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Unicorn startups in United Arab Emirates (May, 2026)

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A unicorn is a startup marked at USD 1 Billion or more. These are highly innovative and market disruptive startups. United Arab Emirates has more than 57.4K+ startups. Of these, 14 have become Unicorns, with the latest entrant to the club being AI.TECH on Sep 11, 2025. In 2026, United Arab Emirates has seen no new unicorn startups.
Globally, United Arab Emirates is number 15 in terms of total Unicorns created, behind Sweden (14 unicorns) at rank 14 and Switzerland (15 unicorns) at rank 13. Dubai leads the list of cities in United Arab Emirates with most unicorns at 12. It is followed by Abu Dhabi (2 unicorns). Among sectors, Consumer has seen the most unicorns created at 5, followed by Retail at 4, and Enterprise Applications at 4
Here is a list of all 14 unicorns created in United Arab Emirates:
AI.TECH joined the Unicorn Club on Sep 11, 2025
Provider of AI, ML, NLP, and other services. Operator of startup studio building businesses powered by artificial intelligence. The studio develops businesses in areas such as advertising technology, media platforms, and AI infrastructure. The company provides shared services to its ventures, including access to frameworks, systems, and talent. It focuses on product development and engineering across multiple verticals.

Key facts about AI.TECH

XPANCEO joined the Unicorn Club on Jul 08, 2025 after raising a $250M Series A funding round led by Opportunity Venture, valuing it at $1.35B.
Screenshot of the website of XPANCEO
Developer of invisible and weightless smart contact lens for ultimate AI-powered XR interface. It is a deep tech company that develops an invisible and weightless smart contact lens as the ultimate interface for AI-powered XR computing. Our contact lens reinvents the whole concept of human-technology interaction and redefines the way we experience both real and digital worlds, including social media, content consumption, and gaming. By merging all your gadgets into one, the smart contact lens transforms the everyday into an infinite XR experience, replete with advanced real-time health monitoring and comprehensive practical recommendations, superpowers like night vision and zoom, and cutting-edge privacy and security measures.

Key facts about XPANCEO

12. TOP

TOP joined the Unicorn Club on Jul 03, 2025 after raising a $28.5M Series A funding round led by Ribbit, valuing it at $1B.
Screenshot of the website of TOP
Developer of Web3 infrastructure and applications on the TON Blockchain. It builds core infrastructure and consumer applications on the TON Blockchain. It provides software development kits, application programming interfaces and wallets to help developers reach Telegram users. The company offers early-stage funding and connects Web3 teams with venture capital firms to grow Telegram-based projects. It also builds infrastructure and consumer applications on TON Blockchain to drive global crypto adoption.

Key facts about TOP

Binance joined the Unicorn Club on Mar 12, 2025 after raising a $2B Series C funding round.
Screenshot of the website of Binance
Online exchange platform for cryptocurrency. It allows users to buy, sell, and trade digital assets through multi-lingual solutions. It offers APIs, web-based, and app-based devices to access trading platforms for investing in cryptocurrencies. It also, features news articles, blogs, and discussion forums to assist new users. It enables users to track crypto live prices, explore new cryptocurrencies, and discover top gaining cryptos or top losing cryptocurrencies directly on the platform.

Key facts about Binance

10. Tabby

Tabby joined the Unicorn Club on Nov 01, 2023
Screenshot of the website of Tabby
Provider of purchase financing solutions for businesses. The platform enables users to purchase from multiple online stores and allows to repay the amount in equal installments. It offers a credit card offering buy now pay later loans with installment-based repayment options. It allows users to split purchases into four interest-free payments, both online and in-store. The platform also offers shopping assistant that lets users discover and track products, brands and deals in the application.

Key facts about Tabby

9. 5ire

5ire joined the Unicorn Club on Jul 15, 2022
Screenshot of the website of 5ire
Provider of blockchain network platform. It features solutions for transactional scalability, on-chain governance and democracy, future-proof upgradeability, and more. It enables users to develop, build, and transact.

Key facts about 5ire

Kitopi joined the Unicorn Club on Jul 01, 2021 after raising a $415M Series C funding round led by SoftBank Vision Fund, valuing it at $1B.
Screenshot of the website of Kitopi
Provider of a cloud-based network of food delivery businesses. It helps food brands with delivery-only locations to launch online storefronts. It also offers infrastructure, management services, phone support, and delivery management. It serves burgers, crispy chicken, and rice dishes.

Key facts about Kitopi

7. G42

G42 joined the Unicorn Club on Apr 14, 2021 after raising a $800M PE funding round led by Silver Lake.
Screenshot of the website of G42
Provider of artificial intelligence infrastructure, cloud computing, and industry solutions. The company delivers a spectrum of AI services, from initial concepts to scalable applications. It focuses on digital infrastructure, AI security, and specialized industry applications. The organization invests in advancements related to autonomous systems and other scientific domains.

Key facts about G42

Dubizzle joined the Unicorn Club on Feb 03, 2021
Screenshot of the website of Dubizzle
Dubizzle is the classifieds site in the Middle East where customers can buy and sell anything. Products include books, baby toys, gadgets, electronics, cars, jobs, property sale/rent, etc. It was acquired by Naspers in 2013.

Key facts about Dubizzle

Dubizzle Group joined the Unicorn Club on Apr 28, 2020 after raising a $150M Series E funding round led by Olx Group.
Screenshot of the website of Dubizzle Group
Operator of platforms facilitating classified advertisements across various categories. The platforms connect buyers and sellers for transactions across multiple sectors. These sectors include real estate, automobiles, and general goods. The platforms offer services such as car evaluations, financing options, and market pricing insights.

Key facts about Dubizzle Group

Vista Global joined the Unicorn Club on Sep 11, 2018 after raising a $200M PE funding round led by Rhone Group, valuing it at $2.5B.
Screenshot of the website of Vista Global
VistaGlobal is an AI-driven subscription-based private jet booking solution. It also offers on-demand global flight coverage, aircraft leasing/finance & aviation technology. Their pioneering approach ensures that travelers only pay for the hours they fly & experience the benefits of owning a private jet without asset risk or depreciation.

Key facts about Vista Global

Careem joined the Unicorn Club on Dec 16, 2016
Screenshot of the website of Careem
App-based ride-hailing aggregator. Users can book rides by providing location, passenger details, payment details, and more. The platform also offers services like food delivery, recharge services, grocery delivery services, and more. Apps are available for Android and iOS users.

Key facts about Careem

2. Souq

Souq joined the Unicorn Club on Feb 29, 2016 after raising a $275M Series D funding round led by IFC, Baillie Gifford, Tiger Global Management and 1 more, valuing it at $1B.
Screenshot of the website of Souq
Online retailer of various products including electronics, fashion, and groceries. It provides a platform for purchasing diverse goods, from electronics and fashion apparel to groceries and home essentials. The platform offers a selection of products, catering to a broad customer base with varied needs. It facilitates the sale of goods through its online marketplace.

Key facts about Souq

Network International joined the Unicorn Club on Dec 01, 2010
Screenshot of the website of Network International
Provides digital payment solutions and merchant services, catering to businesses with fintech support. It is an online merchant issuer processor and payment acceptance solutions for businesses. The platform provides POS terminals, payment gateways, card issuance, payment processing services, fraud prevention software, loyalty programs, integrated solutions, and more.

Key facts about Network International

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