Investment across the MENA startup ecosystem slowed sharply in November, with 35 startups raising $227.8 million — a 71 percent month-on-month drop. The UAE captured $49 million across 14 deals, maintaining its second-most-funded position behind Saudi Arabia.
Fintech regained sector leadership with $142.9 million across nine deals, while e-commerce secured $24.5 million and proptech placed third. B2B startups dominated with $197.1 million versus $22.2 million for B2C.
Analysts characterized November's slowdown as a market in consolidation mode — a pause to preserve firepower while waiting for clearer valuation anchors heading into 2026.
