Bybit and Ghaf Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Web3 Adoption in the Middle East

 

 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 12, 2025 — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter a multi-year strategic partnership. The alliance aims to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

 

This partnership underscores a shared mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life.

 

Ecosystem Growth and Startup Acceleration

Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners—Dubai’s pioneering blockchain-focused private capital firm—offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs plays a key role in scaling blockchain projects in one of the fastest-growing digital economies.

 

Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region’s digital transformation.

 

“Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region — one where crypto isn’t just adopted, but lived,” said Helen Liu, COO of Bybit. “From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we’re building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.”

 

Investing in Talent and Community

The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders.

 

Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region.

 

“This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets.”
said Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs

 

Lifestyle, Payments, and Cultural Impact

Beyond development, the partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai—demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending.

 

The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement.

With this MOU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond—contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA.

 

This strategic collaboration reinforces the UAE’s status as a forward-thinking jurisdiction and reflects Bybit’s long-term investment in the region’s digital future..

"باي بت" و"غاف لابس" توقعان شراكة استراتيجية بهدف تسريع تبني الويب3 في منطقة الشرق الأوسط

 

 

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة، 12 مايو 2025: وقعت "باي بت - Bybit"، ثاني أكبر منصات تداول العملات الرقمية حول العالم من حيث حجم التداول، مع "غاف لابس - Ghaf Labs"، شركة الاستشارات المتخصصة في تقنيات الويب 3 في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، مذكرة تفاهم لبدء شراكة استراتيجية طويلة الأمد بهدف تحفيز تبني العملات المشفرة، وتطوير منظومتها، وتوسيع نطاق استخدامها العملي في جميع أنحاء منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا.

 

 

وتعكس هذه الشراكة رؤية مشتركة تتمثل في ترسيخ مكانة المنطقة كمركز عالمي لتقنية الويب 3، وذلك من خلال تمكين الابتكار ودعم وضوح الأطر التنظيمية وتعزيز حالات الاستخدام الهادفة التي تدمج تقنية البلوك تشين في الحياة اليومية.

 

 

نمو المنظومة وتحفيز الشركات الناشئة

تقدم شركة "غاف لابس"، بدعم من شركة "غاف كابيتال بارتنرز"، الشركة الرائدة في مجال رأس المال الخاص في دبي والمتخصصة في تقنية البلوك تشين، خدمات استشارية وحاضنة أعمال مصممة خصيصاً لمشاريع الويب 3 في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا. وبفضل شبكتها الإقليمية القوية وخبرتها التنظيمية الواسعة، تلعب غاف لابس دوراً محورياً في توسيع نطاق مشاريع البلوك تشين في أحد أسرع الاقتصادات الرقمية نمواً.

 

 

وبموجب هذه الشراكة، ستعمل "باي بت" و"غاف لابس" معاً على توفير منح بدون حصص ملكية، ودعم الشركات الناشئة، والوصول إلى مصادر استراتيجية للمبادرات التي تخص تقنيات البلوك تشين والذكاء الاصطناعي والاستدامة – والتي تعتبر قطاعات محورية في مسيرة التحول الرقمي بالمنطقة.

 

وعن هذه الخطوة قالت هيلين ليو، الرئيس التنفيذي للعمليات لدى شركة باي بت: "تنطلق شراكتنا مع غاف لابس من رؤية مشتركة لمنطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا –لا تقتصر هذه الرؤية على تبني واعتماد العملات المشفرة فحسب، بل تتعداها لتشمل تطبيقها عملياً كجزء من الحياة اليومية. إننا نعمل على بناء الروابط التي تُدخل العملات المشفرة إلى صميم حياتنا اليومية، بدءاً من أدوات التطوير ووصولاً إلى دمجها في أساليب الحياة".

