Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, as the Dubai government entity continued efforts to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global business and investment hub.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of DIEZ, said in a post on X that the authority is working to build an integrated investment ecosystem aligned with Dubai’s long-term development goals.
According to the authority’s results, the number of companies operating across its economic zones increased 13% year on year, while employee numbers rose 24%. Occupancy across the zones reached 96%.
DIEZ’s investment arm, Eurasia Capital, invested in 15 startups during the period, with its investments up 25% compared with the first half of 2025. The firm was also named the UAE’s most active investor for the third consecutive year, according to the announcement.
The number of technology companies at Dubai Multi Commodities Centre grew 95%, while startup registrations increased 57%. Investments in District 11 reached AED11B, with the project focused on future technologies, research and development, and innovation.
DIEZ oversees Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Commercity.
Source: Al Bayan
