Seraya raises $1.8m seed round to scale Dubai portfolio

UAE: Dubai-based short-term rental operator Seraya has raised $1.8 million in seed funding, bringing total capital raised to $2.15 million.

 The round was led by a Saudi family office and German investor DLL, with additional backing from angel investors. The funding includes a mix of equity and debt.

Founded in October 2024, Seraya operates a vertically integrated model. The company signs long-term leases with property owners, renovates and furnishes each unit in-house, and manages the guest experience directly. This approach has resulted in day-one profitability, over 92% average occupancy, and a 5.0 guest rating.

Seraya currently operates serviced apartments in Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and the Marina. The company is expanding, aiming to reach 50 units by the end of 2025. New locations will include Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, and select villa communities.

Apartments are typically renovated and prepared for guests within 10 days of handover. Seraya also manufactures its own furniture locally and includes wellness-focused features such as in-unit saunas, hot tubs, and water filtration systems.

Dubai’s short-term rental market grew from 20,000 units in 2024 to over 30,000 in 2025, driven by rising demand from tourists, remote workers, and wellness travelers. Seraya plans to use Dubai as a base for future regional expansion.

Highlights:

• Seraya raises $1.8m seed round, total $2.15m funding.

• Backed by KSA and German family offices, plus angel investors.

• Vertically integrated model: leases, renovates, furnishes, manages in-house.

• Achieved 92%+ occupancy, day-one profitability, 5.0 guest rating.

• Expanding to 50 units by end-2025 wellness-focused STR positioning.