The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has doubled the size of its Oraseya Capital venture capital fund from AED500 million to AED1 billion, strengthening Dubai’s position as a destination for startups, technology companies and international investors.
Announced on October 11, 2026, the expansion gives Oraseya Capital greater financial capacity to support promising businesses at different stages of development. The fund will also increase its investment limits and broaden its focus to include more established companies seeking capital for regional and international growth.
The move comes as Dubai continues to pursue its Economic Agenda D33, which aims to strengthen the emirate’s global competitiveness, attract investment and accelerate the development of innovation-driven industries.
Oraseya Capital Increases Investment Limit to $6 Million Per Company
The expansion brings a significant change to Oraseya Capital’s investment strategy. The fund has raised its maximum investment per company from $3 million to $6 million, allowing it to participate in larger financing rounds and provide additional support to businesses with substantial growth potential.
Previously, Oraseya Capital focused primarily on startups from the pre-seed stage through Series B. Its expanded investment mandate now extends beyond Series B, creating opportunities for more established companies that require additional funding to scale operations, develop products and enter new markets.
The fund will also consider international companies with strategic relevance to the UAE, even if they do not currently operate in the country. This broader approach could help Dubai attract foreign technology businesses looking for investment partnerships and opportunities to establish a regional presence.
Dubai Strengthens Its Position as a Global Startup Investment Hub
The decision to double Oraseya Capital’s funding reflects Dubai’s growing ambition to become a leading international centre for entrepreneurship and venture capital investment. Rather than concentrating solely on attracting newly established companies, the emirate is placing greater emphasis on supporting businesses throughout their development.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, highlighted the importance of strengthening Dubai’s investment environment and supporting companies capable of contributing to the emirate’s future economy.
The expanded fund supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which prioritises innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of globally competitive industries. By increasing access to venture capital, DIEZ aims to encourage more technology companies to develop their businesses in Dubai while creating opportunities for international expansion.
For entrepreneurs, access to larger investment amounts could make a meaningful difference. Companies developing advanced technologies often face substantial costs when hiring specialised employees, expanding infrastructure or entering unfamiliar markets. Additional funding can help address those challenges, although investment decisions will continue to depend on each company’s business model and growth prospects.
Oraseya Capital Portfolio Expands to 66 Active Companies
Since its launch in November 2023, Oraseya Capital has developed a portfolio of 66 active companies across several technology-driven industries. The fund has averaged approximately 25 investments annually, reflecting its growing involvement in the UAE’s startup ecosystem.
Companies within its portfolio have collectively raised approximately $1.1 billion in funding. Their combined annual recurring revenue has also increased from around $180 million at the time of investment to $387 million, according to figures released by DIEZ. Approximately $140 million of that revenue comes from business activity within the UAE.
These figures offer a clearer picture of the fund’s commercial reach. While startup investment announcements often focus on the amount of capital raised, revenue growth provides another indication of whether portfolio companies are developing sustainable business operations.
The larger AED1 billion fund gives Oraseya Capital additional resources to support existing investments and identify companies with the potential to generate long-term economic value.
Oraseya Capital Emerges as One of the UAE’s Most Active Investors
Oraseya Capital has established a strong presence in the regional venture capital market. According to investment data platform MAGNiTT, the fund ranked as the UAE’s most active investor by deal count in both 2024 and 2025.
The fund maintained its leading position during the first half of 2026 and also ranked first in the UAE for early-stage investment activity. Across the Middle East and North Africa, Oraseya Capital placed second in both categories during the same period.
Its investment activity continued to increase in 2026. During the first six months of the year, Oraseya Capital completed 15 startup investments, representing a 25% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The fund also received the Venture Capital Firm of the Year recognition at the Entrepreneur Middle East Awards 2025. These developments have strengthened its visibility among entrepreneurs and investors seeking opportunities in Dubai’s technology sector.
