The Dubai Land Department has announced its collaboration with the Second Century Ventures fund to launch the “REACH Middle East” program aimed at accelerating the growth of real estate technology enterprises. The program is now accepting applications for its inaugural batch of startups. This initiative, led by real estate tech pioneers Sadiq Farid and Karim Helal, invites startups across various sectors to join in redefining real estate innovation in the region.
“REACH Middle East” is a selective eight-month initiative designed to empower up to 10 high-potential startups by providing them with the necessary tools, mentorship, and networking opportunities to expand both locally and globally in the real estate sector. The selected companies will enjoy the following benefits:
• Direct funding and investment: REACH offers seed capital up to $250,000 per startup, introductions to strategic investors, and opens avenues for future funding.
• Hands-on experience: Collaborate with top property developers, government entities, and facility managers to test and commercially apply solutions.
• Expert-led mentorship: Learn from industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders in real estate technology.
• Growth opportunities: Access curated networking events at leading conferences and real estate exhibitions to promote market adoption of solutions.
• Global expansion: Join the exclusive REACH global network of over 330 alumni companies valued at over $10 billion.
Aligned with the UAE’s digital economy strategy, the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and the Dubai real estate strategy aiming to add over $27 billion to the economy by 2033, the REACH Middle East program supports the digital transformation of the real estate and urban development sectors. This program complements other accelerator initiatives in the country, such as “Hub 71” in Abu Dhabi, as well as regional initiatives under the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund and the NEOM Innovation Center, all part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, REACH Middle East contributes to establishing the region as a global hub for real estate innovation.
REACH is backed by Second Century Ventures, a global real estate investment fund focused on building industry giants and connecting the most innovative startups with an unparalleled community of practitioners, owners, operators, and policymakers. As the investment arm of the National Association of Realtors, Second Century Ventures aims to accelerate the integration of new technologies into the largest asset class globally.
Sadiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East, stated: “The Middle East and North Africa are at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is dedicated to empowering startups to address real-world challenges. Our program integrates cutting-edge technologies with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth that benefits both the startups and the entire sector.”
Dr. Mahmoud El-Borai, Head of Policy and Innovation at the Dubai Land Department, added: “We are proud to partner with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups in the region. By launching the program from Dubai, this accelerator offers unprecedented support to entrepreneurs, contributing to the development of impactful solutions across the MENA region and enhancing the global real estate ecosystem.”
REACH Middle East targets revenue-generating startups, from pre-seed to Series A funding stages, looking to expand in real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management, by leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, with scalable business models suitable for both local and global markets.
With Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia leading the real estate innovation landscape, REACH Middle East presents a unique opportunity for startups to become part of a transformative ecosystem. Apply now to be among the next generation of leaders in real estate technology and help shape the future of the sector in the MENA region and beyond.