UAE Investment Firm Launches $100 Million AI Startup Fund - Betting Big on Next-Gen Tech

Dubai's financial playground just got a $100 million AI injection.

Funding the Future

A UAE investment heavyweight throws serious capital behind artificial intelligence startups. The nine-figure fund targets emerging tech ventures developing everything from machine learning algorithms to neural network applications.

Desert Tech Oasis

The move positions the Emirates as a serious contender in the global AI race. While traditional finance scrambles to understand blockchain, these oil-rich investors are placing bets on silicon brains instead.

Because nothing says 'visionary' like chasing the same hype cycle as every other billionaire.

The Fund will invest in smart cities, energy, fintech, AI/ML 

The fund will invest in high-impact startups that leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. The startups will have access to a distribution network through the UAE’s G42 and Presight’s international customer network.

The key areas of interest to the fund will include smart cities, energy, fintech, AI/ML, AR/VR, game dev, Industry 4.0, and DEEP tech.

Thomas Pramotedham, Chief Executive Officer of Presight, said, “We’re combining Presight’s AI leadership with Shorooq’s investment acumen to fuel the next wave of AI innovation. The fund will enable us to identify and support bold entrepreneurs – from Silicon Valley to Southeast Asia – who are building AI solutions that can transform businesses and societies.”

He noted that this was more than just a fund because the startups will have access to infrastructure resources and international markets. He explains, “This combination of funding, infrastructure, and distribution channels is designed to give AI companies the edge they need to scale quickly and responsibly, and that is the unique value proposition.”

Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner of Shorooq, added that this was a defining moment for AI investment as it brings together Middle East capital and expertise to global startups. He said, “We are not just launching a fund; we are reinforcing to the world that the Middle East is a driving force in the AI revolution. Our message is that we’re bringing not only capital but also commitment, strategic guidance, and a long-term partnership mentality.”

UAE campaigns to be startup capital of the world

This comes one day after the UAE announced a government-backed campaign to become the startup capital of the world. The campaign seeks to attract 10,000 UAE national entrepreneurs and create 30,000 jobs within the next five years.

The campaign is overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office, with the participation of the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship and over 50 government and private entities, business incubators and accelerators, and academic institutions.

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