Tech
Top 5 AI Startups in Dubai You Need to Know About in 2024
Dubai, the glittering metropolis of the United Arab Emirates, has long been a hub for innovation and technological advancement. As we step into 2024, the city continues to foster an ecosystem that encourages startups to push boundaries and redefine industries. Among the myriad of startups, those harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) stand out prominently. Let’s explore the top five AI startups in Dubai that are making waves and shaping the future.
PISIQ: Nurturing Talent and Innovation
Founding Year: 2016
Founders: Arman Salah, Mudar Muhissen, Nihal Mohammad Shaikh
Focus Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Consulting, Information Technology, Internet, Product Research
PISIQ is more than just a startup; it’s a research and development group committed to nurturing prospective talents and startups that contribute to improving people’s lives. With a team of 51-100 employees, PISIQ has secured a total funding of $32,890,000 across three funding rounds from investors who believe in their vision. Their work spans various domains, from cutting-edge AI solutions to strategic consulting.
Careem: Revolutionizing Commuting with AI
Founding Year: 2012
Founders: Abdulla Elyas, Magnus Olsson, Mudassir Sheikha, Wael Nafee
Focus Areas: Customer Service, Logistics, Public Transportation, Ride Sharing, Transportation
Careem needs no introduction in Dubai. Founded in 2012, this ride-hailing giant has transformed the way people commute within the city. By creating an app that seamlessly connects users with rental cars, Careem has become an integral part of Dubai’s transportation landscape. With a substantial team of 1001-5000 employees, they’ve secured impressive funding of $771,700,000 across seven funding rounds. Investors include Daimler, Rakuten, and DCM Ventures.
Kitopi: The Food Delivery Infrastructure Enabler
Founding Year: 2018
Founders: Andres Arenas, Bader Ataya, Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan
Focus Areas: Cloud Infrastructure, Delivery, Food and Beverage, Food Delivery, Internet, Restaurants, SaaS, Software
Kitopi plays a crucial role in the on-demand food industry. Rather than focusing on individual restaurants, they provide the infrastructure needed for food delivery services. With a team of 1001-5000 employees, Kitopi has secured $89,000,000 in funding across three rounds. Investors include Endeavor Catalyst and MSA Capital. Their innovative approach ensures that hungry Dubai residents get their favorite meals promptly.
Ziina: Pioneering Peer-to-Peer Payments
Founding Year: 2020
Founders: Andrew Gold, Faisal Toukan, Sarah Toukan
Focus Areas: Financial Services, FinTech
Ziina is rewriting the rules of financial services in the Middle East. As the first peer-to-peer payment software in the UAE, Ziina has garnered attention. Despite having a small team of 1-10 employees, they’ve raised $8,475,000 in funding across five rounds. Investors include FJ Labs and Y Combinator. Their user-friendly platform simplifies money transfers and payments, making it a game-changer in the region.
Opontia: Streamlining E-Commerce Transactions
Founding Year: 2021
Founders: Manfred Meyer, Philip Johnston
Focus Areas: Brand Marketing, E-Commerce, Retail
Opontia provides a platform for small e-commerce business owners to sell their businesses quickly and fairly. Although they have a modest team of 1-10 employees, their innovative approach has attracted attention in the e-commerce space. Opontia’s streamlined processes and transparent transactions make it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate the world of online retail.
Conclusion: Dubai’s AI Landscape Shines Bright
Dubai’s commitment to fostering technological innovation remains unwavering. These five startups exemplify the city’s determination to embrace AI, disrupt traditional models, and create a future where innovation knows no bounds. As we move further into 2024, keep an eye on Dubai’s dynamic AI ecosystem—it’s a beacon of progress in the ever-evolving tech world.
Remember, behind the glitz and glamour of Dubai’s skyline lies a thriving community of visionaries, engineers, and dreamers—each contributing to the city’s remarkable journey toward a smarter, AI-powered future.
This comprehensive article dives into the exciting world of AI startups in Dubai, highlighting their founders, focus areas, and funding