MENA Startup Funding Surges 211% to $150M in April, Led by UAE

Startup funding across the Middle East and North Africa rebounded sharply in April 2026, reaching $150 million — a 211% increase compared to March, according to data from Wamda. The recovery comes after a particularly slow March, though total investment remains 42% lower than April 2025.

The United Arab Emirates dominated with $78 million across eight deals, representing 52% of total funding. Saudi Arabia followed with $26.2 million across seven startups, while Egypt secured a similar level across five deals. Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar collectively raised $14.5 million through five transactions.

Debt financing played an outsized role, contributing $80 million across just two transactions. Early-stage startups led in deal volume with 17 companies raising $40.6 million combined. Only one later-stage deal was recorded during the month, backing Egypt-based Lucky.

By sector, fintech continued its dominance, attracting $89.4 million across seven deals. E-commerce followed with $19.3 million across four transactions. Business-to-business startups captured the majority of capital at $95.8 million across 11 deals, compared to $35.8 million raised by consumer-focused companies.

Notable developments include Sarwa becoming the first UAE fintech to reach $1 billion in assets under management, Dubai SME allocating $12 million to startups through the Future Majlis Programme, and Egypt's MoneyHash expanding into Oman through a partnership with Thawani Pay.

Despite the April rebound, Q1 2026 funding remained down 37% year-on-year, and the gender gap persists: male-led startups raised $138.8 million versus $1.5 million for female-led startups.