M&A advisory services in the UAE
The UAE has generated some of the region's most prominent technology exits, with international strategic acquirers and GCC sovereign-backed buyers both active in the market.
Transactions including the Careem/Uber deal, Souq/Amazon and a deepening pipeline of fintech and marketplace M&A - involving companies like Dubizzle and Bayut - illustrate that both bootstrapped and venture-backed UAE founders are finding strong exit routes.
Flow advises both bootstrapped and venture-backed UAE founders on M&A exits, bringing a strong PE and strategic acquirer network, lean end-to-end process management and KPI-driven preparation that positions the business credibly for international buyers from the first conversation.
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UAE tech M&A deals in the last 12 months
$23M
UAE median tech M&A valuation
0.8x
UAE median tech M&A revenue multiple
$379M
UAE biggest tech acquisition in the last 12 months
Selling your tech company in the UAE
UAE M&A involves significant cross-border and free zone-specific structuring. Most material UAE exits involve international acquirers; the DIFC and ADGM common-law courts make the legal mechanics unusually familiar to international counsel.
International deal mechanics
UAE private M&A typically uses international (often English-law-influenced) documentation. Both locked-box and completion accounts are used, with locked-box growing in PE-led and tech deals.
W&I insurance is common
Warranty & indemnity insurance is common in UAE deals above roughly USD 25M, particularly given the cross-border nature of most transactions. Premiums (around 1.5-2.5% of cover) typically split between buyer and seller.
Regulatory and free zone consents
Sector-specific regulatory consents (DFSA, FSRA, Central Bank, TDRA, SCA for listed securities) and free zone registrar approvals may be required pre-completion. Pre-merger competition notification to UAE Competition Authority above thresholds. Adds days to weeks to closing depending on sector.
Capital gains for founders
UAE-resident individuals do not pay personal income tax or capital gains tax on share disposals. UAE-resident corporate sellers are subject to 9% federal corporate tax on disposal gains above the threshold from 2023, with potential exemptions for qualifying participation. One of the most founder-friendly exit tax regimes globally for UAE residents.
Participation exemption
UAE federal corporate tax regime includes a participation exemption for qualifying shareholdings (typically 5%+ holding for 12 months in qualifying subsidiaries). Often drives whether a transaction is share or asset-structured for UAE corporate sellers.
Cross-border tax considerations
Many UAE companies have founders or shareholders tax-resident in other jurisdictions. The post-tax outcome of a UAE exit can be materially shaped by the holder's home-country tax treatment. Often the single largest determinant of net proceeds - worth modelling 12+ months ahead of a sale.
Recently acquired tech companies in the UAE
Biggest M&A recently in the UAE was a $379M acquisition of Shelf Drilling by ADES Holding in August 2025.
See all M&A deals in the UAE| Logo | HQ | Description | Buyer | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aug-25 | Shelf Drilling | | Shelf Drilling is an offshore contractor specializing in shallow-water jack-up rigs for oil and gas well completion, maintenance, and decommissioning. Dubai-headquartered since 2012, the company deploys 12 independent-leg cantilever units serving clients in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, West Africa, India, and the Mediterranean, including national oil companies and supermajors. | ADES Holding | $379M | 0.4x | |
Mar-26 | Finergi | | Finergi is a fintech that provides real-time credit access through prepaid power systems. | Optasia | $30M | - | |
Nov-25 | Optima | | Optima is an online learning platform dedicated to data science and artificial intelligence education. It delivers expert-curated courses, interactive tutorials, and AI-powered tutoring to learners worldwide. Users access modules on Python programming, machine learning models, neural networks, and data visualization through a subscription model. Launched in recent years, the San Francisco-based company partners with industry leaders like Google and Microsoft for content validation. Optima's adaptive learning engine personalizes study paths based on user performance, boasting completion rates above industry averages. The platform supports over 100,000 registered users across 150 countries. | DataCamp | $15M | - | |
Dec-25 | Abu Dhabi & Gulf Computer EST | | Abu Dhabi & Gulf Computer EST is a technology consulting and digital services provider specializing in solutions for the energy sector across the UAE and Gulf region. The firm delivers IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services. | Cyient | $1.9M | 1.2x | |
