Dubai-based hospitality startup Seraya raised USD 1.8 mn in a seed funding round that brought its total capital to USD 2.2 mn, according to a press release. The funds came as a mixture of debt and equity. Leading the round was KSA-based German family office DLL, with participation from angel investors.

Next up: The funding will support Seraya’s expansion across Dubai’s short-term rental market, with the startup currently in “hyper-scaling mode.” It is looking to have 50 units in its portfolio by the end of the fiscal year, with plans to launch in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, and villa communities. It currently operates in Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Marina.

About Seraya: The startup secures long-term leases — of at least five years — from homeowners to turn premium apartments into short-term rentals. Following key handover, Seraya takes full charge of apartment renovations, design, and operations. It was launched in 2024 by co-founders Pepijn Haima (LinkedIn) and Ibrahim Shami (LinkedIn), and looks to tap into the emirate’s quickly expanding short-term rental market.

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