The UAE and Saudi Arabia accounted for almost 90% of the $2.98 billion that regional startups raised in the first nine months of the year, according to venture capital tracker MAGNiTT. The two countries were also responsible for every round of $100 million or more. Regional funding fell 7%, and the number of deals dropped by a third.
Take out the big rounds and the picture is bleak. Most of the money went to a handful of fintech and logistics companies that have already proven themselves. Early-stage deals have thinned out, which leaves fewer companies ready for growth rounds in 2027. Gulf money is filling the gap that other investors left: Investors from outside the region want to know they can get their money out, and right now that’s hard, with fewer startups being bought.
