DFDF Partners with Second Century Ventures to Accelerate Proptech in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE – Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Second Century Ventures (SCV), marking a strategic step to advance real estate technology innovation in the emirate.

SCV, the venture capital arm backed by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), operates the globally recognised REACH real estate technology accelerator, supporting proptech startups across multiple international markets.

The partnership aims to accelerate the development of startups operating at the intersection of real estate and technology, aligning with Dubai’s broader vision to position itself as a global hub for innovation.

Under the agreement, DFDF and SCV will collaborate to identify, fund, and support high-potential companies, while also enabling international proptech firms to access and scale within the Dubai market.

This initiative supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which focuses on strengthening the emirate’s competitiveness and fostering future-focused industries.

Global reach meets local opportunity

SCV currently manages a portfolio of more than 350 companies worldwide and operates its REACH scale-up programme across seven key markets, including the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Through the collaboration, SCV will gain deeper access to Dubai’s real estate ecosystem, including connections with developers, construction companies, regulators, and government entities.

At the same time, DFDF will leverage SCV’s global network to identify emerging technologies and support local startups in expanding into international markets.

Real estate and construction are strategic pillars for the Emirate, and by working with SCV, we aim to inject world-class innovation into the ecosystem and create tangible commercial opportunities for technology startups in the space,

said Nader Albastaki, Managing Director of DFDF.

As part of the agreement, SCV has adapted its REACH programme specifically for Dubai, ensuring that each cohort is aligned with regional priorities and market needs.

The partnership will also include two annual “Procurement Matchmaking” events, designed to connect startups with potential clients and partners, alongside joint evaluation of co-investment opportunities.

Regional participation in inaugural cohort

The inaugural 2026 REACH Middle East cohort already reflects strong regional participation, with proptech companies from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India.

This collaboration highlights Dubai’s continued focus on fostering innovation within its real estate sector, positioning the emirate at the forefront of proptech development in the region and globally.