The Dubai Land Department (DLD), in partnership with Second Century Ventures, has announced the launch of REACH Middle East, a specialised accelerator program designed to transform the real estate technology landscape across the region. The program officially opens applications for its first cohort in 2025 and invites startups from across sectors to apply, with a particular focus on those at the seed to Series A stage.
Program Focus: Innovation, Investment, and Global Scale
Led by PropTech pioneers Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, REACH Middle East will run an intensive eight-month accelerator for up to 10 selected startups. These participants will benefit from access to funding—up to $250,000 in seed capital—alongside mentorship, pilot opportunities, and strategic connections to real estate investors and developers.
Unlike conventional real estate accelerators, REACH Middle East welcomes companies from diverse technology backgrounds including AI, IoT, and blockchain. These startups must offer innovations that can impact real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management. In addition to capital, selected participants will gain exposure to a wide network of developers, government entities, and facility managers, enabling them to pilot and commercialise their technologies in real-world environments.
Driving UAE’s Vision for a Digital Property Ecosystem
This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader digital transformation goals, including the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. Together, these strategies aim to contribute over $27 billion to the national economy while enhancing the country’s global position in digital innovation. The REACH program also complements other major efforts in the region such as Abu Dhabi’s Hub71, NEOM Innovation Hub, and the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund under Vision 2030.
Second Century Ventures, the venture capital arm of the National Association of Realtors in the US, is the global engine behind REACH and is recognised as the most active real estate tech fund worldwide. It brings an extensive international network of professionals and innovators to the Middle East for the first time through this partnership.
Voices from the Industry on the Launch
Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department, said:
“We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem.”
Managing Director of REACH Middle East, Siddiq Farid, stated:
“The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike.”
Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures, added:
“REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond.”
Application Details
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Interested startups can apply online at www.nar-reach.com/middle-east.
