du launches $50 million investment fund with Shurooq to drive digital innovation

Abu Dhabi: du, a leading telecommunications and digital services provider, has announced the launch of du Ventures, a $50 million corporate investment fund established in partnership with Shurooq, a technology investment company.

The collaboration aims to accelerate digital innovation across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East region, supporting the growth of emerging technologies and startup ecosystems.

The launch of du Ventures marks a strategic step in du’s evolution from a traditional telecommunications provider into an integrated digital ecosystem player, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and future-ready technologies.

Under the partnership, the fund will focus on investing in startups and entrepreneurs working to transform emerging technologies into practical, scalable solutions. Key sectors include financial technology (fintech), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, loyalty programs, digital gaming, enterprise solutions, and customer experience technologies.

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, said the initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to lead digital transformation and contribute to the UAE’s vision of building a globally competitive digital economy.

“The du Ventures fund is a natural extension of our commitment to driving digital transformation,” Al Hassawi said. “By investing in early-stage technologies and startups aligned with our strategic priorities, and leveraging du’s infrastructure and enterprise reach, we are accelerating the development of practical solutions that deliver sustainable value to customers and shareholders, while contributing to economic growth.”

The fund will be managed by Shurooq, a multi-strategy investment firm, which will guide investments in line with du’s corporate strategy. A significant portion of the fund will be allocated to supporting UAE-based startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

Mahmoud Adi, co-founder of Shurooq, highlighted the importance of combining capital with infrastructure to support startup growth.

“Promising startups need more than funding; they require access to strategic infrastructure and platforms,” Adi said. “Through du Ventures, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and scalability, enabling entrepreneurs to bring transformative solutions to market more quickly.”

The initiative underscores du’s continued push to strengthen its role in the region’s digital transformation and innovation landscape.