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The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority detailed in a statement released through the Dubai Media Office that its three economic zones Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity maintained an occupancy rate of 96 percent through the first six months of 2026. The authority reported that the number of companies active in the zones rose 13 percent from the first half of 2025 while their combined workforce increased 24 percent over the same period. These operational gains reflect sustained demand for the zones’ infrastructure and services according to the announcement which ties the performance to broader efforts supporting Dubai’s position as a hub for business and innovation under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum the chairman of DIEZ stated that the first-half results demonstrate the resilience of the authority’s economic model amid global changes. Al Maktoum added that the rises in companies and employees underscore Dubai’s ability to attract high-value investment and support business expansion. The chairman further noted that development of an integrated ecosystem guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum continues to strengthen competitiveness and advance the emirate’s goal of ranking among the world’s top three urban economies.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni the executive chairman of DIEZ described the authority’s approach as successfully building an ecosystem that addresses business community needs across establishment expansion investment and innovation stages. Al Zarooni highlighted how the 96 percent occupancy alongside company and workforce growth signals strong confidence in the zones’ advanced flexible environment. The executive chairman outlined future steps including accelerated digital transformation deployment of artificial intelligence for efficiency gains and enhanced customer experience to draw additional high-value companies into future-focused sectors.
Expansion projects launched at Dubai Silicon Oasis during the period include District IO backed by an AED11 billion investment aimed at providing infrastructure for future technologies and positioning Dubai as a global center for research development and innovation. The first phase of Block 14 represents an AED1.8 billion commitment to create a mixed-use business and residential community consistent with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and transit-oriented development principles. Located next to the future Dubai Metro Blue Line station Block 14 will feature one commercial building two residential towers a retail district and improved metro connectivity with completion of the initial phase scheduled for 2029.
Oraseya Capital the investment arm of DIEZ reinforced its role in the regional venture ecosystem by remaining the UAE’s most active investor by number of deals for the third consecutive year according to MAGNiTT’s H1 2026 ranking of investors across the Middle East Africa and Southeast Asia. The firm also ranked as the UAE’s top early-stage investor and second across the MENA region in both categories while completing 15 startup investments that marked a 25 percent increase from the first half of 2025. A Wamda report placed total MENA startup funding at $1.7 billion across 242 rounds in the period during which Oraseya Capital participated in deals such as the proptech platform Takeem and the AI-powered e-commerce company Revora.
The authority’s Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus recorded a 57 percent increase in new company registrations compared with the first half of 2025 alongside a 95 percent rise in the number of artificial intelligence-focused businesses. Oraseya Capital’s Sandbox programme drew 771 applications for its eighth cohort resulting in 16 companies selected after 28 selection committee meetings. These innovation metrics demonstrate growing demand for specialized environments that nurture technology-driven entrepreneurship within the DIEZ network.