 

الاستثمار في المواهب والمجتمع

ستطلق هذه الشراكة أيضاً مجموعة من المبادرات التعليمية المصممة لرعاية وتنمية الكفاءات والمواهب المحلية في قطاع الويب 3. وتشمل هذه المبادرات شراكات جامعية، ومعسكرات تدريبية، وفعاليات هاكاثون للمطورين، بهدف تمكين الجيل القادم من مطوري تقنية البلوك تشين.

 

وعلاوة على ذلك، سيتعاون الطرفان في إعداد مواد تعليمية تهدف إلى رفع مستوى الوعي بتقنية الويب3 لدى المجتمعات الناطقة باللغتين العربية والإنجليزية في المنطقة.

 

وبدوره قال فراس الصادق، المؤسس المشارك والشريك الإداري في غاف لابس: "تجسد هذه الشراكة مع باي بت التزامنا المشترك بتطوير البنية التحتية لتقنية الويب3، والارتقاء بمستوى التعليم، وتفعيل المشاركة المؤسسية على امتداد منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا. نهدف سويةً إلى دفع عجلة الابتكار ومواصلة ترسيخ مكانة دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة كمركز عالمي للأصول الرقمية".

 

 

نمط الحياة والمدفوعات والتأثير الثقافي

إلى جانب التطوير، تُبرز هذه الشراكة الاستخدامات العملية للعملات المشفرة من خلال تطبيقات نمط الحياة مثل بطاقة باي بت. يربط هذا المنتج الأصول الرقمية بتجارب مميزة، بما في ذلك الوصول الحصري من خلال شركاء مثل فنادق جراند ميلينيوم في دبي، مما يدل على دور العملات المشفرة في تعزيز قطاعات السفر، والرفاهية، والإنفاق اليومي.

 

 

سيعمل هذا التعاون أيضاً على الارتقاء بمستوى الفعاليات الإقليمية، وذلك من خلال إطلاق فعاليات بارزة مثل "كأس كريبتو بولو - Crypto Polo Cup" و"كريبتو فايت نايب - Crypto Fight Night". تجمع هذه الفعاليات بين الفخامة، والرياضة، وثقافة الويب 3 لتعزيز الوعي والمشاركة.

 

وبموجب مذكرة التفاهم، ستتعاون "باي بت" و"غاف لابس" في بحث سبل تمويل الابتكار وتعزيز التكامل المؤسسي وتحديد تطبيقات مدعومة بتقنية البلوك تشين في مجالات التمويل والضيافة والتعليم وغيرها، بهدف الإسهام في إرساء بنية تحتية قوية للويب 3 في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا.

 

سيعزز هذا التعاون الاستراتيجي من مكانة دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة كقوة رائدة في مجال التكنولوجيا المتقدمة، ويجسد استثمار باي بت طويل الأمد في المستقبل الرقمي للمنطقة.

 

-انتهى-

Mamacita Ladies Night at Luchador

 

Thursdays Just Got Spicier

 

For the full details and high-res images, please click HERE.

 

Gather your amigas and head to Luchador every Thursday for an evening bursting with flavor and rhythm. From 7PM onwards, indulge in unlimited cocktails and grapes for just AED 99 for three hours.  Savor the taste of Mexico with a 30% discount on mouthwatering bites.

 

As the night unfolds, let the live band serenade you with Latin beats, setting the perfect backdrop for dancing and celebration.

 

Date & Time: Every Thursday | 7PM onwards

Location: Luchador Roof Cantina & Lounge, Aloft Palm Jumeirah

Price: AED 99 

For reservations, please WhatsApp 052 609 3371, call 050 192 1653 or email restaurants.aloftpalm@alofthotels.com

 

Huawei Digital Power's Innovative All-Scenario Grid-Forming Solutions Light Up Intersolar Europe

MUNICH, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Intersolar Europe 2025 is being held in Munich from May 7 to 9. Huawei Digital Power is showcasing its all-scenario grid-forming Smart PV+ESS products and solutions. These cutting-edge technologies and successful business applications help accelerate the construction of new power systems and drive the global renewable energy industry toward high-quality development.

