UAE startups are thriving in 2025, cementing the country’s position as a regional tech leader. With AED 1.99 billion ($541 million) raised in the first half of the year - an 18% increase from 2024 - the ecosystem is booming. Fintech led the way, securing AED 976 million ($265.8 million), followed by AI and Web3 ventures with AED 164 million ($44.7 million) each.
Here are the top 10 startups making waves this year:
These startups span sectors like AI, fintech, proptech, and food technology, showcasing the UAE’s diverse and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. With strong funding, international collaborations, and local talent, they’re shaping the region’s future.
G42, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is a technology company at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. Its work spans various sectors, including healthcare and finance, contributing significantly to the UAE's ongoing digital transformation efforts.
G42 has made strides in healthcare by introducing AI-powered solutions that improve diagnostics and enhance patient care across medical facilities in the UAE.
With substantial funding, G42 channels investments into infrastructure and research, bolstering the UAE's technology landscape and accelerating advancements in digital solutions.
Saal.ai, a Dubai-based startup, stands out in the AI landscape by specialising in data-driven solutions tailored for defence, healthcare, and smart cities. What sets it apart is its focus on Arabic AI capabilities, which address regional needs and enhance decision-making processes.
One of Saal.ai's standout contributions is its DigiXT platform, designed to deliver AI solutions across critical sectors. In July 2025, the company partnered with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to bring this platform into the classroom. This initiative aims to equip Emirati students with essential skills in AI and big data, ensuring they are prepared to lead in the country's digital evolution.
This collaboration reflects a strong alignment with national priorities, demonstrating Saal.ai's dedication to nurturing local talent and fostering the next generation of tech leaders.
Saal.ai has earned its place among the "Top 10 AI Startups in the UAE: Driving Innovation in 2025", as recognised by ainewshub.org [3]. Additionally, the company has been acknowledged for its automation solutions in the energy and finance sectors [3]. These accolades underscore Saal.ai's growing influence within the UAE's tech ecosystem.
As a contributor to the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 [2][3], Saal.ai addresses a critical gap by providing Arabic AI solutions that enhance the operational capabilities of businesses in the region. At "Make it in the Emirates 2025", the company showcased its locally-developed AI innovations, including its "Made in the UAE AI & Big Data" products and Agentic AI robots [1][4].
Saal.ai’s automation solutions are also making waves in the energy and finance sectors, helping traditional industries adapt to the digital age. By streamlining operations and supporting strategic decision-making, the company plays a pivotal role in the UAE's broader digital transformation efforts.
Derq, a Dubai-based startup, is making waves in transportation safety by using AI to tackle road fatalities and improve traffic and vehicle safety. As part of the UAE's push for groundbreaking advancements, Derq showcases how AI can reshape critical sectors.
In 2025, Derq earned a spot in the prestigious Presight AI-Startup Accelerator programme. By June of the same year, it stood out as one of only 10 winners from a competitive pool of 120 applicants spanning 17 countries[5][6].
Being selected for the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator - an initiative backed by G42 to support promising AI projects - highlights Derq's vital role in the UAE's growing tech ecosystem[5][6]. This recognition reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to cultivate impactful technology startups.
"Being named to the inaugural Presight AI Accelerator cohort validates our position as a global innovator in AI-powered transportation safety. This opportunity accelerates global market expansion for its proven technology."
– Dr. Georges Aoude, Co-Founder and CEO, Derq[5][6]
Derq's involvement in the accelerator programme is expected to amplify its influence within the UAE's AI landscape and beyond. The initiative is designed to scale AI startups with a focus on speed, measurable outcomes, and commercial viability - perfectly aligning with Derq's mission to expand its transportation safety solutions. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, emphasised:
"We launched this initiative to identify and scale the most promising AI innovations globally and integrate them into our ecosystem to drive transformative impact across industries."[5][6]
Prop AI is shaking up the real estate scene in the UAE with its cutting-edge AI-driven platform. Based in Dubai, this startup is making waves with its rapid growth and recognition in the industry.
In the first quarter of 2025, Prop AI saw its revenue more than triple. This impressive growth highlights the increasing demand for AI-powered property solutions in the UAE’s fast-paced real estate market. It also reflects the maturing PropTech ecosystem in the region and the rising influence of AI in transforming traditional industries.
In 2025, Prop AI earned the prestigious AI Seal of Excellence, becoming the first PropTech company to achieve this honour. This award acknowledges its significant role in supporting the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for AI innovation[7].
