du Launches $50 Million Venture Fund to Back AI and Digital Startups in the UAE

Dubai | EcoPulse24

UAE telecom operator du has launched a new corporate venture fund, Ventures du, with a commitment of $50 million, in partnership with investment firm Shorooq, aiming to support high-potential startups and accelerate digital innovation across the UAE and the wider region.

The initiative marks a new phase in du’s evolution from a traditional telecommunications provider into a broader digital ecosystem player, leveraging strategic investments to gain exposure to emerging technologies and next-generation digital services.

Focus on AI, Fintech and Emerging Technologies

Ventures du will target early-stage and growth-focused startups developing technologies that can be transformed into scalable commercial solutions.

Key investment areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Financial Technology (FinTech)

• Cybersecurity

• Cloud Computing

• Digital Gaming

• Loyalty Platforms

• Enterprise Solutions

• Customer Experience Technologies

The fund is designed to help accelerate innovation while strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

Supporting the UAE’s Digital Economy Ambitions

Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer of du, said the launch of Ventures du reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s digital transformation agenda and contributing to the development of a globally competitive digital economy.

He noted that the fund will invest in technology startups whose strategic priorities align with du’s long-term vision, while leveraging the company’s infrastructure, enterprise network, and market reach to help innovative businesses scale more effectively.

Shorooq to Manage the Fund

Under the partnership, Shorooq will manage the fund and oversee investment execution in line with du’s strategic objectives.

A significant portion of the fund is expected to be allocated to startups and entrepreneurial ventures headquartered in the UAE, reinforcing local innovation and supporting the country’s startup ecosystem.

Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner at Shorooq, said the region requires more than capital to help startups succeed, emphasizing the importance of strategic infrastructure, partnerships, and access to markets.

According to Adi, Ventures du aims to bridge the gap between innovation and scalability, enabling founders to bring transformative technologies to market more rapidly.

Corporate Venture Capital Gains Momentum in the Gulf

The launch comes amid growing interest among large corporations in the Gulf region to establish dedicated venture investment platforms focused on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Corporate venture funds are increasingly being used to identify disruptive technologies early, gain strategic market insights, and build long-term innovation pipelines beyond core business operations.

For du, the move provides a direct channel into sectors expected to drive the next wave of digital growth, while strengthening its role within the UAE’s rapidly expanding innovation economy.

EcoPulse24 Analysis

The creation of Ventures du signals a broader shift in how telecommunications companies are positioning themselves within the digital economy. Rather than acting solely as infrastructure providers, telecom operators are increasingly investing directly in startups that may define future technology ecosystems.

With a focus on AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies, the new fund aligns closely with the UAE’s ambitions to become a leading global center for innovation and advanced technology.

If successful, Ventures du could serve as both a financial investment vehicle and a strategic platform that connects emerging technologies with enterprise-scale deployment opportunities across the region.

FAQs

About du

du is a leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the United Arab Emirates, delivering a broad portfolio of mobile, fixed-line, broadband, enterprise technology, and digital financial solutions. Through its customer-centric approach and advanced digital infrastructure, the company enables individuals, businesses, and government entities to connect, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

Supported by a nationwide fiber network and advanced 5G capabilities, du continues to expand its role beyond traditional connectivity services, helping accelerate digital transformation across industries. By collaborating with a dynamic ecosystem of technology partners and innovators, the company aims to empower organizations and communities while contributing to the UAE’s vision of building a globally competitive digital economy.

For more information, visit: www.du.ae

About Shorooq

Founded in 2017, Shorooq is a multi-strategy investment firm focused on technology-driven opportunities across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. The firm invests across venture capital, private equity, credit, and real assets, combining deep regional expertise with a technology-led investment approach.

Shorooq backs entrepreneurs and companies that are transforming industries through innovation, with investments spanning fintech, software, artificial intelligence, industrial technologies, infrastructure, and other high-growth sectors. Its investment philosophy centers on identifying scalable businesses, managing risk effectively, and creating long-term value across multiple stages of the capital structure.

With a strong regional presence and a founder-first mindset, Shorooq seeks to support the next generation of transformative companies while contributing to the development of sustainable investment ecosystems across emerging markets.

For more information, visit: www.shorooq.com.