jazeera Media Network;
• Abdul Samathu, Chief Information Security Officer at Mashreq Bank Qatar;
• Ugur Inal, Director of Information Technology at QTerminals; and
• Ali Awkal, Country Director of Information Technology at Hilton.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and grow through engaging discussions and collaborative workshops, explore the latest innovations in digital solutions, and gain insights from renowned innovation and technology experts.

The summit will offer collaborative partnerships and networking opportunities with industry peers and trusted technology partners, aiming to maximize return on investment for technology professionals and digital experts. Additionally, the event will unveil the DT 50, a compilation of 50 exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing technology in their respective domains.

Tahawultech Conference 2024

September 24, 2024

Address Sky View, Dubai, UAE

The Tahawultech Conference 2024, scheduled to take place on September 24, at the Address Sky View in Dubai, UAE, will gather industry stakeholders, thought leaders, policymakers, and top technology innovators to engage in vibrant discussions about the current and future technology landscape.

Hosted by CPI Media Group and Tahawultech.com, the event aims to serve as a nexus for exchanging insights, fostering collaboration, and envisioning the transformative potential within these key technological domains, providing a comprehensive view of the dynamic future ahead.

The event will focus on five critical areas of contemporary technology: AI, security, sustainability, smart mobility, and 5G. Attendees will explore how these trends are reshaping our trajectory, examining the intersection of innovation and industry. Finally, brands will get the opportunity to showcase their innovations and network with top decision-makers.

Techspo Dubai 2024

October 01-02, 2024

Hyatt Regency Dubai Hotel, Dubai, UAE

Techspo Dubai 2024, scheduled to take place on October 01 and 02 at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Hotel in Dubai, UAE, aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including developers, brands, marketers, technology providers, designers, innovators, and evangelists, to explore the rapidly evolving tech world.

The expo will showcase the next generation of technology and innovation, featuring Internet, mobile, adtech, martech and software-as-a-service (SaaS) technologies. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to show off their companies to consumers, the highest caliber investors, hordes of press, the most sought after talent, and the greatest pool of tech enthusiasts looking to celebrate emerging products.

Gartner CIO and IT Executive Conference

November 19-21, 2024

Dubai, UAE

The Gartner CIO and IT Executive Conference 2024, scheduled to take place from November 19 to 21, in Dubai, is a premier event designed to guide CIOs and IT executives through the future of business and technology, especially in times of economic and social volatility.

Attendees will explore innovative and transformational opportunities alongside a global community of experts and peers. The conference will provide insights and expert guidance on the future direction of technology, best practices for defining and validating IT strategies, and real-world examples of executing key initiatives. It will offer a range of interactive and collaborative sessions, including roundtable discussions, workshops, and executive stories.

The conference’s agenda will include several tracks, each designed to address specific aspects of technology and business transformation:

• Track A will focus on evolving CIO leadership and skills necessary to drive digital business transformation;
• Track B will delve into AI, emerging technologies, and innovation;
• Track C will address strategies to drive business value with risk management;
• Track D will explore the future of intelligent applications, focusing on new user experiences, capabilities, and platforms;
• Track E will be centered on building the digital foundation through the management and optimization of cloud, infrastructure, and operations; and
• Track F will focus on strategies to drive business value from data and technology.

Africa Tech Show Morocco 2024

November 20-22, 2024

Office des Foires et des Expositions, Casablanca, Morocco

The Africa Technology Show (AFTS) Morocco 2024 will be held from November 20 to 22 at the Office des Foires et des Expositions in Casablanca. The exhibition will gather manufacturers from diverse fields, showcasing the latest innovations in smart cities, fintech, consumer technology, and industry 4.0.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore dynamic displays showcasing cutting-edge developments poised to shape the future. Meanwhile, exhibitors will get to form new partnerships that will significantly contribute to the growth of Morocco’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

Step Riyadh 2024

November 26-27, 2024

The Arena Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Scheduled for November 26 and 27, 2024, at the Arena Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Step Riyadh 2024 is expected to be a premier event for Saudi Arabia’s top entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and tech enthusiasts. The event promises a comprehensive program featuring five content tracks, over 350 startups, and more than 3,000 attendees. Across two days, participants will experience Step’s renowned program, exhibition, startup activities, and diverse experiences.

Step Riyadh 2024 will draw more than 3,000 attendees and showcase over 350 startups across five conference tracks: the Start Track, the Fintech Track, the AI Track, the Digital Track, and the Wellness Track. The agenda will include a variety of talks, panels, fireside chats, and technical workshops covering topics such as startups, funding, digital media, fintech, and future tech. Step Riyadh will host over 200 startups, offering multiple programs and opportunities to connect with investors, clients, mentors, and partners.

Additionally, curated satellite events and meet-ups will facilitate networking across industries, job levels, and interests. These gatherings will be hosted by VC firms, incubators, digital agencies, and other partners. Furthermore, tech companies and brands from various industries will participate in the exhibition areas, engaging with startups and attendees to share the latest market innovations.

MENA Fintech Festival

December 03-05, 2024

Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Doha, Qatar

The MENA Fintech Festival, taking place from December 03 to 05, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha, marks the third edition of what was previously known as the Arab Fintech Forum. This year’s festival, now rebranded to reflect its expanded focus, promises to be a significant event in the fintech and financial inclusion sectors.

Originally a forum and exhibition, the MENA Fintech Festival has evolved into a comprehensive B2B matchmaking platform and industry gathering. This transformation aims to blend high-quality content with interactive and engaging elements, attracting a diverse audience that includes startups, investors, corporate entities, regulators, and stakeholders from incubators and accelerators.

The festival will feature a lineup of industry experts, cutting-edge topics, and unmatched networking opportunities. Attendees will experience keynote speeches from thought leaders, participate in interactive panel discussions, and engage in hands-on workshops that cover the latest trends and technologies in fintech.

BITEX 2024

December 03-05, 2024

Gulf Convention Centre, Manama, Bahrain

BITEX 2024, scheduled from December 03 to 05, at the Gulf Convention Centre in Manama, Bahrain, stands as a premier technology event in the country. This three-day technology exhibition, held concurrently with the MEET ICT Conference, will bring together a diverse array of ICT companies under one roof to showcase advancements in digital transformation within the ICT industry. The event aims to bolster innovative capabilities and empower the technology sector by presenting varied solutions and advancements.

BITEX 2024 is expected to bring together more than 1,500 visitors from around the globe, including a significant proportion of director-level executives and above. Attendees will have the chance to connect with business leaders, renowned innovators, high-profile investors, and decision-makers across both government and private sectors. They will also get to discover the latest technological breakthroughs, industry applications, and emerging trends. Exhibitors, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to present their innovations and engage in meaningful discussions that could drive future business developments and collaborations.

Webrazzi Fintech 2024

December 11, 2024

Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent, Istanbul, Turkey

Webrazzi Fintech 2024, scheduled for December 11, 2024, at the Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent in Istanbul, Turkey, will illuminate the future of the financial world. This event will focus on the evolving needs of consumers and the emerging technologies transforming the financial sector.

The conference will delve into key topics such as the advancement of banking, integration of blockchain technology, open banking, digital payments, and the financial applications of AI. Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders and entrepreneurs on these cutting-edge subjects.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various workshops led by prominent figures in the finance sector, offering a chance to enhance their expertise and stay ahead in the rapidly changing financial landscape.

Featured image credit: edited from wikipedia