The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has doubled the venture capital fund managed by its investment arm, Oraseya Capital, from AED500 million to AED1 billion.
The expansion is meant to back more companies with global growth potential and support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
DIEZ has also raised the maximum investment per company from US$3 million to US$6 million, or about AED22 million. That allows Oraseya Capital to join larger funding rounds and support firms at more advanced stages. Its scope now extends beyond UAE-linked businesses to include global companies of strategic relevance to the country, and its mandate covers founders at every stage, including beyond Series B.
Oraseya Capital has been the UAE’s most active investor by number of deals for three consecutive years, according to MAGNiTT. In the platform’s H1 2026 rankings, it placed first in the UAE by overall deal count and early-stage activity, and second across the Middle East and North Africa in both categories.
Since its launch in November 2023, the fund has built a portfolio of 66 active companies, with an average of 25 investments a year. Annual recurring revenue across these companies has grown from about US$180 million at the time of investment to US$387 million, with US$140 million generated in the UAE. Portfolio companies have raised a combined US$1.1 billion.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said the expansion reflects confidence in Dubai as a hub for technology leaders and helps promising companies grow into regional and global markets.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the fund will prioritise emerging technologies, including healthcare and longevity, fintech digital assets and artificial intelligence.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
