Funding News

UAE startups have collectively raised $595 million across 36 equity funding rounds in 2026 to date, according to a recent Tracxn report. The report also noted 15 acquisitions, highlighting active investment and M&A activity within the ecosystem.

Stitch, an operating system for financial institutions, secured $25 million in Series A funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. This investment marks a16z's first venture into the GCC region.

UAE startup Peekabox raised $1.5 million in seed funding to expand its app, which sells discounted surplus food from over 1,000 outlets. This initiative helps cut food waste and offers consumers more affordable options.

The UAE's AI sector is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by rumored sovereign AI funds and increased cross-Gulf collaboration. These developments are poised to provide significant opportunities for AI startups.

The UAE attracted $78 million in startup funding across eight deals in April 2026, leading the MENA region as total funding recovered to $150 million. This highlights the UAE's continued dominance in regional startup investment.

Egypt-based VC firm Averroes Ventures is establishing a new $50 million fund to invest in waste-to-value startups across the Middle East and North Africa. This initiative provides crucial funding for sustainability-focused ventures in the region.

Seven innovation-driven startups received Dhs367,000 ($100,000) each from Expo City Dubai Foundation's Global Innovators Programme. The funding supports their climate change-focused inventions, boosting sustainability efforts in the region.

UAE-based fintech Sarwa has surpassed $1 billion in client assets under management (AUM), marking a significant growth milestone for the platform. This achievement highlights the company's strong performance and growing influence in the region's investment sector.

Startup funding across the Middle East and North Africa reached $150 million in April 2026, with the UAE securing the largest share at $78 million across eight deals. This indicates continued investment activity within the region's startup ecosystem.

UAE-based FinTech Sarwa, founded in DIFC, has achieved USD 1 billion in client assets, reflecting strong growth in the region's retail trading sector. This milestone highlights the potential for homegrown FinTechs in the MENA market.

Dubai SME allocated $12 million to startups in 2025 through its Future Majlis program, supporting UAE national entrepreneurs in key technology sectors. This initiative aims to foster scalable business models and contribute to the launch of 27,000 projects by 2033.

A new report reveals UAE venture capital hit $2.1 billion in the first half of 2026, with FinTech attracting 42% of investments. This highlights significant growth and sector focus within the UAE startup ecosystem.

Empower India Limited has signed a term sheet to acquire a majority stake in UAE-based MABIL through a share swap agreement. This acquisition marks a strategic international expansion for the Mumbai-based firm into the Middle East market.

Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Ctruh secured $2.5 million in seed funding, bringing its total raised to $4.5 million. The company plans to establish on-ground sales operations in the UAE and US in 2026 to expand its spatial internet infrastructure.

Dubai-headquartered global gifting marketplace Udora (formerly Flowwow) raised $10 million in private funding to support its market expansion, including a Q3 2026 launch in Saudi Arabia. This funding enables the company to grow its presence across the MENA region.

Falcons of Majlis, the UAE's first trust-led startup investment platform, announced its four principal investors. This development aims to significantly accelerate and reshape the UAE's startup ecosystem by fostering a new investment model.

Dubai startup HasUsed raised $3.8 million via FasterCapital to expand its verified second-hand products marketplace, focusing on sustainability and AI-powered reviews. This funding will accelerate platform development and market reach for a sustainable e-commerce model.

The UAE has launched a new AED 1 billion fund to boost local industries, strengthen supply chains, and integrate AI across manufacturing, aiming to reduce import dependency. This initiative provides significant financial backing for industrial innovation and growth within the country.

Dubai-based startup Ray secured $1.2 million in seed funding to launch its powerbank-sharing service in Dubai. This investment will enable the company's expansion across the GCC.

Emirates Development Bank (EDB) plans to approve Dh8-9 billion in financing during 2026, targeting industrial startups and SMEs in key sectors. This initiative aims to bolster the UAE's industrial growth and economic diversification.

Dubai's ContentFlow, a media tech startup, secured $8 million in its Series A funding round. This investment will scale its AI-powered content creation platform and support regional expansion.

Horizon Ventures, a new venture capital fund, has achieved its first close at $50 million. The fund will invest in early-stage startups across the UAE ecosystem.

Dubai-headquartered fintech PaySwift closed a $15 million Series B funding round. This capital will accelerate its cross-border payments platform expansion across MENA and enhance its AI capabilities.

Dubai-based premium protein business CarniStore has received a $12.25 million strategic investment from the Emirates Growth Fund. This funding will support the company's expansion plans within the region.

Dubai-based Islamic digital bank Mal secured a substantial $230 million seed funding round. This positions it as a significant player in the region's fintech landscape.

Dubai hospitality tech startup estaie has raised a 7-figure pre-seed funding round. This investment supports its platform for extended-stay accommodations.

Brisk Gains Finance has acquired a Dubai-based perfume company and announced plans for a $50 million private equity fund to acquire and scale UAE SMEs towards public listings. This signals a new player focused on growth equity and M&A within the local market.

UAE-funded robotics startup XCath successfully completed the world's first-in-human telerobotic stroke procedure. This milestone follows a recent $30 million Series C funding round co-led by Crescent Enterprises.

Abu Dhabi-based Presight, in collaboration with Shorooq Partners, has announced its first six investments from its $100 million AI Innovation Ecosystem fund. This move signals a significant boost for early-stage AI startups, providing crucial capital and strategic support to emerging technologies in the region.

UAE-based Utexo secures $7.5M from Tether and Franklin Templeton to enable sub-second USDT settlements on Bitcoin.