Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched REACH Middle East, an accelerator program offering up to $250,000 in seed funding to proptech startups. This will transform how real estate works across the region, making Dubai the center of property innovation in the Middle East.
Dubai Proptech Push Targets Global Leadership
The new accelerator program, created with Second Century Ventures, will select 10 promising startups for an intensive 8-month journey. These companies will receive funding, mentorship, and access to a powerful network that can help them grow both locally and globally.
“We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department.
The program targets companies from the seed to Series A stage that want to expand into real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management. Startups using technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain with strong business models are especially encouraged to apply.
What Winning Startups Will Receive
Companies selected for REACH Middle East will gain:
- Direct funding up to $250,000 per startup
- Connections to key investors and funding opportunities
- Access to major real estate developers and government bodies
- Mentorship from industry experts and successful founders
- Entry into REACH’s global network of over 330 alumni companies
The program will be led by proptech veterans Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, who bring deep expertise in both real estate and technology.
“The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges,” said Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East.
UAE’s Proptech Boom Shows Perfect Timing
The launch comes as the UAE’s proptech sector experiences unprecedented growth. According to the latest UAE PropTech Map by MENA Proptech Initiative, the number of proptech companies in the UAE has nearly tripled in just two years, reaching 189 in 2025.
The UAE proptech market, valued at approximately AED2.2 billion ($599 million) in 2023, is projected to reach USD 1.55 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.49% according to market research.
This explosive growth reflects Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global hub for real estate innovation. The initiative aligns perfectly with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to add more than $27 billion to the economy.
Complementing Regional Innovation Efforts
REACH Middle East fits into a broader ecosystem of innovation hubs across the region. It complements other initiatives such as Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 and programs under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, including the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund and NEOM Innovation Hub.
“REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers,” said Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures.
How to Apply
Startups interested in this opportunity can now submit applications through the program’s website. The program seeks companies that are already generating revenue and looking to scale their solutions within the real estate ecosystem.
With Dubai’s real estate market continuing to show strong performance in 2025, the timing couldn’t be better for innovative startups to enter this thriving sector. REACH Middle East represents not just funding, but a comprehensive pathway to success in one of the world’s most dynamic property markets.