Prop AI’s momentum continued with the successful closure of its pre-seed funding round in 2025. The company secured US$1.5 million from a mix of prominent regional and international investors, setting the stage for further expansion.
The success of Prop AI is helping to establish the UAE as a hotspot for AI-driven real estate advancements. By attracting investors and skilled professionals, it’s contributing to the growth of the country’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Verofax is making waves in the compliance and commerce SaaS space with its Digital Passporting solution, which focuses on multi-tier supply chain verification and carbon emissions tracking. Based in Dubai, this startup is helping businesses navigate stringent environmental regulations while boosting operational efficiency.
The Digital Passporting solution developed by Verofax is a game-changer for businesses aiming to optimise supply chains and meet environmental compliance standards. By enabling accurate tracking of carbon emissions and seamless supply chain verification, the platform has become especially useful for exporters striving to lower costs and expand into the EU and US markets, where strict environmental policies are being implemented. This innovative tool has not only set new operational standards but has also earned widespread recognition.
Verofax's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company was named one of the Top Future100 pioneering startups by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of State for Government Development and the Future [8]. This honour underscores Verofax's contribution to enhancing the UAE's industrial competitiveness and its readiness to tackle future challenges in environmental compliance.
The Future100 initiative marks a significant step forward for the UAE's startup ecosystem, aiming to nurture 100 standout companies across key sectors. H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating:
"We congratulate the 100 companies that successfully made it to the final stage of the initiative's first edition to become the best 100 companies of the future, possessing pioneering capabilities for growth and healthy competition. We believe this is a turning point that will enable these companies to achieve more sustainable commercial success and access to regional and global markets."
Verofax’s inclusion in this elite group underlines its leadership in sustainability and compliance technology. It represents a significant step forward in the UAE's journey to becoming a global hub for cutting-edge, sustainable solutions. This recognition also aligns with the nation’s broader ambitions to set new standards for economic innovation and enhance its global standing in technology and environmental stewardship.
FACEKI is a UAE-based AI startup that specialises in FinTech, RegTech, and advanced Identity Verification solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the company is reshaping data security and streamlining customer onboarding processes to combat fraud effectively.
Recognised as one of the top 10 UAE AI startups for 2025 [3], FACEKI offers a robust suite of online fraud prevention tools. These include password-free biometric authentication, Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) verification, as well as anti-money laundering (AML) solutions [9]. Their AI-driven technology also supports document processing, customer onboarding, risk scoring, and fraud detection. With these capabilities, FACEKI has expanded its reach to serve clients across more than 30 countries [10]. By focusing on simplifying user experiences while addressing fraud, the company has made it easier and safer for businesses in highly regulated sectors to operate.
In 2025, FACEKI was honoured with the "Best Facial Recognition Authentication Platform Award in the Middle East" by the New World Report [10]. This prestigious award highlights the company's expertise in AI-powered digital identity verification, KYC procedures, digital onboarding, and biometric facial authentication. The Software and Technology Awards by New World Report celebrate industry leaders and innovators who are pushing boundaries and maintaining excellence in technology.
This recognition underscores FACEKI's role in bolstering the UAE's standing as a global technology hub. The company's accomplishments reflect the strength of the UAE's startup ecosystem, which continues to deliver AI and security solutions that compete on an international stage. Hamza Al Ghatam, Co-Founder & CEO of FACEKI, shared his thoughts on this milestone:
"We are very proud to be recognised as the best Facial Recognition Authentication Platform in the Middle East, we've put so much effort into our technology to ensure that it is indeed the best out there" [10].
FACEKI exemplifies how UAE tech startups are making a mark globally, positioning themselves as key players in the competitive fields of AI and security technology [10].
NextLevel AI, a startup based in the UAE, focuses on voice-first AI technologies with multilingual capabilities. Their solutions aim to simplify customer service and automate intricate processes on a global scale, setting the stage for their impressive growth trajectory.
NextLevel AI has created solutions that support over 100 languages. These include omnichannel AI voice agents, mobile chatbots, and call centre tools - all designed to improve customer service while reducing operational costs[3].
The company secured USD 666,100 in funding, which includes backing from Y Combinator. This investment not only validates their business model but also enables them to expand their technology infrastructure and strengthen their multilingual offerings[3].
