Dubai’s economic zones continued to attract businesses, talent and technology investment in the first half of 2026, with occupancy reaching 96% across three key zones and the number of registered companies rising 13% year on year.
The latest figures from the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) cover Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity, highlighting sustained demand for Dubai’s business infrastructure. Workforce numbers across the three zones also increased by 24% compared with the first half of 2025.
The performance comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, technology and international business. High occupancy levels across the economic zones indicate continued demand from companies seeking access to Dubai’s infrastructure, connectivity and business ecosystem.
Infrastructure Expansion Supports Growth
DIEZ expanded its development pipeline during the period, particularly at Dubai Silicon Oasis, where new projects are being positioned around future technologies, research, development and innovation.
Among the major developments is District IO, supported by an investment of Dh11 billion. The project is designed to create infrastructure for technology-driven businesses and innovation activities.
DIEZ also launched the first phase of Block 14, representing an investment of Dh1.8 billion. The development will include commercial and residential buildings, a retail district and connections to the Dubai Metro network. Located near the planned Dubai Metro Blue Line station, the first phase is scheduled for completion in 2029, coinciding with the expected opening of the line.
These investments reflect Dubai’s broader strategy of developing integrated business environments where companies can combine commercial operations with residential, retail and transport infrastructure.
Startup Investment Gains Momentum
Technology and startup activity also remained a key driver of DIEZ’s growth. Oraseya Capital, the investment arm of DIEZ, invested in 15 startups during the first half of 2026, representing a 25% increase in new investments compared with the same period last year.
The portfolio included companies operating in artificial intelligence and other technology-focused sectors, including Takeem, a proptech platform focused on rent guarantee solutions, and Revora, an AI-powered e-commerce platform serving GCC markets.
Oraseya also continued to strengthen its early-stage pipeline through its Sandbox programme. The eighth cohort attracted 771 applications, with 16 companies ultimately selected following 28 selection committee meetings.
AI Emerges as a Major Growth Engine
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming one of the strongest growth areas within Dubai’s technology ecosystem.
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus recorded a 57% increase in new company registrations during H1 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. More significantly, the number of companies specialising in AI increased by 95% over the same period.
The figures point to a rapidly evolving business landscape in which AI, e-commerce, proptech and other technology-enabled sectors are becoming increasingly important to Dubai’s economic growth.
With high occupancy, rising company and workforce numbers, expanding infrastructure and accelerating startup investment, Dubai’s economic zones are reinforcing their role as platforms for companies looking to establish, scale and innovate in the region.
The H1 2026 performance also underscores the growing convergence of business infrastructure, technology and investment within Dubai’s economic strategy, creating an increasingly competitive environment for regional and international companies.
