In a landmark step for the UAE’s digital economy, Dubai-based artificial intelligence firm AqlanX has secured a $10 million investment from Australia’s Lakeba Group, via its AI automation venture DoxAI. The funding will accelerate AqlanX’s efforts to launch Arabic-first enterprise AI solutions across the Middle East, with a vision to reshape regional digital transformation.
The deal, facilitated through the UAE Ministry of Economy’s NextGen FDI initiative, highlights the growing emphasis on attracting high-impact, innovation-led companies to the country.
Building UAE-Made AI, Powered by Global Expertise
Founded on the principle of locally developed, culturally relevant AI, AqlanX is focused on enhancing enterprise automation and business process transformation. Its AI platforms target critical areas such as document intelligence, data processing, and operational efficiency, particularly for large-scale organisations in Arabic-speaking markets.
The $10 million investment will also help localise DoxAI’s proven enterprise-grade capabilities, combining global innovation with regional context to deliver solutions tailored for the Gulf region.
“This investment is more than capital—it’s a commitment to a shared vision,” said Giuseppe Porcelli, Executive Chairman of Lakeba and DoxAI. “AqlanX represents the next frontier of enterprise AI in the Middle East, and we are proud to bring our experience, technology, and strategic resources to support its growth.”
Strategic Alliances for National Talent and Innovation
AqlanX, Lakeba, and DoxAI have also joined forces with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) to launch a Centre of Excellence for AI. This national capacity-building initiative aims to cultivate homegrown AI talent, support applied research, and promote enterprise innovation directly within the UAE.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said:
“This collaboration between AqlanX, Lakeba, and DoxAI demonstrates the power of the NextGen FDI program to catalyse strategic, cross-sector partnerships. It underscores our commitment to fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and collaboration in priority sectors like artificial intelligence.”
For AqlanX, the investment represents more than financial backing—it cements the company’s position as a future leader in enterprise-grade, Arabic-first AI.
“With Lakeba and DoxAI behind us, AqlanX is equipped to deliver Arabic-first AI that is not only world-class, but also born in, and for, the UAE,” said Demetrio Russo, Founder and CEO of AqlanX. “We are building an innovation hub that reflects the ambitions of this region and empowers its enterprises to lead globally.”
Supporting the UAE’s Vision for Future Economies
Founded on the intellectual property of DoxAI and backed by Lakeba Ventures’ strategic capital, AqlanX enters the market with a strong technological foundation and a clear roadmap aligned with UAE’s innovation and diversification agenda.
The company now joins a growing cohort of over 100 firms brought into the UAE through the NextGen FDI initiative, which was launched in 2022 to drive investment in sectors such as AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy.
By fostering regional innovation and enabling technology transfer, AqlanX is poised to become a cornerstone of the UAE’s enterprise AI ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a global hub for digital excellence.
