DIEZ Expands Oraseya Capital Venture Fund to AED1 Billion
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority has doubled its venture capital investment capacity, amplifying support for innovative companies at all stages of growth and reinforcing Dubai's prominence as a global centre for technology and entrepreneurship.
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority has announced a significant expansion of Oraseya Capital, its investment arm, doubling the venture capital fund from AED500 million to AED1 billion. This expansion represents a substantive commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
The increased capitalisation strengthens Oraseya Capital’s capacity to support companies with compelling growth trajectories and global potential. Complementing this enhancement, the maximum investment per company has been raised from US$3 million to US$6 million, equivalent to approximately AED22 million, enabling participation in larger funding rounds and support for companies at more advanced stages of development.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, noted that the expansion reflects confidence in Dubai’s trajectory as a technology and innovation centre, translating the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish a diversified, knowledge-driven economy. The initiative reinforces the emirate’s standing as a global hub for venture capital and future-oriented industries.
The fund’s investment mandate has expanded considerably. Beyond supporting companies throughout early-stage development, Oraseya Capital now extends its reach to companies beyond Series B, enabling backing of ventures with proven business models and demonstrated expansion potential. The scope has broadened further to encompass strategic global companies, opening access to opportunities across international markets.
Since its establishment in November 2023, Oraseya Capital has demonstrated remarkable momentum. The portfolio now comprises 66 active companies, with an average of 25 investments annually. The fund has completed eight cohorts of its SANDBOX programme, furnishing selected companies with US$150,000 in capital alongside structured mentorship through LAUNCHPAD, a comprehensive six-month entrepreneurial development programme.
The economic impact of these investments is substantial. Annual recurring revenue across portfolio companies has expanded from approximately US$180 million at the time of initial investment to US$387 million today, with US$140 million generated within the UAE. Portfolio companies have collectively raised US$1.1 billion, demonstrating their capacity to attract sustained capital and execute growth strategies on the global stage.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, emphasised that the doubling reflects the strength of Oraseya Capital’s investment methodology and its tangible achievements. The expansion positions the fund to respond to the aspirations of promising companies across all growth phases, creating opportunities for deeper investment partnerships and supporting the development of globally competitive enterprises from a Dubai base.
Investment focus areas encompass fintech, proptech, artificial intelligence, media and advertising, marketing technology, sustainability, healthcare, digital commerce and educational technology. Strategic priorities now include emerging technologies with particular emphasis on healthcare innovation, longevity solutions, fintech digital assets and artificial intelligence applications.
Oraseya Capital has established itself as the UAE’s most active venture investor by transaction volume for three consecutive years, maintaining its position as the country’s leading venture capital firm in both 2024 and 2025 according to venture capital data platform MAGNiTT. In the first half of 2026, it ranked first in the UAE by overall deal count and early-stage investment activity, placing second across the Middle East and North Africa region in both categories. The fund received recognition as ‘Venture Capital Firm of the Year’ at the Entrepreneur Middle East Awards 2025.
Source: WAM