Directory database · Startups in the Middle East
Where to submit a Middle East startup: 4 directories
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) startup directories cover fast-growing ecosystems in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and elsewhere, many supported by government programmes and free zones. Regional databases and media are read by investors, sovereign and corporate funds, accelerators and journalists, so an accurate, complete profile matters more than marketing copy. Many directories publish in both Arabic and English; an Arabic description helps with local audiences. Be precise about your legal setup (for example a free-zone company versus a mainland one) and the countries where you operate, because programmes and investors often filter on both. If you are relocating to the region, look for directories linked to the free zone or programme you join, since they often promote their own companies.
2 with a verified dofollow link · 4 free or with a free option · 2 reviewed by a person · last checked Sep 23, 2026
By hand, from $79 one-time.
Regional MENA directories 3
Most popular first.
menagrid
menagrid.co
menagrid is a MENA startup and venture hub that profiles startups and funding sources across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the wider region. Startups submit their details, and the team screens…
FreeDofollowCheckedStartUp Bahrain
startupbahrain.com
StartUp Bahrain is the national platform for Bahrain's startup ecosystem, run with founders, investors, corporates and government. Its ecosystem page lists local startups and enablers with links to…
FreeDofollowCheckedStartupKit
startupkit.pro
StartupKit is a bilingual Arabic and English founder toolkit for MENA startups that includes a public founder directory. Each free profile shows a Build Progress score, traction and asks, and can be…
Free + paidUnverifiedChecked
Country directories in the region 1
Most popular first.
Startups.watch
startups.watch
Startups.watch is a research database focused on the Turkish startup ecosystem, tracking startups, founders, investors, deals and exits. Founders can add their own company and claim an existing…
Free + paidUnverifiedChecked
DR is Domain Rating by Ahrefs: a 0–100 score of a site’s backlinks, higher is stronger. It isn’t a Google metric. Tranco rank is a research top-sites ranking: lower means more popular. How we check each directory
How to prioritise
- Regional MENA databases and media that investors read.
- Country and free-zone directories where you are registered.
- Arabic-language directories, if your customers are local.
Questions about this list
Should my listing be in Arabic or English?
English works for most regional databases. For local customers and Arabic-language media, add an Arabic description written by a native speaker.
Does my free-zone setup matter for directories?
It can. Some directories and programmes are linked to a specific free zone or country and list only companies registered there. Check eligibility on each page.
Do MENA directories cover North Africa?
Many regional databases include Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia; some focus on the Gulf only. Each directory page notes its coverage where we could confirm it.
Which of these directories give a dofollow link?
2 of the 4 had a followed (dofollow) listing link when we checked: menagrid, StartUp Bahrain. Directories change their link policy, so check your own listing once it is live.