AI, Fintech and Healthcare Lead Oraseya Capital’s Investment Priorities
Artificial intelligence, financial technology and healthcare are among the sectors expected to receive greater attention under Oraseya Capital’s expanded investment strategy. The fund is particularly interested in AI applications, healthcare and longevity technologies, fintech and digital assets.
These industries represent areas where Dubai is seeking to strengthen its technological capabilities and attract businesses developing products for international markets. AI companies are increasingly creating solutions for enterprise automation, financial services, customer operations and data analysis, while fintech businesses continue to explore new approaches to digital payments and financial infrastructure.
Healthcare technology presents another area of opportunity, particularly as demand grows for digital health platforms, advanced diagnostics and technologies supporting longer, healthier lives.
Oraseya Capital’s existing investment portfolio also includes companies operating in property technology, education technology, sustainability, digital commerce, marketing technology and media. The expanded fund provides greater flexibility to invest across these sectors while pursuing businesses that demonstrate strong commercial potential.
SANDBOX and LAUNCHPAD Continue Supporting Early-Stage Startups
Although Oraseya Capital is expanding its focus to include more mature businesses, early-stage entrepreneurs remain part of its investment strategy. The fund will continue supporting emerging companies through its SANDBOX and LAUNCHPAD initiatives, which provide financing, mentorship and business development opportunities.
SANDBOX has completed eight cohorts and offers selected startups $150,000 in investment alongside guidance and access to relevant business networks. The programme helps founders refine their products, strengthen commercial strategies and prepare for future investment opportunities.
Interest in the initiative remains strong. During the first half of 2026, SANDBOX received 771 applications for its eighth cohort, with 16 companies ultimately selected to participate.
LAUNCHPAD provides a six-month support programme designed to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses and navigate the challenges associated with early-stage growth.
Maintaining these initiatives allows Oraseya Capital to continue identifying promising companies at an early stage while expanding its ability to support businesses requiring larger investments later in their development.
What the AED1 Billion Fund Means for Dubai’s Free Zone Economy
The expansion of Oraseya Capital could create additional opportunities within Dubai’s free zone ecosystem, particularly for technology companies considering the emirate as a base for regional operations.
DIEZ oversees Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity, three economic zones serving businesses across technology, logistics, trade, e-commerce and other industries. These zones provide infrastructure and business environments that support companies entering or expanding within the UAE market.
A larger venture capital fund complements that environment by offering eligible startups another potential source of financing. Businesses receiving investment may also require commercial licences, office facilities, specialised talent and access to regional customers as they expand.
For international entrepreneurs, Dubai’s geographic position and business infrastructure can provide access to markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Combining those advantages with stronger investment opportunities may encourage more technology companies to establish operations in the emirate.
The additional capital does not guarantee funding for businesses operating within DIEZ’s economic zones. Oraseya Capital will continue assessing investment opportunities according to its strategy and eligibility requirements.
DIEZ Targets Long-Term Growth Through Expanded Venture Capital Investment
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, emphasised the importance of strengthening the investment ecosystem and providing innovative businesses with the resources needed to grow.
The expanded Oraseya Capital fund reflects an approach that combines financial investment with business guidance, industry expertise and access to investment networks. For startups, those connections can be valuable when developing partnerships, entering new markets and building commercially sustainable operations.
Increasing the fund to AED1 billion also gives DIEZ more flexibility to support companies over longer growth periods. Businesses that initially receive early-stage financing may eventually require larger investments to expand their teams, develop new technologies or establish an international presence.
Dubai’s venture capital ambitions are becoming more closely connected to its wider economic development strategy. Supporting startups is no longer simply about helping entrepreneurs launch businesses. It is also about attracting companies capable of generating employment, developing technology and contributing to the emirate’s long-term competitiveness.
Oraseya Capital’s additional AED500 million creates more room to pursue those opportunities. How effectively the fund converts that financial capacity into successful businesses will be an important measure of its next stage of growth.