Dubai’s booming short-term rental market just gained a major player. Seraya, a UAE-based proptech and hospitality startup, has closed $1.8 million in seed funding through an equity-debt mix. The round was led by a Saudi family office and German family office DLL, with additional backing from strategic angel investors. This brings the company’s total funding to $2.15 million.
A New Standard in Short-Term Living
Founded in late 2024 by Pepijn Haima and Ibrahim Shami, Seraya has been profitable since day one. The startup already operates premium, design-led apartments in prime Dubai locations such as Downtown, Business Bay, and the Marina. With an impressive 92% average occupancy rate and a flawless 5.0 guest rating, Seraya is proving that curated experiences matter.
Unlike traditional operators, Seraya follows a vertically integrated model:
- ✅ Secures long-term (5+ year) leases from property owners
- ✅ Fully renovates and furnishes each unit
- ✅ Manages the entire guest experience in-house
This approach allows Seraya to maintain complete control over design, quality, and operations, ensuring consistency across its growing portfolio.
Scaling Fast with a Wellness Edge
Seraya is in hyper-growth mode, adding one new apartment to its portfolio every week. With the fresh funding, the company plans to expand to 50 units by the end of 2025. Upcoming launches include properties in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, and select villa communities.
Wellness sits at the heart of Seraya’s brand. Apartments come equipped with thoughtful touches such as in-unit saunas and water filtration systems—features designed to support restorative, wellness-led travel. This focus aligns with the booming $9 trillion global wellness industry, where travellers increasingly seek experiences that leave them feeling rejuvenated.
Backed by Strategic Investors
DLL’s Managing Director, Jakob Langen, sees Seraya as uniquely positioned:
“Their ability to control the full value chain, from sourcing and design to operations, gives them a powerful advantage. We believe this model will define the next generation of hospitality brands.”
Co-founder Pepijn Haima echoes the vision:
“Seraya is designed for the modern traveller—calm, comfort, and care. Our model ensures every detail is intentional, from the materials we use to the guest experience we deliver.”
Looking Ahead
Dubai’s short-term rental market is expanding rapidly, set to grow from 20,000 units in 2024 to 30,000 in 2025. Rising tourism, the digital nomad wave, and wellness-focused travel are reshaping the industry. Seraya is positioning itself as a premium alternative to generic Airbnb listings and legacy hotel chains.
“Dubai has been the perfect proving ground,” adds co-founder Ibrahim Shami. “With the systems we’ve built, we’re confident about scaling regionally in the near future.”
With profitability, strong investor backing, and a clear focus on design and wellness, Seraya is setting a new benchmark for premium serviced accommodation—one thoughtfully crafted stay at a time.