Alaan
“Can a MENA-native AI spend management platform become the financial OS for Middle East businesses — owning corporate cards, business banking, cross-border payments, and accounting automation in one product?”
Founded in 2021 by two McKinsey consultants frustrated by the absence of locally accepted corporate cards in the Middle East, Alaan initially focused on prepaid corporate cards with expense controls for UAE SMBs. The company evolved from a pure corporate card into a broader AI-native spend management platform, layering on accounting automation and cross-border payments. In 2025, Alaan expanded into business banking proper — launching a dedicated IBAN account via Ruya Community Islamic Bank — effectively positioning itself as the financial OS for MENA finance teams rather than just a card product.