Dubai is fast becoming a powerhouse in the global startup ecosystem, attracting ambitious founders, bold ideas, and an increasing flow of venture capital. With its strategic location, progressive regulatory environment, and strong government backing, the city has become a magnet for innovation across sectors like fintech, climate tech, Web3, healthtech, and consumer brands. At the heart of this transformation is a dynamic group of venture capital firms and investors who are not only funding startups but also actively shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region. This list highlights the top VC leaders and firms driving Dubai’s rise as a startup and investment hub.

• Fadi Ghandour (Founder and CEO, Wamda Capital): Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman of Wamda Group, is a pioneering force in MENA’s startup ecosystem, driving investments and ecosystem-building across the region. As the co-founder of Aramex, he made history by taking it public on Nasdaq—an Arab world first. Beyond business, he champions social impact through Ruwwad for Development. Ghandour remains a cornerstone of Dubai’s venture capital and entrepreneurship landscape.

• Ali Almajthoob (Managing Director, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP)): Ali Almajthoob, Managing Director at MEVP, brings over nine years of hands-on experience in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. At MEVP, he leverages his background with startups, incubators, and development institutions to back early-stage innovation across the MENA region. Previously, he played a key role at Bahrain Development Bank’s Rowad program, supporting SMEs with funding and mentorship. 

• Omar A. Almajdouie (Founding Partner, Raed Ventures): Omar A. Almajdouie, Founding Partner at Raed Ventures, is a visionary leader shaping the MENA startup ecosystem. With 17+ years in corporate leadership, including as CEO of Almajdouie Manufacturing, he now backs transformative startups like Mrsool, Foodics, and Trella. A staunch advocate for digital disruption, Omar launched Raed Ventures in 2015 to fuel tech-driven innovation. He also serves on key boards, including Endeavor Saudi Arabia and SVCPEA.

• Hasan Zainal (Founder & Managing Partner, Arzan Venture Capital): Hasan Zainal, Founder & Managing Partner at Arzan Venture Capital, has been a key force in shaping the MENA startup ecosystem since 2013. With prior experience at Global Investment House and multiple entrepreneurial ventures under his belt, he brings a sharp investment acumen. An INSEAD MBA graduate, Hasan actively mentors startups and sits on prominent boards. 

• Ramez El-Serafy (CEO, Flat6Labs): Ramez El-Serafy is the CEO of Flat6Labs, MENA’s leading seed and early-stage VC firm. Under his leadership, the firm has become a powerhouse for nurturing startups across Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. He has been instrumental in scaling Flat6Labs’ regional impact through top-tier accelerator programs. 

• Dany Farha (Co-founder & Managing Partner, BECO Capital): Dany Farha, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at BECO Capital, is a prominent figure in Dubai’s VC landscape with over two decades of entrepreneurial and investment expertise. Known for co-founding Bayt.com and later launching BECO in 2012, he has backed standout startups like Property Finder and Kitopi. 

• Samih Toukan (Chairman and CEO, Jabbar Internet Group): Samih Toukan, Chairman and CEO of Jabbar Internet Group, is a pioneering force in the Middle East’s tech investment landscape. Under his leadership, Jabbar has backed several high-growth startups, including the successful exit of InstaShop to Delivery Hero. With a sharp eye for digital innovation, he has shaped the region’s startup ecosystem. Toukan remains a key driver of venture capital in Dubai and beyond.

• Namek T. Zu’bi (Founder & Managing Partner, Silicon Badia): Namek T. Zu’bi, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Silicon Badia, is a top-decile global venture capitalist with 100+ tech investments across 15+ industries. Backed by 15+ years of experience, he has led 35+ successful exits, including IPOs and SPACs. A Carnegie Mellon graduate and ESG-certified investor, Namek is known for building Silicon Badia from scratch into a globally respected VC firm. His sectors include healthcare roll-ups/scale-ups, real estate strategies, sports, and biotech.

• Paul Chucrallah (Managing Director, Berytech Fund II): Paul Chucrallah, Managing Director at Berytech Fund II, is a seasoned venture capitalist driving innovation across the MENA region. With a deep focus on tech-enabled startups, he brings decades of leadership in investment, strategy, and ecosystem building. Paul has played a pivotal role in nurturing Lebanon’s entrepreneurial landscape. 