May-26 | JetCharge | | JetCharge is a company that runs a powerbank-sharing network with charging locations across the UAE. | Ray | - | - | |
Mar-26 | The IPG Group | | The IPG Group is a marketing agency handling live broadcasts, streaming, TV production, and talent management for sports events. | Flash Sports and Media | - | - | |
Feb-26 | Nukta | | Nukta is a media platform that delivers news, digital content, and men's fashion via online channels. | ARY Group | - | - | |
Feb-26 | layout.dev | | Layout is an AI-powered startup that instantly generates interactive app prototypes from text descriptions. It enables rapid validation and iteration for development teams worldwide. | Incorta | - | - | |
Feb-26 | Origen | | Origen is a UAE technology startup advancing innovations at the intersection of artificial intelligence and renewable energy solutions. | BlueFive Capital | - | - | |
Feb-26 | Zero&One | | Zero&One is a UAE-based technology consultancy specializing in cloud transformation, data engineering, AI solutions, serverless development, application modernization, and IoT implementations to drive client revenue growth and operational efficiency. | NTT Data | - | - | |
Feb-26 | Virtuans AI | | Virtuans AI develops autonomous AI agents for 24/7 lead capture, customer engagement, appointment booking, and multichannel support. | Auto Acquire | - | - | |
Jan-26 | Seventh Decimal | | Seventh Decimal crafts bespoke IT strategies and integrations for brands, media agencies, and consultancies, enhancing operational efficiency through tailored tech deployments. | Ipsos | - | - | |
Jan-26 | Property Finder | | Property Finder is a Dubai-headquartered digital real estate marketplace operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, and Turkey. The platform lists verified residential and commercial properties via web and mobile apps, enabling searches for apartments in Dubai Marina or villas in Riyadh suburbs. Professionals use tools like myCRM Pro for lead management with API support, Data Finder for market analytics, Lead Tracker for engagement monitoring, Mortgage Finder for financing options, and Online Masterclass for training. | BECO CapitalMubadala | - | - | |
Jan-26 | Talent Plus | | TalentPlus is a Dubai-based influencer marketing agency connecting brands with creators through data-driven campaigns. | Gushcloud International | - | - | |
Jan-26 | SecurityHQ | | SecurityHQ is a global managed security service provider monitoring networks around the clock to detect and mitigate external and internal cyber threats. | Growth Capital Partners | - | - |
Who is buying tech companies in the UAE?
Core42, IHC and Devsinc are the most active acquirers in the UAE.
See all acquirers in the UAE| Logo | HQ | Description | Key acquisitions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core42 | | Core42 is an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence company developing sovereign AI foundation models and infrastructure. The firm builds large language models trained on Arabic and multilingual datasets for enterprise applications in government, finance, and healthcare sectors. Core42 operates data centers in the UAE and partners with global tech providers for GPU computing resources. | G42 CloudInceptionInjazat | 3 | |
IHC | | International Holdings Co PJSC is a United Arab Emirates-based public joint stock company. The group, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in management services and investing in diversified projects; trading and importing of food items; sale of poultry products, and others. The company is organized into business segments as follows: Real estate and construction, Food, Technology, Financial services, Marine and dredging, Hospitality and leisure, Energy, and Services and other segments. It generates the majority of its revenue from the Real estate and construction segment. | PekoZeloFirst Women Bank | 2 | |
Devsinc | | Devsinc is a software development company centered on web applications and digital solutions. Headquartered in the Philippines, it provides full-stack web development services including frontend frameworks like React, backend systems with Node.js, and cloud deployments on AWS. Devsinc supports startups and enterprises with scalable web platforms, e-commerce sites, and API integrations, drawing from a team experienced in agile methodologies and modern JavaScript ecosystems. | Cloud-1AlchemativeDatics AI | 2 | |
Dubizzle Group Holdings | | Dubizzle Group Holdings PLC is the digital classifieds marketplace in MENA and a household name in the UAE. Through its flagship platforms dubizzle and Bayut, the Group connects millions of buyers and sellers across real estate, automotive, and general classifieds. It holds a market position in the UAE, which contributes the majority of revenues, and operates high- growth businesses in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other GCC markets, supported by brand awareness, deep customer relationships, and high user engagement. | Property MonitorDrive ArabiaHatla2ee | 2 | |
