Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with US-based investment firm Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East, a real estate technology accelerator aimed at driving innovation across the sector. Applications are now open for the program’s first cohort, with selected startups eligible to receive up to $1.5m in total funding.
REACH Middle East, managed by real estate tech entrepreneurs Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, will run as an eight-month accelerator targeting up to 10 revenue-generating startups from seed to Series A stage.
Each selected company can receive up to $250,000 in seed capital, along with mentorship, access to pilot programmes with real estate developers and government agencies, and opportunities to scale both regionally and internationally.
The programe supports the UAE’s broader digital transformation efforts outlined in the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which together aim to add more than $27bn to the national economy.
It also complements regional initiatives such as Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 and innovation hubs tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, including the NEOM Innovation Hub and the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund.
“With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem,” said
Dr Mahmoud AlBurai, head of Policies and Innovation at DLD.
Read: Dubai’s DLD, Masdar City ink MoU to allow free zone firms property ownership
DLD-SCV accelerator to drive tech in real estate and related fields
The accelerator will focus on startups applying emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain to the real estate, construction, sustainability, and property management sectors.
In addition to funding, participants will benefit from industry mentorship, exposure at major trade shows, and integration into REACH’s global network of over 330 alumni companies.
“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 Siddiq Farid, MD of REACH Middle East.
Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors, is one of the most active global funds in real estate tech.
The firm supports REACH programmes in several international markets.
“REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem,” said Dave Garland, MP at Second Century Ventures. “We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of proptech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond.”
Applications for the REACH Middle East accelerator can be submitted here.