Carbon neutrality and energy transition are now global missions. This calls for the construction of new power systems so that more renewable energy can be consumed and more power electronics equipment used throughout power generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. The new power systems integrate energy flows with information flows. Energy flows managed by information flows — known as "bit manages watt" — enable flexible dispatch, safety, reliability, and stable grid-forming control, making it essential.

In utility-scale scenarios, Huawei's utility Smart String Grid Forming ESS offers all-scenario grid forming, cell-to-grid safety, full-lifecycle optimal investment, and full-link digitalization. It has grid-forming capabilities for all scenarios, all grid conditions, and the full lifecycle of power generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. This means that Huawei's Smart String Grid Forming ESS can ensure stable grid forming at full ranges of state of charge (SOC) and short circuit ratio (SCR) and at any time. It is also future-proof, supporting continuous technological evolution.

• On the generation side, the solution can be adapted to any grid and power can be stably transmitted. The voltage, frequency, and power angle control functions and application effects are equivalent to those of synchronous condensers. The grid-forming ESS solution features simple maintenance and lower lifecycle investment.
• On the transmission and distribution side, the solution stabilizes voltage and frequency, supports black start, and mitigates weak power supply in load centers. As the electric power market is expanding from energy and capacity markets to ancillary service markets such as reactive power and inertia services, Huawei's Smart String Grid-Forming ESS continues evolving to meet customers' demands. It offers one platform that is adaptable to diverse business models and supports flexible evolution.
• On the consumption side, seamless on/off-grid switching and stable off-grid operation enable microgrids that are 100% powered by renewables.

Hierarchical control is vital for a microgrid system to achieve the optimal balance between economy and stability. Huawei's microgrid control system carefully considers time-based control and function implementation and is divided into three layers: stable grid-forming control, efficient coordinated control, and intelligent optimized dispatching. It provides strong technical support for the low-carbon and efficient energy transition of industries such as mining.

Designed to enable sustainable operations in the commercial and industrial (C&I) scenario, Huawei's 215 kWh Smart Hybrid Cooling ESS features proactive safety, premium quality, and higher profitability.

• Proactive safety: Huawei proposes the concept of "Cell-to-Consumption (C2C) Dual-link Safety Architecture," which refers to electrical and thermal link safety across cell, pack, system, and consumption. The ESS is certified by UL 9540A, VDE-AR-E 2510, and CE standards, and is the world's first product to obtain the L3 highest safety certification (Prime safety) by TÜV Rheinland.
• Premium quality: The ESS runs stably in extreme conditions, with no power derating at 50°C* or at an altitude of 4000 m*.
• Higher profitability: The unique pack-level optimization has been upgraded to version 2.0, achieving 91.3%* round-trip efficiency (RTE) and 100% depth of discharge (DOD) for more usable energy throughout the lifecycle.

* For details, see the product brochure.

The newly released Home Energy Management Solution 6.0 covers green power generation and intelligent energy consumption, leading the way in green home energy. This solution includes a full range of new products, such as the residential ESS LUNA S1-7kWh. The ESS has an industry-leading long-period warranty, over 40% more usable energy than the industry average, and on-demand capacity expansion to up to 252 kWh. It can also be used in a wide range of small-sized C&I and residential scenarios. In Huawei's residential exhibition area, visitors can experience a demonstration of the product's reliability and high-quality under extreme conditions, including 40 cm water immersion, 5-ton pressure, wind and sand resistance, and extreme cold.

Energy transition is not only technological innovation, but also a global effort to achieve sustainable development. Huawei Digital Power will continue innovating technologies, integrate "4T" technologies (bit, watt, heat, and battery), and work with global customers and partners to accelerate the construction of new power systems through all-scenario grid-forming solutions.

