News
Feb 22, 2026
News
Startups
Artificial Intelligence
Middle East & Africa
NewDecoded
3 min read
Image by Origen
Origen, a technology firm based in Abu Dhabi, announced a $50 million strategic investment from Bluefive Capital to expand its mission of embedding artificial intelligence into real-world commercial environments. This funding will support the design and scaling of AI systems for government services, smart home ecosystems, and advanced manufacturing operations. The capital injection marks a significant milestone for the homegrown company as it seeks to address complex operational challenges across the region.
Unlike many research-oriented laboratories, Origen focuses on what it calls operational AI, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical execution. The company was founded by seasoned technology executives who believe the greatest value of AI is found when it is integrated directly into mission-critical workflows. By partnering with both public and private sector organisations, the team aims to build reliable systems that enhance long-term competitiveness.
The investment comes from Bluefive Capital, a global firm that focuses on high-growth companies shaping the future of industry. This partnership highlights the growing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a hub for innovation and its ability to foster technology leaders that compete on a global stage. The deal aligns with the emirate's broader strategy to build a world-class technology ecosystem driven by sustainable growth. With the new capital, Origen plans to accelerate product development and attract world-class talent to its headquarters in the United Arab Emirates. The company aims to strengthen its role as a trusted implementation partner for organisations looking to unlock efficiency through production-ready AI. More information about their initiatives can be found at origen.ae. This movement reflects the rapid expansion of the local technology sector, which has seen a surge in AI-focused enterprises over the last two years. By supporting applied technology solutions, Abu Dhabi continues to advance its vision of becoming an AI-native economy. These efforts ensure that transformative technologies are not only developed but implemented at a scale that powers the local economy.
This investment signals a critical shift in the artificial intelligence landscape from theoretical research toward the application layer where technology meets operational reality. As investors pivot away from general-purpose large language models, firms like Origen that solve the last-mile implementation problems in sectors like GovTech are becoming high-value targets. This deal specifically bolsters the reputation of the United Arab Emirates as a sovereign AI power, demonstrating that the region is no longer just a consumer of global technology but a developer of specialized solutions for international markets.