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The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority announced Saturday it is doubling the size of Oraseya Capital, its venture capital arm, to AED 1 billion. The increase builds on the fund’s original size of AED 500 million at its 2023 launch and aims to broaden investments in companies with international reach. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the authority, highlighted the step as a means to bolster Dubai’s role in venture capital and innovation.
“Reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for venture capital and innovation, and a base for global companies, we are doubling the size of Oraseya Capital’s fund, the investment arm of DIEZ, to AED 1 billion, to expand investment in companies with global potential,” Al Maktoum said in the announcement distributed by the Dubai Media Office. He added that the authority holds strong confidence in Dubai’s future as a global centre for capital and innovation. The goal is to convert that confidence into investments, companies and tangible economic opportunities supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 while enhancing competitiveness and the UAE’s standing in the new economy.
Oraseya Capital was launched in November 2023 with an initial AED 500 million to back technology startups from the pre-seed stage through Series B. The fund has since assembled a portfolio of 34 companies according to Caplight data. Its focus areas have included artificial intelligence, fintech, climate tech and consumer sectors.
Oraseya Capital has maintained its position as the UAE’s most active investor by number of deals for the third consecutive year per MAGNiTT’s H1 2026 ranking. During the first half of 2026 the fund participated in 15 new investments, marking a 25 percent rise from the same period a year earlier, authority figures show. Investments during that timeframe included Revora, an AI-powered e-commerce platform serving GCC markets, and Takeem, a proptech platform offering rent guarantee solutions.
DIEZ, which began operations in 2021, integrates management of Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity. The authority stated that the enlarged fund will further its contribution to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging technology fields. This expansion aligns with ongoing efforts to position Dubai as an attractive destination for innovative businesses and global investment.
Entrepreneurs can submit funding applications directly through Oraseya Capital’s dedicated website. The fund’s Sandbox programme provides selected startups with mentorship, investment readiness support and access to the broader ecosystem. One recent cohort of the programme drew 771 applications before advancing 16 companies to participate, according to authority records.