• Sonia Weymuller (Co-Founder and General Partner, VentureSouq): Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner at VentureSouq, is a driving force in MENA’s VC landscape, backing transformative FinTech and ClimateTech ventures. With a global outlook and deep regional roots, she combines strategic insight from roles at Microsoft, Viacom, and Turner. A Kauffman Fellow and Yale alum, she champions education and female entrepreneurship through platforms like Sheraa and Cartier Women’s Initiative. 

• Firat Ileri (Managing Partner, Hummingbird Ventures): Firat Ileri is the Managing Partner at Hummingbird Ventures, with a strong track record in scaling high-growth startups since joining in 2012. His portfolio includes Anima, Aspire, BillionToOne, and OneCard, among others. Prior to Hummingbird, Firat contributed to the success of companies like Gram Games and Peak Games. With a background from MIT and experience at J.P. Morgan, he brings a wealth of expertise in emerging markets and tech investments.

• Yadin Kaufmann (Co-Founder, Sadara Ventures): Yadin Kaufmann is the Co-Founder of Sadara Ventures, the first venture capital firm dedicated to the Palestinian tech sector. With a passion for fostering innovation in underserved markets, Kaufmann has played a pivotal role in driving investments and building scalable tech startups in Palestine. His expertise in venture capital and commitment to regional economic growth has earned him a prominent place among Dubai’s top investors.

• Jad Salame (Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Phoenician Invest): Jad Salame is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Phoenician Invest, a leading venture capital firm managing over USD 35 million in funding. With expertise in financial analysis, private equity, and investment advisory, he focuses on early-stage investments in Fintech and disruptive sectors across the MENA region. Jad’s strategic insights and hands-on approach make him a key player in the Dubai VC landscape.

• Antoine Boustany (Managing Director, Saned Equity Partners): Antoine Boustany, Managing Director at Saned Equity Partners, plays a pivotal role in fostering early-stage innovation across the MENA region. With deep expertise in private equity and venture capital, he backs scalable startups with strategic guidance. Boustany’s leadership has helped Saned become a key player in Dubai’s startup ecosystem. 

• Dounia Boumehdi (Managing Director, MNF Ventures): Dounia Boumehdi, Managing Director at MNF Ventures, brings over two decades of private equity and venture capital expertise to the MENA region. She has played a key role in deploying and managing multi million-dirham funds, supporting high-impact ventures. Prior to MNF Ventures, she shaped early-stage investments at CDG Capital Private Equity. 

• Sanjeev Kohli (Founding Partner, Glowfish Ventures): Sanjeev Kohli, Founding Partner at Glowfish Ventures, is a seasoned business leader with over 16 years of experience scaling tech ventures and driving corporate transformation. Known for his expertise in M&A, digital innovation, and portfolio strategy, he brings a sharp eye for building customer-centric, high-growth businesses. 

• Karim Hussein (Managing Partner, Algebra Ventures LLC): Karim Hussein, Managing Partner at Algebra Ventures, is a seasoned tech investor with a strong footprint in healthcare and fintech. A serial entrepreneur, he founded D-Kimia to combat Hepatitis C through advanced diagnostics. He previously held leadership roles at WebMD and co-founded Riskclick. Karim also mentors high-impact startups through Endeavor and the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

• Antoine Blondeau (Founder and Managing Partner, Alpha Intelligence Capital): Antoine Blondeau, Founder and Managing Partner at Alpha Intelligence Capital, is a pioneering force in deep AI investing. With over two decades of AI entrepreneurship—including powering the tech behind Apple’s Siri—he now backs transformative startups globally. He advises giants like KKR and BITKRAFT Ventures, and chairs the board at Crypto.com. 

• Hesham Zreik (CEO and Founder, FasterCapital): Hesham Zreik, Founder & CEO of FasterCapital, is a globally recognized investor and serial entrepreneur, ranked #39 by Forbes among top global investors in 2018. With over 400 startup investments and 100+ co-founded ventures, he blends technical expertise with strategic leadership. Under his vision, FasterCapital has supported 800+ startups, raising over $2.3B.

