17 Middle East Startups You Should Know About

Created: Jul 22, 2014

Updated: 13/08/2024

Recently, there’s been a rise in startups in the Middle East, where some of these new companies are performing much better than others, with economy pundits predicting a bright future for them. Let’s take a look at the top 17 Middle East startups and understand what makes them so sepcial.

1. Dumyé

Dumyé is a non-tech Middle East startup that is into making eco-friendly, handcrafted handmade dolls aimed at making a social impact in developing countries. Recently Dumye delivered a great pitch at the Impact Hub crowdfunding competition for funds.

2. Unveil Arabia

This is an innovative UAE tour company that believes in promoting sustainable practices. Unveil Arabia promotes environment tours around the Arab World to educate people on how Arab World countries can sustain themselves organically.

3. Careem

Careem provides an excellent ground transport service that’s safe, convenient and personal. People can order Careem’s cabs via the Careem Booking Service mobile app and track their cab rides in real-time. They can pay online using credit cards as well, and even set up monthly invoicing accounts and use the Careem cabs whenever they need them. Careem has seen its fair share of success within its early years, making it one of the best startups in middle east.

4. PitStopArabia

PitStopArabia, is an online tyre retailer shop where customers can explore tyres from different brands and compare their prices. They can order tyres online and get it installed at their doorstep or nearest installer location. The company has more than 150+ installer locations where customers get their tyres delivered and installed with professional equipment, enabling itself as a top startup in middle east.

5. Presella

Presella is an online ticketing sales platform, where people can discover local events and buy tickets to them. Presella provides a double service – it also allows event organizers to scan their potential audience’s habits and preferences and tailor events for them.

6. CityAppHome

CityAppHome is a startup that aims to bring local services to its customers’ homes via a web and mobile service. This small business in middle east helps users access any product or service via their iOS or Android phones, as long as they’re residing in specific regions.

7. Girnaas

This is a local game and app development company based out of Qatar. They’ve already launched their first mobile app, and aim to become Qatar’s leading multiplayer gaming company.

8. Here is Dubai

This top startup has created an online network that aims to educate people on what’s happening in Dubai currently. This site connects people to other people, events, leaders, businesses and much more.

9. Cary!

Cary! is a mobile-only classifieds service devoted solely to the buying and selling of cars. The Arab World is rich, petrol is cheap and the roads are big. This means cars are bigger and pricier. However, that the market is still price-sensitive and the mobile-only Cary! service makes a huge difference by providing a mobile-only car sale advertising platform to help people buy cars at a lower price point.

10. Carpoolarabia

This startup provides an environmentally-friendly service, connecting carpool drivers to passengers so people can carpool to work and school. Not only does this save fuel, it also reduces road traffic.

11. Acadox

This startup offers an innovative approach to academic social life management. Acadox provides many services and tools that help students reach their learning goals, such as cloud technology applications that IT operational costs.

12. Ananasa

This middle east startup is an online marketplace where creative artisans from the UAE can come together and sell their wares to a worldwide market. Ananasa nurtures talented local women to come forward and sell their handmade goodies online, thus providing them with much-needed income.

13. Mumzworld.com

This is a fabulous mom-and-child online shopping portal that provides everything that a young parent or child could dream of. Their website is a hub for parents in the Middle East who may not be able to get hold of the latest innovations in mother and child care that are easily available in the west. The offerings include clothing, toys, baby items, mother care items and much more.

14. Wysada

This startup is a definite go-to destination for UAE and global residents who look for luxury home interiors. Wysada is set up in Amman, but operates in several parts of the UAE, and also in other countries, notably the UK, Turkey and China.

15. Namshi

Namshi is a fashion and footwear online destination, offering products from a vast range of national and international fashion brands. Namshi faithfully follows the latest fashion trends that are happening on international ramps. Apart from this, Namshi has its own in-house fashion brands which it sells via its online portal.

16. Nabbesh

Nabbesh.com connects talented people to global and local businesses virtually. It’s an online work portal that provides a solution to local employment challenges via its work marketplace. Talented people can use Nabbesh.com to showcase their skills and market their profiles and get online work that’s perfectly suited for them.

17. Irhal

This middle eastern startup provides an innovative online service for Muslim travelers so that they can obtain halal food while flying, and manage their daily prayers on their travel. This service also helps Muslim travelers to perform their annual Haj to Mecca/Medina.

Analysis of the Middle East Startup Ecosystem

The article highlights the diverse range of startups emerging in the Middle East, showcasing how these companies are capitalizing on local needs and global trends.

From eco-friendly products and sustainable tourism to tech-driven services and e-commerce platforms, these startups are innovating across various sectors. Their success is driven by a deep understanding of the regional market, a focus on social impact, and the ability to adapt global concepts to local contexts, positioning them for a bright future in the region's evolving economy and labelling themselves as the best middle east startups.

FAQs

How successful is Careem?
- Careem is one of the most successful startups in the Middle East, growing rapidly since its launch in 2012. Acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion in 2020, it now operates in over 100 cities across the region, making it a key player in the regional ride-hailing market.
How many startups are there in the Middle East?
- The Middle East is home to thousands of startups, with key hubs in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The ecosystem is growing rapidly, supported by increasing investments, government initiatives, and a young, tech-savvy population.
Is the Middle East startup-friendly?
- Yes, the Middle East has become increasingly startup-friendly, with governments offering various incentives, funding opportunities, and supportive infrastructure. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are particularly focused on fostering entrepreneurship to diversify their economies.
What industries are Middle East startups focusing on?
- Middle East startups are active across a range of industries, including technology, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, and sustainable products. Many startups are also addressing local needs, such as ride-hailing, online marketplaces, and eco-friendly solutions.
What challenges do Middle East startups face?
- While the ecosystem is growing, Middle East startups still face challenges like limited access to funding, regulatory hurdles, and market competition. However, the region's increasing focus on innovation and entrepreneurship is gradually addressing these issues.