DIEZ reports robust business expansion, rising startup investment and growing demand for its economic zones as Dubai strengthens its appeal to global companies and investors
Dubai: The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) maintained strong growth momentum during the first half of 2026, driven by sustained demand for its infrastructure and facilities, continued expansion in the number of companies operating across its economic zones, workforce growth and rising startup investment activity.
The performance highlights the strength of DIEZ’s business environment and its ability to support expansion, attract investment and respond to the evolving needs of companies and investors, while contributing to Dubai’s position as a global destination for business, investment and innovation in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
The authority’s three economic zones — Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and Dubai CommerCity — recorded an occupancy rate of more than 96% during the first half of 2026, reflecting strong demand for their facilities, infrastructure and services.
The number of companies operating across DIEZ’s economic zones increased by 13% compared with the first half of 2025, while employment grew by 24%, underscoring continued business expansion across the authority’s zones.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said the results reflect the resilience of the authority’s economic model and its ability to sustain growth amid rapid changes in the global economy.
“The increase in the number of companies and employees within DIEZ economic zones reflects the emirate’s ability to support business expansion, create new opportunities and attract high-value investments, reinforcing Dubai’s competitiveness and growing appeal to global companies and investors,” he said.
Sheikh Ahmed added that, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DIEZ will continue developing an integrated economic ecosystem that strengthens Dubai’s global competitiveness, attracts investment and supports the growth of strategic sectors.
Dynamic business environment
His Excellency Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the results demonstrate the success of the authority’s strategy to build an integrated economic ecosystem that responds to the evolving needs of businesses while supporting companies at every stage of growth.
“The 96% occupancy rate, alongside growth in the number of companies and employees, reflects strong demand for our economic zones and confidence in the business environment they provide,” he said.
Al Zarooni added that DIEZ will continue enhancing competitiveness by expanding services, accelerating digital transformation and deploying artificial intelligence technologies to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
Investing in the future economy
DIEZ continued to strengthen its investment and innovation ecosystem during the first half of the year through projects designed to support startups and future-focused sectors.
The authority launched key expansion projects within Dubai Silicon Oasis, including District IO and Block 14.
Backed by an investment of AED11 billion, District IO aims to provide advanced infrastructure for future technologies while supporting Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for research, development and innovation.
The first phase of Block 14, with an investment of AED1.8 billion, will introduce a mixed-use business and residential community aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Transit-Oriented Development principles.
Located adjacent to the future Dubai Metro Blue Line station, the project will include a commercial building, two residential towers, a retail district and enhanced metro connectivity. The first phase is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Oraseya Capital strengthens startup ecosystem
Oraseya Capital, DIEZ’s venture capital arm, continued to play a prominent role in supporting startups and innovation.
According to MAGNiTT’s H1 2026 rankings, Oraseya Capital remained the UAE’s most active investor by number of deals for the third consecutive year. It also ranked as the country’s most active early-stage investor and placed second across the MENA region in both categories.
During the first half of 2026, Oraseya Capital invested in 15 startups, representing a 25% increase in new investments compared with the same period in 2025.
The firm invested in companies including Takeem, a proptech platform specialising in rent-guarantee solutions, and Revora, an artificial intelligence-powered e-commerce platform serving GCC markets.
Meanwhile, Oraseya Capital’s Sandbox programme continued supporting entrepreneurs and startups, with its eighth cohort attracting 771 applications. Following 28 selection committee sessions, 16 companies were selected to join the programme.
Technology and innovation growth
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec) continued to strengthen its role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship during the first half of the year.
New company registrations increased by 57% compared with H1 2025, while the number of companies specialising in artificial intelligence grew by 95%, highlighting growing demand for Dtec’s specialised environment and the increasing presence of technology-driven businesses within the ecosystem.
These results reinforce DIEZ’s role in advancing Dubai’s knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy and supporting the emirate’s ambition to rank among the world’s top three urban economies.
Source: Emirates 24|7