• Andrei Grachev (Managing Partner, DWF LABS): Andrei Grachev, Managing Partner at DWF Labs, is a prominent figure in Dubai’s venture capital scene, known for backing groundbreaking Web3 and blockchain innovations. With deep roots in crypto markets, he blends strategic insight with hands-on operational expertise. 

• Patrick Thiriet (CEO, EQ2 Ventures): Patrick Thiriet, CEO of EQ2 Ventures, leads one of Dubai’s prominent evergreen investment firms backing visionary founders across emerging markets. With a sharp focus on high-impact B2B and B2C ventures, he champions scalable innovation and long-term value creation.

• Noor Sweid (Founder and Managing Partner, Global Ventures): Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures, is a trailblazing VC backing transformative tech startups across emerging markets. She was the first Arab woman to scale and IPO a company in MENA, and has held key leadership roles including CIO at the Dubai Future Foundation. Recognized by Forbes as one of the World’s Top 50 Women in Tech, Noor also chairs the Middle East Venture Capital Association.

• Mahmoud Adi (Founding Partner, Shorooq Partners): Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner at Shorooq Partners, is a prominent VC shaping the early-stage startup landscape across MENA, Pakistan, and Turkey. He has backed category leaders like Pure Harvest, Tamara, and Sarwa. A Stanford MBA and former Mubadala executive, Mahmoud also led the creation of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s flagship tech ecosystem. 

• Ali Al Mansouri (Co-Founder, Empede Capital): Ali Al Mansouri, Co-Founder of Empede Capital, is a prominent figure in Dubai’s venture capital landscape, known for backing high-potential startups across emerging sectors. With a strong background in strategic investments, he brings a sharp eye for scalable innovation. His work bridges regional growth with global opportunity. 

• Arif Amiri (Chief Executive Officer, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)): Arif Amiri, CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is driving the transformation of DIFC into a global powerhouse for finance and innovation. Under his leadership, DIFC is accelerating its FinTech initiatives and expanding as a lifestyle and business hub. He champions the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and future-ready finance. 

• Magnus Kjøller (Founder and Owner, Kjøller): Magnus Kjøller is a serial entrepreneur and business angel with over 15 years of experience in ownership and management. With a background in computer science, he has developed expertise in subscription business models, online marketing, and strategic planning. 

• Danilo S. Carlucci (Founder & CEO, Morningstar Ventures): Danilo S. Carlucci is a serial entrepreneur and early Web3 investor, with a rich background in tech and innovation. He is the Founder & CEO of Morningstar Ventures, leveraging his experience from Google and YouTube to shape the future of consumer tech, blockchain, and space industries. With a global footprint across Dubai, Berlin, Gstaad, and Vilnius, Danilo is a leading voice in the tech ecosystem. 

• Pranav Sharma (Founding Partner, Woodstock Fund): Pranav Sharma is the Founding Partner at Woodstock Fund and General Partner at Agna, with a strong focus on venture capital and financial innovation. With a track record of overseeing 80+ investments and 15+ exits, he is a key player in emerging technologies, especially in decentralized finance, Web 3.0, and distributed ledger technology. 

• Juliet Su (Managing Partner, NewTribe Capital): Juliet Su is the Managing Partner and Ecosystem Lead at NewTribe Capital, a leading venture capital firm based in Dubai, UAE. With a background as a serial entrepreneur and deep expertise in Chinese corporate development, Juliet leverages her extensive network across Asia to drive impactful early-stage investments in the Web3 sector. At NewTribe, her focus is on ‘Investing in People,’ supporting portfolio companies with strategic growth and long-term relationships. 

• Charles Read (Founding Partner, Rarestone Ventures): Charles Read is the Founding Partner at Rarestone Ventures, a fund focused on decentralized technologies and Web3 innovations. With over 100 investments since 2017, Charles is known for spotting emerging trends in the crypto and Metaverse spaces. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, he has a deep background in strategy, go-to-market execution, and NFT collecting. 

