SME Banking Push (Qatar): QNB launched “SME Local Business Boost,” a sector-focused events series bringing entrepreneurs and industry leaders together under Qatar National Vision 2030, with SME Banking VP Ismail Mandani Al-Emadi stressing innovation and private-sector growth. AI-Native SME Finance (UAE): Alaan rolled out what it calls the UAE’s first AI-native business bank account, bundling corporate cards, supplier payments (domestic and cross-border), invoice automation and accounting in one Shariah-compliant workflow. SME Super-App (UAE): du expanded its du Launchpad platform, an AI-powered “super platform” for micro and small businesses, combining accounting, HRMS/payroll, corporate tax filing, WhatsApp Business and invoicing to cut manual work and speed up compliance. Local Business Support (US): East Palestine’s village council approved a small business grant fund using $25,000 from settlement money, offering 50/50 matching grants for visible upgrades like lighting, signage, branding and facade improvements. Policy Watch (Korea): South Korea’s finance minister said the country will review differentiated income tax cuts for young workers at SMEs, potentially extending benefits beyond the Seoul area to support regional revitalization. Tech for Operations (UAE): Micropolis won a five-year Abu Dhabi municipal contract for an autonomous, AI-powered urban cleaning system, starting with autonomous sweepers and moving toward broader robotic services.