The UAE startup ecosystem continues to shine as AqlanX, a homegrown AI company, lands a $10 million investment from Australia-based Lakeba Group through its AI venture, DoxAI.
This major milestone was made possible under the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative, which supports innovation-led companies accelerating digital transformation in the region.
Founded in 2025 by Demetrio Russo, AqlanX is building Arabic-first, UAE-made AI technologies designed to transform how large organizations operate. The company focuses on:
- Automating business processes
- Enhancing enterprise efficiency
- Revolutionizing document intelligence and workflow systems
Going by this fresh round of funding, the company is set to scale its enterprise-grade automation solutions across the Middle East using DoxAI’s proven technologies.
“With the support of Lakeba and DoxAI, AqlanX is building world-class AI rooted in the UAE and tailored for Arabic-speaking markets,” said Demetrio Russo, Founder and CEO of AqlanX.
“We are creating a hub for innovation that empowers local enterprises to lead globally.”
How AqlanX Strategic Vision Aligned with National Goals
The investment reflects the UAE’s growing ambition to become a global AI powerhouse.
The roadmap is closely aligned with the UAE’s national digital economy and innovation strategy, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in future technologies.
“This investment is more than capital, it’s a shared vision,” added Giuseppe Porcelli, Executive Chairman of Lakeba and DoxAI. “AqlanX represents the next frontier of enterprise AI in the region.”
To nurture homegrown talent and support AI research, both companies have teamed up with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) to launch a Centre of Excellence in AI. The center will:
- Train local AI professionals
- Foster academic-industry collaboration
- Support long-term innovation across sectors
“This collaboration demonstrates the strength of the NextGen FDI programme in driving cross-sector partnerships,” said H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
Backed by NextGen FDI: Attracting Global Innovation to UAE
Launched in 2022, the NextGen FDI initiative by the UAE Ministry of Economy is designed to attract high-impact global companies in fields like AI, robotics, and renewables.
AqlanX now joins a growing cohort of over 100 innovative companies selected under the program to help shape the UAE’s digital future.
With strategic backing from Lakeba Ventures and access to DoxAI’s cutting-edge tech, AqlanX is poised to lead the enterprise AI space across the Middle East, empowering governments and businesses to transition to smarter, more efficient operations.