LG LEADS THE WAY IN ECO-FRIENDLY COOLING: INNOVATIONS DESIGNED TO SAVE THE PLANET

 

Cutting-edge technology and sustainable design combine in LG's air conditioning solutions, offering consumers a comfortable and environmentally responsible way to beat the heat Dubai, May 9, 2025 – Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to a greener and more sustainable future, LG Electronics (LG) continues to deliver innovative residential air conditioning (AC) solutions that will make you forget that it’s summer outside. By prioritizing energy efficiency, eco-friendly design, and advanced technologies, LG simultaneously empowers consumers to significantly reduce their environmental impact while enjoying personalized comfort within their homes. LG believes that sustainability and comfort are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary goals, where the company's dedication to developing eco-conscious AC solutions reflects a broader vision of creating a better future for generations to come. This commitment is evident in the advanced features and thoughtful engineering integrated into every LG cooling unit. One of the key innovations driving LG's eco-friendly approach is the DUAL Inverter Compressor; groundbreaking technology that delivers exceptional energy efficiency, resulting in energy savings of up to 65% compared to conventional ACs. This substantial reduction in energy consumption not only translates to lower electricity bills for consumers but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with powering their homes.  LG's commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy efficiency to encompass the entire product lifecycle, prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, minimizing environmental impact from production to disposal. Add to that LG's ThinQ ap, which provides users with valuable insights into their energy consumption patterns, empowering them to make informed decisions and to optimize their AC usage for maximum efficiency.  The inclusion of Gold Fin™ corrosion resistance, too, enhances the lifespan of LG AC units, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.  Underscoring environmental responsibility even further, LG utilizes R410a refrigerant – which boasts a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to traditional refrigerants, minimizing its impact on the environment – in its AC systems. LG ACs also meet and, in fact, exceed various energy efficiency standards and certifications, assuring  consumers that they are investing in products that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. By choosing LG AC solutions, consumers can create a comfortable and healthy home environment while actively contributing to a more sustainable future for all. Learn more about LG’s air conditioners, please visit: https://www.lg.com/ae/tropical-split-air-conditioners

Indulge in Exquisite Culinary Delights this Eid Al Adha at The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hilton

 

To mark the occasion, The Kitchens is hosting two unforgettable dining experiences, including the special Arafat Iftar and a vibrant Friday Brunch infused with authentic Italian flair

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (11 May 2025): Step into a world of mouthwatering flavour this Eid at The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hilton. Allowing you to embrace the spirit of togetherness, the inviting property presents two exclusive dining offers at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, The Kitchens. Showcasing a range of decadent dish, The Kitchens will be hosting an indulgent Arafat Iftar alongside a joyful Friday Brunch to celebrate the long weekend, with both experiences promising a symphony of international flavours, live cooking stations, and a captivating Italian-inspired ambience designed to elevate your Eid festivities.

 

Set within one of Jeddah’s most iconic hotels, the Eid offerings provide a harmonious blend of spirituality, indulgence, and heartfelt hospitality. Inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, The Hotel Galleria Jeddah merges Italian architectural grandeur with Saudi cultural warmth. Located steps away from the bustling Tahlia shopping district, the hotel is a haven for both pilgrims and leisure travellers during this sacred season, offering a soulful and sophisticated setting to gather with family and friends.

 

The Kitchens

The Kitchens Restaurant at The Hotel Galleria Jeddah is a culinary gem, beloved by locals and international guests alike. Famed for its “Vibes of Italy” experience, this lively destination offers a diverse buffet brimming with international dishes and authentic Italian specialities. Guests can savour everything from handcrafted pasta and gourmet burgers to freshly grilled meats, all served from dynamic live stations. The setting is further enhanced by elegant Italian décor and hostesses dressed in traditional attire, offering a truly immersive dining experience. With its inviting ambience and warm hospitality, The Kitchens is the ultimate spot to dine, unwind, and celebrate the joys of Eid.

