Dubai has emerged as one of the most exciting places to build a startup, drive innovation, and raise early-stage capital in recent years. In the past decade, the city has developed a robust startup ecosystem, driven by talent from around the world, government-backed programs, and an increasing group of angel investors who are keen to support and invest in the region’s next generation of founders.
For startups, finding the right investors can make all the difference when raising your first round. Below is our list of Top 20 angel investors in Dubai that you should be looking at for your next round of seed funding. The angel investors on this list have a history of backing high-growth startups in areas such as fintech, healthtech, SaaS, e-commerce, sustainability, and new technologies.
In addition to capital, they also offer mentorship, strategic insights, and access to networks that can enable early-stage founders to scale their startups quickly and efficiently.
Top 20 Angel Investors in Dubai
1. Elissa Freiha
A MENA region startup thought leader, Elissa founded Womena, a platform to elevate women-led startups with funding, mentorship, and storytelling. Her portfolio companies are primarily from creative industries, social impact, and inclusive innovation.
2. Mohamed Al Owais
An active member of Emirates Angels, he supports and invests in early-stage startups in areas like artificial intelligence, fintech, and logistics. He is known for his strategic approach and value-driven guidance, sought after by many founders in the early stages.
3. Sameh Al Qubaisi
A sustainability and clean tech enthusiast. He leverages his position as the Vice Chairman of Emirates Angels to support startups that are building impactful solutions in areas contributing to Dubai’s vision for a green economy like renewable energy and agritech.
4. Ali Sajwani
Ali is an investor with a track record in real estate and technology. He has made investments in proptech, tech-enabled solutions for the real estate industry, and digital infrastructure development. His focus is on transforming urban systems and supporting startups working to shape Dubai’s vision for a smart city.
5. Yousif Al Mulla
Yousif is an advocate of AI-driven innovation. He invests in startups that are not only profitable but also purpose-driven. As an investor, he is recognized for a mentorship approach that is sought after by many entrepreneurs.
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6. Mohammed Al Nowais
Mohammed has a background in finance and works with scalable startups with cross-border ambitions. He provides guidance to founders on accessing MENA investment networks and connecting to broader opportunities.
7. Tarek Al Nuaimi
Invests in infrastructure, fintech, and logistics-based startups that help his portfolio companies solve high-impact operational challenges. Tarek has a long-term vision and does not focus on short-term gains.
8. Sultan A.
An active angel investor in global angel investor networks, he invests in early-stage startups in sectors such as SaaS, digital media, and consumer technologies. He is a hands-on investor and supports the startups he invests in to refine their business models and marketing strategies.
9. Lee S.
Lee is a financial professional with a keen understanding of UAE markets. He invests in enterprise software, fintech, and proptech startups that are carving their own niches for the digital future.
10. Adeeb Ahamed
Adeeb is Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings. He makes investments in fintech, retail, and hospitality startups with a focus on digital payments and financial inclusion across Dubai and international markets.
11. Fadi Ghandour
Founder of Aramex and a veteran in the Middle East startup scene. Leads Wamda Capital to invest in high-growth mobility, logistics, and e-commerce businesses.
12. Badr Jafar
A champion for entrepreneurship with a social impact. Invests in sustainability, governance, and ethical business startups through Crescent Enterprises Ventures.
13. Omar Al Mahmoud
Heading up the ICT Fund, which has a mandate to invest in startups that drive Dubai’s digital transformation. Focuses on AI, cybersecurity, and smart city innovation.
14. Khalifa Fund
Technically an institution but Khalifa Fund’s support for Emirati founders is very similar to a large angel network. Funds startups and provides mentorship and capacity-building programs.
15. Dubai Angel Investors (DAI)
One of Dubai’s most prolific angel groups that invests in early-stage startups in fintech, consumer tech, and logistics. Their group-investment model filters for serious founders.
16. Shorooq Partners
A hybrid angel + early-stage VC firm with a reputation for supporting breakout startups such as Pure Harvest and Tamara. Invest with a “founder partnership” philosophy and offer deep operational support.
17. VentureSouq
A popular platform for angel investing that connects Dubai-based founders to a global network of angel investors. Strength in fintech, healthtech, and edtech. Transparent about processes.
18. BECO Capital
One of the household names in the Dubai startup ecosystem. An early investor in Careem, BECO invests in scalable tech businesses and has helped create multiple regional unicorns.
19. Arzan Venture Capital
Active in both Dubai and Kuwait, Arzan VC invests in early-stage SaaS, mobility, and fintech startups. With a focus on long-term scalability and sustainable growth.
20. Omar Al Busaidy
A young, dynamic investor with interests in tourism tech, digital media, and education. Known for mentoring young founders and supporting culturally relevant, homegrown innovation.
3 Tips to Find the Right Angel Investor in Dubai
1. Understand the Investor’s Profile
Look for investors who align with your industry, vision, and long-term goals. The best angels act as partners—offering guidance, introductions, and strategic insights.
2. Build Your Network
In Dubai, warm introductions are powerful. Attend startup events, join business communities, and connect with accelerators to meet investors organically.
3. Use Digital Platforms
Founders today can meet investors beyond in-person networks—via LinkedIn, online investment platforms, demo days, and virtual pitch events.
Conclusion
The angel investors in Dubai have been helping startups in Dubai scale their businesses by providing them with financial support, along with mentorship, networks and long-term assistance. This list of Top 20 Angel Investors in Dubai is a great resource for founders looking for early-stage capital.
Are you a founder looking to raise funds? If you do not know where to start your fundraising process, Tablon is an online platform that helps founders find verified investors, get access to curated investor lists and raise funds faster.
