Despite regional instability, the UAE’s fintech sector demonstrated remarkable strength in the first quarter of 2026, pulling in US$486 million in investments. According to a new report from S&P Global Market Intelligence, this positions the Emirates as the third-largest market for fintech funding globally, trailing only the US (US$5.46 billion) and the UK (US$1.09 billion).
The funding activity was largely driven by substantial rounds for established B2B platforms, cross-border expansion plays, and high-growth verticals like digital banking.
Quick Facts
- UAE attracted US$486 million in fintech funding in Q1 2026.
- Ranked third-largest fintech funding market globally for the quarter.
- Large rounds for B2B and digital banking led the growth.
Mega-Rounds Signal Investor Confidence
Two significant deals accounted for the bulk of the capital raised. The newly formed Advanced Digital Gaming Technology (ADGT) secured US$250 million in March. Established through a strategic partnership involving Blackstone and Raya Holding, ADGT aims to build a premier payments and compliance platform for the commercial gaming market, with an initial focus on the UAE, the Middle East, and Africa.
Abu Dhabi-based Islamic digital bank Mal raised US$230 million in January in one of the region’s largest-ever seed rounds. Founder Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, who previously founded the internet calling app Botim, stated the company plans to use AI to develop mobile-first products. Mal is targeting a 2026 launch and is in talks with regulators in the UAE, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
B2B and Proptech Solutions Secure Major Backing
The B2B finance sector also saw strong investor interest. Comfi, a Dubai-based embedded finance platform, raised a US$65 million pre-Series A round of equity and debt in April. The company helps businesses offer flexible payment terms like buy now, pay later (BNPL) and invoice discounting. The capital will be used to scale its underwriting capabilities and expand across key regional markets.
In the proptech space, Dubai’s digital real estate investment platform Stake closed an oversubscribed US$31 million Series B in February. The funds are set to deepen its presence in Saudi Arabia, where it has already funneled SAR 416 million (US$111 million) into the property sector. The company also plans to accelerate its expansion into the US industrial real estate market, which it entered in late 2025.
Niche SME Payments Attracts Growth Capital
Showcasing the depth of the market, Shariah-compliant SME payment specialist Omnispay closed a US$2 million pre-Series A in February. The Dubai-based startup plans to evolve from a payments provider into a broader SME finance platform, adding services like cashflow management and embedded credit. The company reported a 5.5x revenue surge over the last 12 months.
About Mal
Mal is an Abu Dhabi-based Islamic digital banking venture. Founded by serial entrepreneur Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the company aims to use artificial intelligence to create cost-efficient, mobile-first banking products for customers in the UAE and other international markets.
About Advanced Digital Gaming Technology (ADGT)
ADGT is a UAE-based payments and data intelligence technology platform focused on the commercial gaming market. Launched with backing from Blackstone and Raya Holding, its platform integrates digital wallets, real-time funding, and compliance monitoring to support large-scale deployments and cross-border interoperability.
About Comfi
Based in Dubai, Comfi is a B2B embedded finance platform. It provides solutions like buy now, pay later (BNPL), invoice discounting, and car dealer finance, enabling businesses to offer flexible payment terms while ensuring suppliers are paid upfront.
About Stake
Stake is a digital real estate investment company headquartered in Dubai. The platform allows retail investors to purchase fractional shares in income-generating properties, providing access to institutional-grade assets. The company operates in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the US.
About Omnispay
Omnispay is a Dubai-based fintech startup offering Shariah-compliant payment services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2022, the company is expanding its services to include a full suite of SME finance tools, including cashflow management and embedded credit.
Source: Fintech News UAE
