DIEZ Reports 13% Rise in Companies, 24% Workforce Growth in H1 2026
Oraseya Capital, its investment arm, invested in 15 startups, a 25% increase in new investments from last year.
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The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded a 13% increase in the number of companies operating across its economic zones in the first half of 2026, while their workforce grew 24% compared with the same period last year.
According to figures released by the authority, the three zones under DIEZ – Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity – recorded an occupancy rate of 96% during the period.
“The results achieved by DIEZ during the first half of 2026 reflect the resilience of its economic model and its ability to sustain growth amid the rapid transformations within the global economy,” H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said. “They also reinforce the continued confidence of companies and investors in Dubai’s competitive business environment that supports expansion and creates new opportunities.”
During the first half of the year, DIEZ launched expansion projects at Dubai Silicon Oasis, including District IO and Block 14. District IO is backed by an AED11 billion investment and is planned to provide infrastructure for research, development and future technologies.
Meanwhile, the first phase of Block 14 has an investment of AED1.8 billion and will include a commercial building, two residential buildings, and a retail district. The development is adjacent to a planned Dubai Metro Blue Line station, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2029.
“Looking ahead, we will continue enhancing the competitiveness of our ecosystem by developing services and institutional enablers, accelerating digital transformation and deploying artificial intelligence technologies to improve operational efficiency, and enhance the customer experience,” Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said. “These efforts will further strengthen our ability to attract high-value companies and investment in future-focused sectors.”
DIEZ also reported continued activity in startups and technology-focused businesses. Oraseya Capital, its venture capital arm, invested in 15 startups during H1 2026, a 25% increase in new investments from last year.
DIEZ’s Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus also recorded growth, with new company registrations increasing 57% from H1 2025, while the number of companies specializing in artificial intelligence rose 95%.
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The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded a 13% increase in the number of companies operating across its economic zones in the first half of 2026, while their workforce grew 24% compared with the same period last year.
According to figures released by the authority, the three zones under DIEZ – Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity – recorded an occupancy rate of 96% during the period.
“The results achieved by DIEZ during the first half of 2026 reflect the resilience of its economic model and its ability to sustain growth amid the rapid transformations within the global economy,” H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said. “They also reinforce the continued confidence of companies and investors in Dubai’s competitive business environment that supports expansion and creates new opportunities.”
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