This funding marks a significant step forward, allowing NextLevel AI to serve global enterprises effectively. It also highlights the growing strength of the UAE's startup ecosystem in advancing enterprise-focused AI solutions.
KLAIM has carved a niche for itself in the UAE's fintech landscape by digitising insurance claim management. The company is reshaping how insurance claims are handled across the region, bringing a modern touch to a traditionally complex process.
KLAIM's innovative efforts have not gone unnoticed. On 23 June 2025, at the Leaders in Fintech Awards - an event hosted by Entrepreneur Middle East in Dubai - the company was honoured with the "Best User Experience in Fintech" award. This accolade reflects KLAIM's ability to deliver intuitive and user-friendly solutions in the intricate world of insurance technology[11].
KLAIM's accomplishments go beyond awards; they signify its growing influence in the UAE's fintech ecosystem. By focusing on a user-first approach, the company is successfully bridging the gap between traditional insurance practices and modern digital solutions. This progress not only highlights the evolution of the UAE's startup culture but also reinforces Dubai's position as a leading tech hub in the region.
Ziina is making waves in the UAE's fintech scene by reshaping how digital payments work for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The startup is playing a key role in the UAE's transition to a cashless economy, offering practical solutions tailored to the needs of local businesses.
Ziina earned a spot at #37 in Forbes Middle East's "The Middle East's Fintech 50 2025" [12]. This recognition highlights Ziina's growing influence in the region's financial technology landscape and underscores its contributions to the fintech ecosystem across the Middle East.
One of Ziina's standout accomplishments is securing a payment services licence from the UAE Central Bank. This milestone allows the company to expand its offerings while adhering to the strict compliance and security standards set by the UAE's financial sector.
Faisal Toukan, CEO and Co-Founder of Ziina, expressed the importance of this achievement:
"Securing this license is a monumental step for us, reinforcing our commitment to the highest standards of compliance and security. The UAE's Central Bank has outlined a bold vision for financial technology, and we are thrilled to work closely with their team to support this vision. This regulatory approval allows us to expand our services further, strengthening our role as a dedicated financial partner for SMEs - the true backbone of the UAE's economy - by offering them a fast and secure way to send, receive, and grow their money." [13][14]
This regulatory approval positions Ziina for further market growth and strengthens its role in supporting SMEs.
Ziina's inclusion in Forbes' fintech rankings reflects the rapid development of the UAE's financial technology sector. The company's focus on SME-centric solutions aligns with the UAE Central Bank's vision and the nation's broader Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the digital economy's contribution to GDP [13][14].
Kitopi wraps up our list of the UAE's standout food-tech startups. This company has reshaped how restaurants operate through its cloud kitchen platform, allowing food brands to expand across multiple locations while maintaining top-notch quality and consistency. It’s a shining example of the innovation driving the UAE's startup ecosystem.
Kitopi has transformed the F&B scene by helping brands like Hotbun Sliders and Circle Café grow seamlessly. On top of that, its leadership has gained recognition for its efforts in sustainability and culinary excellence. Notably, Kunal Gupta was nominated for Sustainability Champion of the Year, while Mohamad Sami Ballout received a nomination for Tastemaker of the Year.
At the Caterer Middle East Awards 2024, Kitopi’s brands and team stood out with multiple nominations. Hotbun Sliders was in the running for Delivery-Only Brand of the Year, and Circle Café earned a nod for Independent Restaurant Team – Casual. Individual team members also received special recognition for their contributions [15].
The Caterer Middle East Awards 2024 saw over 1,300 nominations across various categories, and Kitopi’s presence in four of them highlights its growing impact on the F&B industry [15].
"With over 1,300 nominations in the mix, we couldn't be prouder of the impact our Kitopians continue to make in the F&B industry" [15].
This recognition not only cements Kitopi's position in the food-tech sector but also reinforces the UAE's status as a regional hub for culinary innovation.