 

Arafat Iftar

Gather your loved ones and break your fast on the sacred day of Arafat with a refined iftar experience at The Kitchens. This special evening invites guests to enjoy an expansive buffet featuring an array of local and international dishes, from savoury Arabic classics to rich Italian favourites. Live stations, aromatic spices, and the tranquil atmosphere create a memorable setting for reflection and celebration.

 

When: Arafat Day

Offer: Lavish international iftar buffet with live culinary stations and Italian-inspired décor

Price: SAR 219 per person, inclusive of VAT

*For reservations or more information, please contact +966535962414 or +966124222555

 

Friday Brunch

Make the most of the extended Eid weekend with an exuberant Friday Brunch at The Kitchens on June 6th. Perfect for families, friends, and groups, this brunch presents a curated selection of international dishes, vibrant live cooking counters, and a festive, Italian-themed setting. Inclusive of refreshing beverages and indulgent desserts, the experience is designed to delight all the senses.

 

When: Friday, June 6th

Offer: International buffet brunch with Italian flair, live stations, and themed entertainment

Price: SAR 219 per person, inclusive of VAT

*For reservations or more information, please contact +966535962414 or +966124222555

Communications Sectors Remain Highly Targeted by DDoS Attacks Across North Africa - NETSCOUT

MARRAKESH, Morocco – The ICT sector in the countries of North Africa is well developed, with Morocco leading the continent in internet usage at 92.2%, followed by Libya at 88.5% and Tunisia at 84.9%. It should come as no surprise then that the region’s ICT sector also recorded significant distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack activity as a rising trend during the second half of last year. This is according to the recently released NETSCOUT Threat Intelligence Report for July to December 2024, which again exposes a sophisticated and varying DDoS scenario across Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya.

Regional director for Africa at NETSCOUT, Bryan Hamman, notes: “The data, as analysed from the second Threat Intelligence Report for 2024, underlines a rapidly evolving DDoS threat landscape across North Africa, within which, in line with the situation in other parts of the continent, we are seeing increasingly advanced attacks on targeted sectors, particularly within the telecommunications and digital landscapes.”

Morocco once again recorded the highest number of DDoS attacks in the region, and in addition registered more strikes than it had experienced during the first half of the year. Tunisia also saw a spike in incidents, with its number almost doubling from the first half of the year. Libya topped the list of the highest number of vectors used during a single attack, while Algeria was the only country in the region where the recorded DDoS attacks decreased from the first half of the year. 

Adding to this, Hamman clarifies: “The NETSCOUT Threat Intelligence Report shows that wired telecommunications providers placed at or near the top of the most affected sectors in all four countries, with attacks on other telecommunications providers, including wireless but excluding satellite, also ranking highly.

“One of the primary ways threat actors monetise DDoS attacks is by threatening organisations with prolonged downtime unless a ransom is paid. Because the disruption of telecommunications services has a widespread impact, this makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals, due to its vast infrastructure, which underpins internet and communication services for both consumers and organisations.”

Besides wired and wireless telecommunications providers, other industries that suffered notable numbers of DDoS attacks within the North Africa region included web search portals and all other information services, computing infrastructure providers, the gasoline and natural gas industries, and shoe retailers, showing the planned targeting of particular industries per country.

Dominant vector types used in largest attacks

DDoS threat actors have various vectors within their arsenal. Libya recorded the use of 22 different vector types in a single incident, followed closely by Morocco, which experienced a multi-vector attack comprising 21 different vector types. Tunisia and Algeria trailed with 16 and six vector types in a multi-vector attack, respectively.

