The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a spot to grow for entrepreneurship and innovation in recent years. In the last decade, it has developed an outstanding startup ecosystem, drawing in passionate entrepreneurs and now increasingly also a network of angel investors and venture capital (VC) firms looking to invest in early-stage companies.
For entrepreneurs seeking angel investment in the UAE, it can be helpful to know which investors are worth approaching. This is a list of 20 of the most prominent angel investors in the UAE, who have invested in a variety of startups across sectors including fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, and sustainable tech.
These investors are known not only for their financial contributions but also for the mentorship, strategic advice, and network they provide to the startups they invest in. The VC ecosystem in the UAE is diverse and evolving, and these 20 angel investors are particularly noteworthy for their active engagement and personal touch in supporting small businesses and disruptive ideas.
Top 20 Angel Investors List for United Arab Emirates
Elissa Freiha
Elissa Freiha is one of the leading voices in the MENA startup scene. As the founder of Womena, she has built a platform dedicated to empowering women founders through funding, mentorship, and storytelling. Womena has supported numerous startups in creative industries, media, and social impact sectors. Freiha’s investment philosophy is rooted in inclusivity as she believes that investing in women isn’t just a matter of equality but a key driver for sustainable innovation across the region.
Mohamed Al Owais
Mohamed Al Owais has played a pivotal role in expanding the Emirates Angels network, one of the UAE’s leading early-stage investor groups. His focus lies in nurturing startups across AI, fintech, and logistics. Al Owais emphasizes innovation that contributes directly to national growth and supports founders with both strategic insights and financial backing. His pragmatic approach and industry experience make him a trusted name among early-stage entrepreneurs.
Sameh Al Qubaisi
Known for his strategic investments in sustainability and clean technology, Sameh Al Qubaisi is deeply involved in the UAE’s evolving startup framework. As Vice Chairman of Emirates Angels, he has been instrumental in bringing together investors who seek meaningful, long-term impact. His interest lies in startups that align with the UAE’s vision for a diversified, green economy, particularly in the renewable energy and agritech sectors.
Ali Sajwani
Ali Sajwani, also a part of Emirates Angels, brings extensive experience from the real estate and technology sectors. He has been investing in proptech and digital infrastructure startups that aim to modernize how urban spaces operate. Sajwani’s approach blends traditional business understanding with an eye for digital transformation, making him one of the most adaptive investors in the UAE’s fast-changing business ecosystem.
Yousif Al Mulla
A strong believer in the future of AI and renewable energy, Yousif Al Mulla has become known for backing purpose-driven entrepreneurs. His investments often combine profitability with social or environmental impact. Al Mulla has also mentored several founders in scaling their business models responsibly and efficiently, reflecting his vision of building a sustainable tech ecosystem in the Gulf.
Mohammed Al Nowais
With years of experience in finance and venture development, Mohammed Al Nowais supports early-stage founders who show leadership and innovation. Through Emirates Angels, he invests in startups with scalable models and high potential for cross-border expansion. Al Nowais’s contribution has helped bridge emerging entrepreneurs with investors across the Middle East and North Africa.
Tarek Al Nuaimi
Tarek Al Nuaimi focuses on startups in infrastructure, fintech, and logistics. His interest lies in businesses that solve complex, operational problems at scale. Al Nuaimi’s portfolio reflects his belief that strong fundamentals and long-term sustainability matter more than short-term gains. He also plays an active role in mentoring founders and helping them secure follow-up funding.
Sultan A.
Listed on the Angel Investment Network, Sultan A. is an active investor in consumer tech, SaaS, and digital media. Known for being a hands-on partner, he works closely with founders to refine business models and strengthen their go-to-market strategies. His portfolio demonstrates a blend of regional startups and globally scalable ideas that highlight his adaptive investment style.
Lee S.
Lee S. combines deep financial expertise with regional knowledge of the UAE market. His investments include proptech, fintech, and enterprise software startups that are shaping the future of digital business. Beyond capital, Lee plays the role of a mentor and advisor, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges in scaling operations and managing investor relations.
