Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has doubled the venture capital fund managed by its investment arm, Oraseya Capital, from AED 500 million to AED 1 billion, equivalent to US$272.3 million. The expansion raises the fund's maximum investment per company from US$3 million to US$6 million, or AED 22 million. It also extends Oraseya Capital's investment mandate beyond Series B and allows it to consider international companies with strategic relevance to the UAE.
A Broader Investment Mandate
The increased fund size enables Oraseya Capital to participate in larger financing rounds and back companies at more advanced stages of growth. The fund will now support founders across every stage, including beyond Series B, while continuing to serve early-stage startups. It also broadens its investment universe to include global businesses that may not be directly linked to the UAE but hold strategic value for the country.
Alignment with Dubai's Economic Agenda
The move supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to strengthen the emirate's position as a global business hub and develop future-focused industries. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said the fund expansion reflects confidence in Dubai as a hub for technology leaders and a diversified, knowledge-based economy. He added that this confidence will be translated into tangible investments, companies, and economic opportunities that reinforce the UAE's position in the new economy.
Portfolio Performance and Economic Impact
Since its launch in November 2023, Oraseya Capital has developed a portfolio of 66 active companies, with an average of 25 investments completed each year. Annual recurring revenue across portfolio companies has grown from approximately US$180 million at the time of investment to US$387 million today, including US$140 million generated in the UAE. Companies in the portfolio have raised a combined US$1.1 billion, demonstrating their ability to attract further capital and sustain growth.
Market Recognition and Founder Support
Oraseya Capital has ranked as the UAE's most active investor by number of deals for the third consecutive year, according to venture capital data platform MAGNiTT. The fund was also named Venture Capital Firm of the Year at the Entrepreneur Middle East Awards 2025. It has completed eight cohorts of its SANDBOX program, providing selected companies with US$150,000 in investment, alongside the LAUNCHPAD program for entrepreneurs.
Emerging Technology Priorities
Oraseya Capital will place a strategic priority on emerging technologies, with a strong focus on healthcare and longevity, fintech, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. Its existing portfolio spans fintech, proptech, media and advertising, marketing technology, sustainability, healthcare, digital commerce, and edtech. The expanded mandate could allow the fund to remain involved with companies for longer periods and participate in later-stage rounds that require more capital.
The fund's expansion increases the capital available to startups and growth-stage companies seeking funding through Dubai, while broadening its reach beyond businesses directly connected to the UAE. The announcement does not specify how the US$272.3 million fund will be allocated across stages, sectors, or geographic markets. Key indicators to watch include the pace of capital deployment, the share of later-stage investments, and whether the wider mandate leads to more international deals.