DXB Start

UAE-based fintech Sovra has raised over $2 million in pre-seed funding to develop a self-custodial global dollar account platform using stablecoin infrastructure.

VaultsPay, a CBUAE-licensed provider, partnered with SalisPay Technology Services to launch an advanced payments platform for UAE businesses. This platform offers comprehensive next-generation payment solutions to the market.

UAE-developed proptech platform Aqaree has officially launched to enhance property discovery and support the real estate ecosystem. This launch introduces new technology for property search and management in the region.

Abu Dhabi's Hub71 accelerator has selected two Indian startups, Uravu Labs and Endimension Technology, for its 18th cohort. These companies will join 25 other international startups establishing operations in the UAE capital.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has partnered with Huawei to launch the second edition of the Nafis International Programme, offering international training to Emirati tech graduates and students. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of future Emirati tech professionals.

Student enterprises PocketPal and Hydroguard have been named national champions at the INJAZ UAE Company Program Competition 2026. They will now represent the UAE at the regional competition, showcasing emerging entrepreneurial talent.

The Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital have launched the eighth 'Women in Tech' accelerator in the UAE, supporting women-led tech-enabled startups with investment readiness, funding, and global networks. This program boosts female entrepreneurship and innovation within the region.

Hub71 announced its support for the second edition of the UAE–India Start-Up Series, a program designed to help high-potential Indian startups expand into Abu Dhabi. This initiative offers access to funding, mentorship, and market entry opportunities, strengthening the UAE's role as a regional tech gateway.

UAE-based desert greening scale-up HyveGeo won Dubai Holding's Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, receiving a AED 500,000 cash prize and a fully funded pilot within Dubai Holding's ecosystem. This funding highlights investment in sustainable, circular economy solutions in the region.

TiE Dubai has opened applications for the 7th edition of its TiE Women MENA Program 2026. This regional accelerator supports women entrepreneurs.

Kitopi, the UAE-born cloud-kitchen operator, has raised $50 million in growth capital led by EvolutionX to scale its homegrown food brands across the GCC and accelerate international franchising.

Omnispay, a UAE-based fintech, has raised $2 million in a pre-Series A round led by Infinity Value Capital Group to expand from rapid-settlement payments into a broader AI-native finance platform for SMEs.

RemotePass, a UAE-founded global employment and payroll platform, has raised $17.4 million in a Series B round led by EBRD Venture Capital, with 500 Global participating, to expand across Europe and the United States.

Dubai-based Lyrie.ai has emerged from stealth with $2 million in pre-seed funding to build autonomous cybersecurity for AI agents, launching an open 'Agent Trust Protocol' for verifying and authorizing them.

Abu Dhabi proptech eVoost AI has raised $2.2 million (€2 million) in a Series A led by First Drop VC, with Hub71's Qora71 participating, to expand its AI platform for optimizing residential property sales.

Comfi, a UAE-based B2B embedded-finance platform, has raised $65 million in a pre-Series A round led by Iliad Partners to expand buy-now-pay-later financing for SMEs across the Middle East and North Africa.

Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has expanded to 390 companies, with its startups collectively raising over AED9.9 billion ($2.7 billion) in funding. This growth underscores Abu Dhabi's emergence as a significant technology hub in the region.

Anara Impact Capital announced the first close of its new MENA-focused fund at $48 million, providing fresh capital for high-growth startups across the region. This fund will support entrepreneurial development and innovation, including within the UAE.

UAE-based startups CargoX and SPARQ raised a combined $258.5 million in the first week of June 2026, with CargoX securing $250 million and SPARQ $8.5 million. These investments signify continued strong investor confidence in the MENA startup ecosystem.

Core42, a G42 company, has partnered with Open Innovation AI to integrate its sovereign AI stack into Core42's Compass API platform. This collaboration aims to provide enterprise customers with enhanced sovereign AI solutions.

US-based AI unicorn Positron has opened an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to address the rising regional demand for AI infrastructure. This expansion highlights Dubai's growing appeal as a hub for leading technology companies.

The GameForward accelerator program by Dubai SME and Dubai Culture is mentoring Emirati game developers for a Demo Day at GameExpo, aiming to commercialize their game concepts. This initiative supports local talent development and the growth of Dubai's gaming industry.

Anara Impact Capital announced the first close of its MENA-focused fund at $48 million, positioning it to invest in high-growth startups across the region. This capital infusion provides new funding opportunities for regional entrepreneurs.

The UAE's Ministry of Emiratisation and Human Resources mandated private sector salaries by the first of each month and lowered the legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18. These regulatory changes impact all businesses operating in the UAE.

UAE-based cross-border gifting platform Zuvees secured $1.6 million (INR 15 crore) in Series A funding from IvyCap Ventures. The capital will fuel expansion and enhance its AI-driven personalization features.

Dubai launched the 'SME in a Box' initiative, providing new SME founders with a single entry point for essential services and discounts exceeding Dh80,000 to streamline business setup. This initiative aims to reduce costs and simplify processes for new businesses entering the market.

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) partnered with MunichTech EXPO to boost technology investment between the UAE and Europe. This collaboration aims to create new opportunities for startups and foster cross-border innovation.

DMCC, Dubai's prominent free zone, launched new acceleration initiatives offering financial incentives, fee waivers, and regulatory flexibilities. These measures aim to reduce operating costs and support growth for its over 26,000 member companies, including many startups.

Dubai's Permus Software House launched Myndlab, the region's first native Arabic AI application builder, empowering GCC founders, developers, and SMEs. This tool enables rapid development of enterprise-ready apps and websites.

UAE telecom du launched 'du Ventures', a $50 million corporate venture fund in partnership with Shorooq to invest in regional startups focused on emerging technologies. This fund will provide crucial capital for tech innovation across the UAE.