Jabbar Internet Group's Samih Toukan On The Evolution Of The MENA Startup Ecosystem As an entrepreneur well-versed in the MENA startup ecosystem, Jabbar Internet Group Chairman Samih Toukan had a lot to say in our latest edition of #EntMETalks.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

As an entrepreneur well-versed in the MENA startup ecosystem, Jabbar Internet Group Chairman Samih Toukan had a lot to say in our latest edition of #EntMETalks. He discussed the impacts of Maktoob's sale as integral in accelerating Souq's growth, and the indications of the Amazon-Souq acquisition as an avenue for employment for the region, and future investment opportunities. On the developments in the region's entrepreneurial scene, he comments, "We used to copy models outside [the region] and try to build something similar for our region, now we're seeing a lot of new ideas coming in. So now, I think, the future is going to see a lot of innovation."

Related: Fadi Ghandour On Amazon's Acquisition Of Souq, And Why MENA Should Do More

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

Mohamed Alabbar Announces Launch of Autobiography

Alabbar said he was "grateful to my greatest sources of support and inspiration: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and bin Rashid."

Finance

Startup Funding: Basil Moftah, Managing Partner, Key Capital

Basil Moftah shares the keys to winning investment.

Entrepreneurs

Uktob

Uktob has built a generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform and AI agents for the MENA region.

Growing a Business

How Building Tech With No Tech Background Taught Me the Most Valuable Skill in Business

The most valuable skill in business today is translation — the power to bridge vision and execution, clarity and complexity, strategy and reality.