Easy Lease Motor Cycle | | Easy Lease Motor Cycle Rental PRJSC is engaged in the business of motorcycle leasing. It offers a full-service, all-in motorcycle lease where clients pay as they go and not worry about the hassles of maintenance, upkeep, and overheads. | Gallega Global LogisticsUnited Trans | 2 | |
Lumine Group | | Lumine Group Inc acquires, strengthens, and grows vertical market software businesses in the Communications and Media industry. The company's software solutions are designed to enable customers to boost productivity and operate more cost effectively, innovate more rapidly to address rapidly changing market needs and opportunities, grow top-line sales, improve customer service, and reduce customer churn. | Datafusion SystemsSynchronossVidispine+1 | 1 | |
Flash Sports and Media | Flash Sports and Media is a platform for sports, media, and experiential marketing built around live events and branded fan experiences. The company runs properties including Rival Nations, Infinity Esports & Gaming, and GameGolf. Flash Sports and Media handles live broadcast engineering, esports teams, gaming centers, arena venues, studio content, omnichannel streaming, and fan activations across sports, gaming, and digital entertainment. | The IPG Group | 1 | ||
Nortal | | Nortal is a Tallinn-headquartered digital consulting firm with offices in the US and Europe. It delivers custom software development, cloud migration, and cybersecurity services for government and enterprise clients. Projects include e-governance platforms for Estonia's digital state and enterprise systems for Nordic banks. | Accela’s (Middle East unit)Nearsure3DOT Solutions+1 | 1 | |
EDT Partners |  | EDT Partners is a global consulting firm specializing in strategic advisory services for education organizations, including schools, universities, and edtech providers. | eFlow.ai | 1 | |
Three60 Energy | | Three60 Energy is an energy services provider offering subsurface analysis, well engineering, EPIC contracts, and operations maintenance for oil, gas, and renewables. The Aberdeen-headquartered company serves North Sea operators and international projects with drilling, completions, and asset integrity services. Three60 Energy holds ISO certifications and supports decommissioning initiatives. | Total VisionSamphireFlexlife+1 | 1 |
Public tech companies in the UAE
Talabat is the UAE's largest publicly listed tech company, with a market cap of $6.1B.
See all public companies in the UAE| Logo | Description | Sectors | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Talabat | Talabat Holding PLC is engaged in the on-demand online food ordering, delivery, takeaway and groceries and convenience retail marketplace in the MENA region, with operations in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq. | $0.261 | -33.3% | $6.1B | $5.4B | 1.3x | ||
Presight AI | Presight AI Holding PLC provides digital transformation services through big data analytics powered by artificial intelligence. It combines analytics, big data and AI expertise to serve every sector of every scale, to create business and societal value. The group’s world-class omni-analytics platform, TAQ, leverages big data and analytics to deliver cutting-edge Al technology, enabling forecasting and the anticipation of outcomes to support insight-driven, decision making that shapes policy and delivers societal impact. | $0.940 | +34.2% | $5.3B | $4.7B | 5.2x | ||
Alef Education | Alef Education Holding Plc is an EdTech company that designs impactful learning experiences for students customized to different curriculums. The company operates in three segments: The Education solution segment, which provides customers the right of access to the Group’s learning platform. The Support and services segment includes ancillary services such as IT infrastructure setup and maintenance support and services, and the Financial investments segment pertains to the maintenance of the investment portfolio for returns based on market dynamics. The majority of its revenue is generated from the Education solution segment. | $0.267 | -1.9% | $1.9B | $1.7B | 7.8x | ||
Optasia | Optasia is a B2B2X AI-powered fintech platform covering scoring, financial decisioning, disbursement and collection. The company operates across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Its services include: Micro Lending, Airtime Advance, and Data Monetization. | $1.04 | - | $1.3B | $1.3B | - | ||