• Hussain Almarhoon (Founding Managing Partner, HALA Ventures): Hussain Almarhoon is the Founding Managing Partner of HALA Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm based in Dubai. With a strong background in business development and corporate banking, Hussain has a proven track record in venture investment. His leadership at HALA Ventures focuses on empowering startups and driving innovation in the MENA region. 

• Igor Kaloshin (CEO & Founder, AngelsDeck Global Ventures): Igor Kaloshin is the CEO and Founder of AngelsDeck Global Ventures, a prominent venture club dedicated to fostering an international ecosystem for venture deal syndication. With extensive experience in IT and venture capital, Igor has held leadership roles in multinational corporations and is recognized as one of the most active business angels. 

• Issa Aghabi (Founder & Managing Director, Access Bridge Ventures): Issa Aghabi is the Founder & Managing Director of Access Bridge Ventures, a leading early-stage MEPAP-focused venture fund. With over 15 years of experience in finance and venture capital, he has been instrumental in launching the UAE’s first accelerator and managing over $150M in MENA venture funds. A seasoned investor, Issa has led over 65 investment deals and played a pivotal role in multiple successful exits, including Souq and Mumzworld. 

• Hasan Haider (Founder and Managing Partner, Plus VC): Hasan Haider is the Founder and Managing Partner of Plus VC, with over 15 years of experience in the MENA startup ecosystem. He has invested in more than 200 startups across the region, previously serving as Managing Partner, MENA at 500 Startups. Under his leadership, 500 Startups became the most active seed-stage VC in MENA. 

• Amir Farha (Founder, COTU Ventures): Amir Farha is the founder of COTU Ventures and a seasoned venture capitalist with over 15 years of experience. He co-founded BECO Capital, where he managed funds that backed prominent companies like Careem and Property Finder. Amir’s expertise spans early-stage investments, portfolio construction, and building strong investment teams across the MENA region. A Kauffman Fellow, he holds degrees from the University of Bath in Computer Information Systems and Management.

• Linda Rottenberg (Co-Founder & CEO, Endeavor Catalyst): Linda Rottenberg is the CEO and Co-Founder of Endeavor, a global organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs across 40+ countries. She co-leads Endeavor Catalyst, a $500M investment fund with 24 exits and 57 unicorns. A recognized thought leader in global entrepreneurship, she serves on multiple corporate boards and is a New York Times bestselling author. Rottenberg’s accolades include being named one of TIME’s “Innovators for the 21st Century” and a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum.

• Fares Ghandour (Director, MENA Venture Investments): Fares Ghandour, Director at MENA Venture Investments, is a prominent figure in Dubai’s venture capital scene, known for backing early-stage tech startups across the MENA region. With a keen eye for disruptive ideas, he has played a pivotal role in nurturing the region’s startup ecosystem.

• Hesham Alzaid (Managing Director, Riyad Capital): Hesham Alzaid, Managing Director at Riyad Capital, brings deep expertise in investment strategy and corporate finance across the MENA region. With a strong background in valuation and advisory, he plays a pivotal role in driving venture investments and strategic growth. 

• Faris AlRashed Alhumaid (Founder Chairman, Oqal): Faris AlRashed Alhumaid is the Founder Chairman of Oqal, a pioneering angel investor network in the MENA region that champions entrepreneurial growth. A seasoned venture capitalist, he has played a key role in fostering early-stage innovation across Saudi Arabia and beyond. With deep roots in tech and finance, Faris is known for bridging regional capital with global opportunities. 

• Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi (Director General, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)): Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, is a key architect of Dubai’s tech-driven urban evolution. With a sharp focus on ESG, FDI, and strategic planning, he champions innovation-led growth under the D33 Agenda and Urban Master Plan 2040. His leadership seamlessly fuses sustainability with smart city development. 

• Christos Mastoras (Founder & Managing Partner, Iliad Partners): Omar Almajdouie, Co-Founding Partner and Chairman of Iliad Partners, is a key force behind the firm’s rise in the MENA VC ecosystem. As Co-Head of Direct Investment at Saudi Arabia’s PIF, he oversees strategic sectors across the region. A former executive at Volkswagen Group Saudi Arabia and McKinsey, he brings deep corporate and investment expertise. An Eisenhower Fellow and WEF Young Global Leader, Omar is shaping the future of innovation in the Middle East.