The ten UAE startups highlighted here showcase the dynamic and growing tech ecosystem in the country. These companies span a variety of industries, including artificial intelligence, fintech, proptech, and food technology. Each one has carved out a distinct role within the UAE startup scene, strengthening the nation's position as a hub for innovation in the region.
| Startup | Industry Sector | Key Focus Area | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| G42 | Artificial Intelligence | AI infrastructure and cloud computing | Leading advancements in AI transformation in the UAE |
| Saal.ai | AI Technology | Machine learning solutions | Development of cutting-edge AI platforms |
| Derq | Smart Transportation | AI-powered traffic management | Implementation of intelligent transportation systems |
| Prop AI | PropTech | Real estate technology | Innovations in property market analytics and automation |
| Verofax | Verification Technology | Digital identity solutions | Creation of secure verification platforms |
| FACEKI | Identity Verification | Biometric authentication | Deployment of advanced facial recognition technologies |
| NextLevel AI | Artificial Intelligence | Enterprise AI solutions | Streamlining business process automation |
| KLAIM | InsurTech | Insurance technology | Development of digital insurance platforms |
| Ziina | FinTech | Digital payments | Launch of peer-to-peer payment solutions |
| Kitopi | Food Technology | Cloud kitchen platform | Revolutionising the F&B industry with digital innovation |
These startups are reshaping their respective industries with bold ideas and advanced technologies. For example, G42, Saal.ai, Derq, and NextLevel AI are pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence, showcasing how AI can be applied across infrastructure, transportation, and enterprise solutions. Meanwhile, Ziina and KLAIM exemplify the rapid growth of fintech in the UAE, introducing new ways to approach payments and insurance.
The variety of industries represented here underscores the strength of the UAE's startup ecosystem. From real estate technology to food innovation, these companies highlight how businesses can thrive across multiple sectors, supported by the UAE's robust infrastructure and funding opportunities. For entrepreneurs in the UAE, these startups serve as a blueprint for success, demonstrating the power of focused strategies and innovative execution in a competitive market.
This snapshot paints a vivid picture of the UAE's vibrant and fast-evolving startup landscape. The ten startups highlighted here showcase the nation’s growing stature as a global tech leader. From G42's advanced AI infrastructure to Kitopi's pioneering cloud kitchen model, these companies are setting benchmarks on the world stage.
What stands out is the variety of sectors these startups represent - spanning AI, fintech, property technology, and food innovation. This diversity speaks volumes about the UAE's robust startup ecosystem. Their milestones in funding and accolades further reflect the country's commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing forward-thinking solutions. Whether it's reimagining digital payments or transforming insurance, UAE fintech startups are reshaping traditional industries with fresh approaches.
The UAE’s unique position as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets offers its startups a competitive edge. Founders are tapping into local resources and expertise to deliver solutions that resonate globally, all while staying deeply connected to the Emirates.
The achievements of these startups not only elevate the UAE’s tech ecosystem but also pave the way for a lasting global presence. With platforms like Founder Connects fostering collaboration and networking, the UAE remains a magnet for entrepreneurial talent and innovation, solidifying its place as the Middle East’s leading destination for startups.
In 2025, UAE startups like G42 and Saal.ai are driving the country’s digital evolution. G42 is making waves in sectors such as government, space, and energy, showcasing the UAE’s growing influence in artificial intelligence. By forming strategic partnerships, the company is speeding up the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across critical industries.
At the same time, Saal.ai is advancing AI integration by collaborating with educational institutions and creating tailored enterprise solutions. Its initiatives are boosting capabilities in areas like education and space, aligning perfectly with the UAE’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for digital advancements. Together, these startups are reshaping industries and strengthening the UAE’s position in the global tech landscape.
The UAE's startup scene is making waves in industries like fintech, AI, and food technology, serving as a hub for fresh ideas and groundbreaking solutions. With significant funding and investment pouring in, startups in the region are creating advanced tools to solve challenges on both local and global scales. For example, UAE-based AI and fintech companies are pushing boundaries in areas like automation, digital payment systems, and data-driven services.
This thriving ecosystem thrives on collaboration, attracting talent from around the world and offering growth opportunities through incubators, accelerators, and direct links to investors. In the food technology sector, startups are embracing digital tools and innovation to address critical issues like food security, aligning with the UAE's sustainability goals. This dynamic environment gives startups the platform to grow and make a meaningful impact across various industries.
In 2025, funding and international partnerships are proving to be game changers for startups in the UAE. Just in Q3 of the year, investments in Dubai surged to an impressive AED 3.5 billion, giving emerging businesses the resources they need to grow and push boundaries. This influx of capital is enabling startups to broaden their services, embrace advanced technologies, and strengthen their foothold in highly competitive markets.
On the global stage, initiatives such as international tech events and competitions are paving the way for strategic alliances and cross-border collaborations. These efforts are boosting the UAE's standing as a global hub for innovation, creating an environment where startups in areas like fintech, AI, and space technology can thrive and make their mark.