Adeeb Ahamed
Adeeb Ahamed is a multifaceted entrepreneur and investor who has been expanding his footprint across fintech, hospitality, and retail sectors. As the Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, he brings extensive financial expertise and a passion for innovation. Ahamed actively supports fintech startups that aim to drive financial inclusion and enhance digital payment solutions across the UAE and beyond.
Fadi Ghandour
Best known as the founder of Aramex, Fadi Ghandour has been a central figure in the region’s entrepreneurial journey. Through Wamda Capital, he has backed several high-growth startups in logistics, mobility, and e-commerce. Ghandour believes in creating ecosystems where innovation thrives and entrepreneurs receive not only funding but long-term strategic support.
Badr Jafar
Badr Jafar is an influential investor promoting sustainable and social entrepreneurship through Crescent Enterprises Ventures. His approach merges business excellence with social impact, making him one of the most forward-thinking voices in UAE’s investment landscape. Jafar’s efforts through the Pearl Initiative also emphasize ethical business practices and corporate governance across MENA startups.
Omar Al Mahmoud
At the intersection of innovation and policy, Omar Al Mahmoud leads the ICT Fund, supporting startups that are advancing the UAE’s digital transformation goals. His work includes funding tech companies focusing on AI, smart cities, and cybersecurity. Under his leadership, the fund has empowered several emerging founders to scale innovative solutions that contribute to the nation’s digital future.
Khalifa Fund
The Khalifa Fund serves as one of the UAE’s most impactful startup enablers. While it operates as an institution rather than an individual investor, its function mirrors that of a large-scale angel network. The fund provides financial support, mentorship, and business training to Emirati entrepreneurs, helping create a self-sustaining ecosystem of innovation and enterprise across the nation.
Dubai Angel Investors (DAI)
The Dubai Angel Investors network comprises entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and executives investing in early-stage technology startups. Their portfolio includes companies in fintech, logistics, and consumer platforms that are redefining digital experiences in the region. DAI’s collaborative model and focus on smart capital make it a go-to network for ambitious founders.
Shorooq Partners
One of the most active early-stage investment firms in the Middle East, Shorooq Partners sits at the intersection of venture capital and angel investing. They have been early backers of breakout startups such as Pure Harvest, Tamara, and TruKKer. Shorooq’s philosophy centers on “founder partnership,” offering operational support, strategic advice, and funding to build regionally dominant businesses.
VentureSouq
VentureSouq is a UAE-based angel investment platform that connects regional and global investors with curated startups across fintech, healthtech, and edtech. The firm is known for its founder-first approach and focus on transparency. VentureSouq’s extensive global network helps startups in the UAE access international capital and partnerships for expansion.
BECO Capital
BECO Capital has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s venture ecosystem. As an early investor in Careem, Property Finder, and Kitopi, BECO has consistently spotted high-growth companies. Their focus on early-stage tech startups has helped build a generation of regional unicorns. BECO continues to support entrepreneurs through capital, strategic guidance, and ecosystem partnerships.
Arzan Venture Capital
Arzan VC is one of the most prominent venture capital firms in the Gulf region, focusing on early-stage tech startups. With a presence in Dubai and Kuwait, Arzan VC has invested in several emerging startups in SaaS, mobility, and fintech. The firm aims to identify strong founders who can scale regionally while maintaining sustainable business practices.
Omar Al Busaidy
Omar Al Busaidy is one of the UAE’s most dynamic young investors, known for his deep interest in startups that blend innovation with cultural relevance. His portfolio spans sectors such as tourism tech, digital media, and education, reflecting his passion for connecting creativity with commerce. Having worked across government and private sectors, he brings a unique understanding of how policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship intersect in the UAE. Omar often mentors young founders, helping them refine business models and scale sustainably. His approach focuses on empowering homegrown talent and positioning the UAE as a global hub for creative entrepreneurship.
