REACH Middle East Launches To Back MENA Real Estate Tech

Dubai Land Department (DLD), the real estate regulator for the emirate of Dubai, has partnered with US-based proptech investment fund Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East, an accelerator program targeting early-stage startups focused on technology solutions for the real estate sector. 

Led by real estate technology professionals Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, the eight-month initiative will support up to 10 startups from any industry looking to expand into real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), or blockchain. 

In a statement, Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at DLD, said, “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, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem.”  

Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East, said, “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. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike."

Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures, added, “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 and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond."

REACH Middle East offers participants seed funding of up to US$250,000, access to investors, and opportunities to collaborate with real estate developers, government entities, and facility managers. The program also includes mentorship from professionals in proptech and participation in relevant industry events to support both local and international expansion. 

The accelerator is aligned with national strategies, including the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aim to contribute over $27 billion to the economy. It also complements regional efforts such as Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem Hub71, Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate National Development Fund (NDF), and NEOM’s Innovation Hub under Vision 2030. 

REACH Middle East is open to revenue-generating startups from seed to Series A stages with scalable models and plans for market expansion. Interested participants can apply here.