When looking at the prominent multi-vector attacks mentioned above, we find the following vector types being used including (but not limited to) the following:

·       Libya: DNS, DNS Amplification, ICMP, ISAKMP, L2TP Amplification, MS SQL RS Amplification, NTP Amplification

·       Morocco: CLDAP Amplification, DNS, DNS Amplification, ICMP, Jenkins Amplification, MS SQL RS Amplification, NTP Amplification

·       Tunisia: CLDAP Amplification, DNS, DNS Amplification, ICMP, NTP Amplification, NetBIOS Amplification, QOTD Amplification

·       Algeria: DNS, DNS Amplification, UDP, WS-DD Amplification

Bandwidth and throughput

Morocco experienced the largest attack recorded via bandwidth and throughput. The attack of 232Gbps / 50.19 Mpps outlined below is greater than the previous largest attack recorded in North Africa in the first half of 2024 (also in Morocco), which registered 210.65 Gbps and 20.38 Mpps. 

“The message is clear,” says Hamman, “in that we are seeing malicious actors continuously prepared to ‘up the ante’ and throwing everything into their arsenal during a planned and prolonged attack.”

·       Morocco: 232Gbps / 50.19 Mpps

·       Tunisia: 224.33Gbps / 21.2 Mpps

·       Libya: 172.68Gbps / 27.46 Mpps

·       Algeria: 71.93Gbps / 6.91 Mpps

Morocco: Still the cybercriminal’s main regional DDoS target

Morocco recorded 69,836 DDoS attacks, which was up quite considerably from 61,000 attacks over the first half of 2024.

Morocco was also the only country in which wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) was listed as the most targeted segment on the DDoS onslaught list, with 16,140 attacks. This is slightly down from the first half of the year, when this sector saw a total of 16,461 incidents. Attacks on wired telecommunications carriers came in second, with a total of 6,483, which was up from 6,022 for this sector over the first half of the year. We can see that both wireless and wired telecommunications carriers remain the primary focus for threat actors within the country.

 

The third most targeted sector during this period was shoe retailers for the second consecutive time, reflecting 63 incidents (down from 81 for H1 2024), with attacks on computing infrastructure providers (28), and web search portals and all other information services (23), rounding out the top five sectors most embattled in Morocco.

Sizable increase in Tunisian DDoS attacks  

The fact that DDoS attacks on Tunisia increased considerably possibly reflects its status as a burgeoning ICT hub within the region. We see 8,692 DDoS attacks for the second half of 2024, as compared to a total of 4,511 for the first half of the year. Most attacks (8,363) were once again targeted at wired telecommunications carriers, with web search portals and all other information services coming in next, at 259 attacks, and attacks on wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) coming in a distant third, at just 15 attacks.

“It is interesting to compare bombardments on wired and wireless telecommunications carriers for H2 to those same numbers for H1,” says Hamman. “Attacks on wired telecommunications carriers rose from 3,529 (H1) to 8,363, which was more than double. In contrast, those on wireless telecommunications reduced significantly, from 574 attacks in H1 to 15 in the second half of the year.” 

DDoS attacks rise in Libya as complexity and sophistication also increases

Libya experienced notably fewer DDoS attacks in H2 2024 when compared to Morocco and Tunisia, with a total tally of 1,635 attacks. However, this number was slightly up in volume from the 1,576 attacks that took place during the first half of 2024. 

“It is also worth noting that, while Libya’s total number of DDoS attacks is far lower than those of Morocco, it still faced the highest number of vectors in a single attack across the region, at 22,” notes Hamman.

“In addition, we observed strikes on critical infrastructure,” he adds, “with one aimed at a natural gas extraction plant, and 22 attacks on gasoline stations, once more underscoring the trend by cybercriminals to focus on specific types of target per country as well as region. This type of target could also potentially reflect a geo-political motive rather than being purely financial.”

Algeria sees its DDoS incidents drop by around half

Having again experienced the fewest DDoS attacks of the four North African countries, Algeria also saw a substantial drop in H2 2024. 

Algeria recorded 275 attacks in the second half of 2024, down by around half when compared to 452 over the first half of the year. The H2 attacks, consistent with a major trend across the region, almost exclusively affected wired telecommunications organisations with a tally of 205, with a maximum attack bandwidth of 4.37Gbps and an average duration of 12 minutes. 