Phoenix Group | Phoenix Group PLC is a technology conglomerate bringing blockchain solutions to an expansive market. The Group develops, operates, and manages specialized data centres, hosting class performance computing power for digital assets across the UAE, Oman, the U.S., and Canada. Additionally, it also hosts, operates, and maintains equipment within its existing data centres and enables investment opportunities within cloud mining. The Group is the exclusive distributor of equipment manufacturer MicroBT and a prominent distributor of Digital wallet Ledgers and CoolWallets across the Middle East. The Group has four business verticals: Mining, Hosting, Trading, and Investment. The company operates within and outside of the UAE. | $0.193 | -34.5% | $1.2B | $1.2B | 10x | ||
Yalla Group | Yalla Group Ltd is a MENA-based online social networking and gaming company. It operates two flagship mobile applications, Yalla, a voice-centric group chat platform, and Yalla Ludo, a casual gaming application featuring online versions of board games popular in MENA, with in-game voice chat and localized majlis functions. The Group has one operating segment, which is the social networking and entertainment platform. | $6.17 | -10.6% | $937M | $134M | 0.4x | ||
MBME Group | MBME Group Pvt JSC provides fully integrated online payment solutions such as payment collection and aggregation services to UAE government entities, private sector businesses, and retail customers, through its subsidiaries. MBME Group is an investment company, which comprises a fintech ecosystem that includes MBME Pay, MBME Neo, MBME Wow Pay, and MBME Investments. The activities of the Company consists of investment, institution and management of commercial enterprises, industrial enterprises and technology projects. | $0.079 | - | $240M | $227M | - | ||
Robo.ai | Robo.ai Inc is a pioneering smart electric vehicle company which aims to integrate avant-garde design, life-style personalization, IoT connectivity, and autonomous driving technology into a passenger-centric green premium mobility solution to the world. Geographically, the company operates in The United States, The United Arab Emirates, Mainland China. | $3.23 | - | $64M | $87M | - |
Why Flow Partners as your M&A advisor
Access to relevant buyers
We have extensive network and direct access to world's most prominent financial and strategic buyers, cultivated through years of successful M&A track record across bulge bracket investment banking.
No corporate red tape
We run lean deal processes, without BS, unnecessary time-wasting efforts and corporate inefficiencies. Our approach values candor, transparency and high-impact work to make sure great deals get done.
Thorough preparation
KPI-driven storytelling is more art than science. We have unmatched understanding of digital businesses and are experts in building sharp equity stories that present your business in a clear, concise manner.
Optimize value, not valuation
Valuation is only one side of the medal. We help creating attractive and efficient transaction structures that bridge incentive gaps between sellers, buyers and management teams.
We provide M&A advisory services across the UAE and beyond
Sector expertise
Explore our M&A advisory offering across a variety of tech sectors in the UAE.
Software
Vertical and horizontal SaaS, AI-native software products, infrastructure SaaS, cybersecurity
AI & ML
Foundation models, AI applications, AI infrastructure, semiconductors, AI consulting
Fintech
Neobanking, online payments, fintech infrastructure, lending platforms, wealth tech, online brokerage, vertical FS software
Consumer internet
Consumer software subscription platforms, edutech, online content, social networks, online dating
Digital media
Streaming platforms, mobile and console gaming, content distribution, digital publishing, VR & AR
E-commerce & marketplaces
Consumer and B2B marketplaces, inventory-based e-commerce, classifieds, lead generation platforms
Consumer products
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, consumer electronics, smart home devices, lifestyle products
Mobility
Ridesharing, micromobility, food delivery, logistics tech, autonomous tech, EV charging infrastructure
Digital health
Digital therapeutics, telemedicine, mental health solutions, EHR and practice management, vertical healthcare SaaS
Industrial technology
Industry 4.0 solutions, 3D printing, climate tech, industrial IoT, robotics, smart manufacturing
Digital infrastructure
Data centers, cloud infrastructure, edge computing, network security, vertical infrastructure SaaS
IT services
Software development and testing, digital transformation, cloud services, advertising agencies, IT support services
Selected case studies
We've closed sell-side and buy-side transactions across European, US and emerging-market tech.
Our M&A track record spans strategic exits to corporate acquirers, PE buyouts, and cross-border deals where regulatory and structuring complexity actually matters.
We acted as exclusive sell-side advisor to MAILINGWORK, a Chemnitz-based email marketing software platform, on its sale to French digital marketing leader Positive Group.
Recently completed M&A advisory projects
Selected M&A transactions and prior deal experience.
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