3 Tips to Find a Good Angel Investor in United Arab Emirates
Angel investors in UAE are a diverse bunch. From tech enthusiasts to real estate tycoons, each one has their own unique set of skills and experiences. For startups looking for investment, this means it’s not just about raising money anymore: it’s about finding the right fit. In an ecosystem as bustling with opportunities as Dubai’s, choosing who you want on board your journey can seem like a daunting task.
Yet with the right approach, founders can find investors who provide much more than just financial backing. Top angel investors in the UAE come armed with mentorship, industry knowledge, and networks that empower startups to scale in a sustainable way. When carefully selected, these individuals become more than investors and become a long-term partners who understand what it takes to build something from scratch.
1. Know Their Profile
Research the investor to make sure they are the right fit for your business. Remember that the best investors are those who become your partners and offer genuine value-addition in the long-term. An ideal angel investor in the UAE would be:
- Passionate about investing: They would be willing to put in significant capital and be open to co-investing as part of angel syndicates. In the UAE, some angels are also setting up formal VC funds.
- Long-term oriented: Angels who are willing to back a business for 5–7 years or more are ideal.
- Industry-Savvy: Experience and a track record in entrepreneurial or sector-specific endeavors are valuable, but not mandatory.
- Mentorship-Oriented: Not all investors take a hands-on approach, but a good angel investor is not just a chequebook but is willing to share guidance, strategic advice, and a few encouraging words on your journey.
- Local Angels: Especially for early-stage deals, angels who operate in the same city/region as your startup can be of tremendous value and make the working relationship easier.
2. Participate in Business Networks
In the UAE’s startup culture, networking remains a powerful avenue for connecting with the right angel investors. Cultivating strong relationships with business owners, mentors, and advisors can open doors to trusted investment opportunities. Warm introductions and industry connections can often make the most significant difference, rather than cold outreach.
Some of the most effective networking strategies for entrepreneurs in the UAE include:
- Warm introductions – Leverage connections through fellow business owners, mentors, advisors, or other reliable sources
- Startup hubs and business communities – Participate in events hosted by local startup hubs, business chambers, and industry associations where investors actively engage with founders
- Accelerators and incubators – Collaborate with leading accelerators and incubators that have strong investor networks and often connect early-stage startups with angel backers
3. Leverage Online Networks
Online platforms have opened the doors for founders to easily access investors in the UAE. This is a significant development for angel investors as it provides multiple avenues beyond direct, in-person interactions.
Digital channels enable entrepreneurs to connect with investors in trusted online platforms and environments. Some of the ways that help connect with angel investors online in the UAE are:
- Global investment platforms: Websites that highlight early-stage startups to potential investors.
- LinkedIn networking: This social media platform is highly effective for discovering, researching, and directly contacting investors. It is also a great way to establish credibility and become visible.
- Virtual events and demo days: Hosted by universities, business groups, or startups themselves, investors at these online events are actively scouting for investments.
4. Align on Vision and Value
Ask questions and make sure the investor sees the potential of your business and market. Angel investors should be:
- Market/Product Fit aligned
- Available at your business’s critical inflection points
- Mission/values/Growth (speed, growth, expansion, etc.) aligned
Conclusion
The UAE’s startup ecosystem would not be what it is today without the help of angel investors, funds, and networks that have the vision and support to see entrepreneurs and founders succeed, In fact, the best investors are those who work alongside founders with mentorship, guidance, and access to strategic resources beyond offering financial assistance which guides them to create a lasting impact. A good investor helps you to create more opportunities to build meaningful partnerships.
That’s where this compilation of the Top 20 Angel Investors in the United Arab Emirates is a great place to start for any founder in need of funding or resources. These investors are just some of the most active and trusted in the region, so they’re sure to be a great fit for any startup ready to grow its vision into a sustainable business.
Don’t know where to start your fundraising journey? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Platforms like Tablon is your bridge to connect with startups with investors online, access to the right resources and capital for your business is more available in the UAE than ever before.
Fill this form to get the list of 100 + investors from middle east
CONNECT WITH 100+ INVESTORS
