Dubai Land Department launches 'Reach' startup accelerator project

Chosen startups to get up to $250,000 in funding, mentoring and more

Last updated: July 30, 2025 | 13:47

Manoj Nair, Business Editor

1 MIN READ

Dubai Land Department is launching the 'Reach Middle East' accelerator program in tandem with Second Century Ventures. The first batch will have 10 startups.

Dubai: The Dubai Land Department is launching an accelerator programme targeted at proptech startups, which will offer up to $250,000 as seed capital.

The project - called Reach Middle East - is being done in association with Second Century Ventures.

The first batch of chosen startups - numbering 10 - will be put through an 8-month programme and provided with mentoring and network support to build up their potential.

The Reach accelerator series will be led by proptech stalwarts Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal. Startup companies from all industries can 'apply for the opportunity to redefine real estate innovation across the region'.

Second Century Ventures is the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors.

Which startups can apply

REeach Middle East will look for 'revenue-generating startups (seed to Series A) intent on expanding into real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management ecosystem'. They should typically be using technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain with scalable business models.

The chosen entities will get:

* Direct funding and investment: Reach will provide up to $250,000 seed capital per company, investor introductions and pathways for follow-on funding.

* They will work with leading developers, government bodies and facility managers to pilot and commercialize solutions.

* The startups can learn from industry veterans and successful founders of proptech firms.

* They can also plug into Reach’s network of over 330 alumni companies.

The Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 aims to add more than $27 billion to the economy.

Reach Middle East 'complements other UAE accelerators, such as Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 and regional initiatives under the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund and NEOM Innovation Hub'.

Manoj NairBusiness Editor

Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.