10 Dubai Startups To Watch in 2024

As we step into 2024, the Dubai’s dynamic startup ecosystem is has the world watching. This vibrant city, known for its futuristic architecture and bustling markets, is also a breeding ground for some of the most forward-thinking and transformative startups in the world.

Keep your eyes on these innovators as they continue to push boundaries and shape the future.

1. Almentor: Revolutionising Arabic E-Learning

Almentor is at the forefront of e-learning, specifically targeting the Arabic-speaking community. It’s more than just an educational platform; it’s a revolutionary approach to lifelong learning. Providing a vast array of video-based courses, Almentor caters to a wide range of subjects, from professional development to personal growth. This startup is addressing a critical gap in the market by offering high-quality, accessible educational content in Arabic.

Their approach empowers learners across the Arab world, fostering a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement, and positioning itself as a leader in the digital education space in the Middle East.

2. Nümi: Pioneering Gaming in the Metaverse

Launched in 2021, Nümi is making waves in Dubai’s entertainment industry by blending gaming with the metaverse. This startup isn’t just about playing games; it’s about creating a comprehensive virtual universe where gamers can share and stream their experiences. Nümi’s platform is pioneering in its ability to offer an immersive metaverse experience, setting a new standard for user-generated content in gaming.

It’s more than a gaming site; it’s a community, a creative space where the boundaries between virtual and real-world interactions are increasingly blurred, making it a presence in the digital entertainment landscape.

3. Alaan: FinTech Innovator for Corporate Cards

Founded in 2020, Alaan is rapidly carving out a niche in the FinTech world with its unique corporate card solutions. These cards are designed to streamline business expenses and operations, offering customisable controls and features. Alaan’s approach to financial management is innovative, providing businesses in the Middle East with a practical, efficient tool for managing corporate spending.

The cards come with pre-coded sets of limitations, making them highly adaptable to various business needs. This startup is not just simplifying financial transactions; it’s reshaping how businesses in the region handle their financial operations, marking a significant advancement in the FinTech sector.

4. YallaMarket: Redefining Grocery Shopping

YallaMarket is redefining the grocery shopping experience in Dubai. Launched in 2021, this e-commerce startup is all about speed and convenience. With a promise to deliver groceries within 15 minutes, YallaMarket addresses the urban dweller’s need for quick, hassle-free shopping.

This platform isn’t just about delivering groceries; it’s about adapting to the fast-paced lifestyle of its customers, offering a solution to those last-minute shopping needs. YallaMarket is a testament to how e-commerce can be tailored to meet specific local demands, making it a standout in the online retail landscape of Dubai.

5. Jamalon: The Largest Online Bookstore In The Middle East

Jamalon is more than just a bookstore; it’s a cultural gateway. As the largest online bookstore in the Middle East, Jamalon offers an extensive range of books in both Arabic and English. Covering diverse genres from graphic novels to self-help, Jamalon serves as a bridge for readers of different backgrounds. Its significant contribution lies in making a wide variety of literature accessible, especially in regions where such resources may be limited.

Jamalon isn’t just selling books; it’s fostering a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing, making it a key player in the literary world of the Middle East.

6. Huspy: Democratising Real Estate Investments

Huspy is transforming the real estate landscape in Dubai. Launched to help users navigate the often complex world of property investment, Huspy offers an innovative solution for buying, selling, and renting properties. But it’s more than a real estate platform; it’s a financial tool that helps users secure affordable loans for home purchases.

Huspy stands out for its user-friendly approach, democratising real estate investments and making it easier for individuals to climb the property ladder in Dubai. By simplifying the property buying process, Huspy is not only a real estate app but a catalyst for financial empowerment.

7. Tabby: Rethinking Payment Solutions

Tabby is transforming the financial landscape in Dubai with its innovative payment solutions. Founded in 2019, this fintech startup offers a unique service allowing customers to make interest-free payments for their purchases, both online and in-store. Tabby’s approach is centered on financial flexibility and consumer empowerment, making high-quality goods and services more accessible.

Beyond facilitating easier purchases, Tabby also supports retailers, enhancing the shopping experience and fostering customer loyalty. This startup goes beyond traditional payment methods, positioning itself as a crucial player in the evolving world of financial technology and consumer finance.

8. Starzplay: Dubai’s Answer To Global Streaming

Starzplay is redefining digital entertainment in Dubai, offering a streaming service that rivals global giants like Netflix. With a diverse library of movies and shows in Arabic and other languages, including popular anime and Hollywood films, Starzplay caters to a wide audience. This platform is more than just entertainment; it’s a cultural hub, bringing diverse content to viewers in Dubai and beyond.

By offering high-quality streaming in multiple languages, Starzplay is not only an entertainment platform but also a bridge between different cultures, solidifying its position in the competitive world of digital streaming services.

9. Beehive: Connecting Businesses With Investors

Beehive is a pioneering fintech startup that’s reshaping the way businesses access finance in Dubai. Established to connect businesses with potential investors, Beehive uses innovative technology to facilitate this process. It’s not just a lending platform; it’s a marketplace where businesses can secure funding against their invoices.

This approach offers a more affordable and accessible route to finance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Beehive is leading the charge in the fintech sector, providing a sophisticated and efficient solution for business financing, and proving itself to be a crucial player in the economic growth of the region.

10. Nabbesh: Bridging The Gap In The Job Market

Nabbesh is making significant strides in Dubai’s employment sector with its online job platform. Launched to connect job seekers with suitable employers, Nabbesh caters to a wide array of industries, including tech, finance, education, and the arts. This platform is more than a job-search website; it’s a network that empowers individuals to find rewarding careers and businesses to discover talented professionals.

By facilitating these connections, Nabbesh is playing a vital role in the employment landscape of Dubai, addressing the needs of a diverse workforce and helping to build a more dynamic and inclusive job market.

As 2024 unfolds, these ten startups are not just businesses; they are redefining their respective industries in Dubai. From revolutionising learning and gaming to transforming the way we shop, invest, and work, these companies are at the forefront of innovation.

Keep an eye as they continue to shape the future of technology, commerce, and lifestyle in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.