The other main attacks (30) took place largely across all other forms of telecommunications companies across the country, with a far larger attack bandwidth (71.93 Gbps) recorded, but a shorter average attack duration of nine minutes.

Telecommunications: A lucrative target for DDoS threat actors 

“Across the four countries, we saw lower DDoS attack volumes, but evolving and increasingly intricate threats, with the DNS Amplification, ICMP, NTP Amplification and CLDAP Amplification vectors among the commonly used attack vectors, as well as a concerning trend toward more calculated and industry-specific campaigns,” says Hamman.

He notes that North Africa is continuing to ramp up its efforts to improve its digital and communications access for all citizens, through such initiatives as the implementation of the EU-backed Medusa project, which will establish an 8,700 km submarine fibre optic communications cable linking North African countries to Southern Europe.  

“As communications infrastructure continues to be implemented within the region, it is imperative for countries in North Africa to remain vigilant about protecting their vital telecommunications industry from potential DDoS attacks.Organisations must defend against data breaches, and sovereign states should encourage and reward the practice of such defences, which today can also have an impact at a national level. Being proactive is key in defending against today’s ultra-sophisticated, immensely powerful multi-vector and layered attacks,” he concludes. 

NETSCOUT is a leading provider of enterprise performance management, carrier service assurance, cybersecurity and DDoS protection solutions. For more information, please visit https://www.netscout.com/

Qlik Announces Close of Significant Investment Led by ADIA and Thoma Bravo

With strong market adoption and platform innovation, Qlik continues advancing enterprise AI with discipline and scale

Philadelphia and San Francisco, May 11, 2025 – Qlik^®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and AI, has announced the close of a previously disclosed significant minority investment led by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). As part of the transaction, Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, remains Qlik’s majority owner and has made a new equity investment alongside ADIA. A select group of institutional investors have also co-invested. The transaction, originally signed in November 2024, has now received all necessary regulatory approvals.

Qlik helps organisations move from AI ambition to execution by turning raw data into trusted insights and proactive decisions. Through a unified platform that integrates data, analytics, and governance, Qlik provides the foundation enterprises need to scale AI initiatives with confidence. Across industries, customers rely on Qlik to stay agile in the face of market shifts, global disruptions, and unexpected challenges.

“Support from Thoma Bravo and a long-term investor like ADIA reinforces the strength of our strategy and the results we’re delivering,” said Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik. “In a market full of AI ambition, Qlik stands out for execution—helping enterprises move fast, act with trust, and turn data into confident decisions. This investment enables us to stay focused and scale that impact.”

“Qlik has consistently executed against one of the most important challenges facing modern enterprises: turning data and AI into real business outcomes,” said Seth Boro, a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. “Our continued majority ownership and additional investment reflect our conviction in Qlik’s platform, its performance, and its ability to scale meaningful impact for customers worldwide.”

“Enterprises around the world are moving from experimentation to execution with AI, and that shift is accelerating demand for trusted, scalable solutions,” said Mike Hoffmann, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. “Qlik is uniquely positioned to meet this moment—at the intersection of data integration, governance, and analytics—making it a clear fit with our long-term thesis around mission-critical enterprise software. We’re proud of the significant growth Qlik has achieved since we took the company private in 2016 and are excited to continue this momentum with Mike and ADIA.”

Building on its recent acquisition of Upsolver and its advancements in agentic AI solutions and conversational analytics, Qlik continues to expand its unified platform for trusted, scalable AI. As enterprises invest in AI while seeking to lower costs and maintain trust across the AI value chain, Qlik is increasingly the partner of choice—enabling faster execution with open architectures, governed data, and timely insights.

Guggenheim Securities LLC served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Thoma Bravo and Qlik. Evercore served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to ADIA.