• Fahad Alidi (CEO & MD, Wa’ed Ventures): Fahad Alidi is the CEO & MD of Wa’ed Ventures, the $200M VC arm of Saudi Aramco, where he champions innovation and entrepreneurship in the Kingdom. A World Economic Forum fellow, he has driven global financial climate dialogues and policy work. At Aramco, he led strategic energy initiatives, including the 9.5 GW renewable push. 

• Luma Fawaz (CEO, Oasis500): Luma Fawaz, CEO of Oasis500, is a trailblazer in early-stage investment and startup acceleration in the Middle East. Recognized twice by Forbes as one of the region’s Top 100 Power Businesswomen, she has led over 150 deals and mentored 2,500+ entrepreneurs. 

• Ranya Saadawi (CEO, Acasia Group): Ranya Saadawi, CEO of Acasia Group, is a leading force in impact investing across the Arab world and Africa. With roots in Cairo, she brings over a decade of expertise in social entrepreneurship and international development. At Expo 2020 Dubai, she managed a $100M fund supporting 140 social enterprises globally. Previously, she led the Pearl Initiative, driving corporate governance across the Gulf.

• Ali Al-Husry (Executive Director, DASH Ventures Ltd.): Ali Al-Husry, Executive Director of DASH Ventures, is a prominent VC leader fueling innovation across the Middle East. A seasoned entrepreneur and philanthropist, he has backed high-growth startups and SMEs through strategic multi-sector investments. He also co-founded Capital Bank of Jordan and sits on the board of Hikma Pharmaceuticals. 

• Zied Ben Hamad (Executive Director, AFKAR Ventures): Zied Ben Hamad is the Executive Director of AFKAR Ventures and CEO of AFKAR Energy, where he drives the integration of AI and digital solutions in the energy sector. With over 36 years of experience, including key executive roles at Schlumberger, Zied has led transformative innovations across global markets. His expertise spans technology, R&D, and strategic leadership across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. 

• Suhail Algosaibi (Chairman, Tenmou): Suhail Algosaibi is a seasoned serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and innovation expert, recognized for his leadership in transforming businesses and economies. As the chairman of Tenmou, Bahrain’s first Business Angels Company, he champions technology-driven ventures. Suhail also leads Ryalize, a financial wellness fintech company. 

• Abdallah Yafi (Founder – General Partner, BY Venture Partners): Abdallah Yafi is the Founder and General Partner of BY Venture Partners, a global venture firm with deep roots in the MENA region. With a focus on early-stage investments, BY Venture Partners supports founders with capital, expertise, and invaluable global connections. Abdallah’s hands-on approach has earned the firm a founder NPS score of 87. 

• Karim Beshara (Managing Partner, A15): Karim Beshara is the co-founder and Managing Partner of A15, a top-performing venture capital firm in the MENA region, known for its successful early-stage investments and high-value exits. With a proven track record, he led the exits of TPAY Mobile to Helios Investment Partners and Connect Ads to Aleph, marking “Dragon Exits.” Karim also co-founded Accelero Capital and played a pivotal role in the exit of Supernap Italia to IPI Partners. 

• Waleed Albanawi (Chairman and CEO, Banvest Group): Waleed AlBanawi is a prominent entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 25 years of leadership experience across the MENA region. As Chairman and CEO of Banvest Group, he actively invests in transformative ventures. A board member of several global organizations, he advocates for education and workforce development in the Arab world. AlBanawi is also a founding member of digital startups Reserveout and Waitrr and an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at INSEAD Business School.

Conclusion

As Dubai cements its status as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, the role of venture capital leaders becomes even more pivotal. These investors are not just providing capital—they are mentoring founders, opening global networks, and championing bold, transformative ideas. Their strategic bets are redefining industries and setting the stage for Dubai’s next wave of breakout startups. With such visionary leadership at the helm, the city’s startup ecosystem is not only thriving but also setting benchmarks for emerging markets across the world.

–Authored and edited by Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor, Indian Startup Times.

 Disclaimer

The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive, assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guaranteeing future performance. Feedback is welcomed for improvement.