UAE-based artificial intelligence startup AqlanX has raised $10 million in funding from Australia’s Lakeba Group through its enterprise automation arm, DoxAI.
The investment will support the expansion of Arabic-first AI solutions built specifically for the Middle East, focusing on process automation for enterprises, local talent development, and national capacity building.
New AI Centre of Excellence in Dubai
As part of the deal, AqlanX will also set up an AI Centre of Excellence in Dubai, in collaboration with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD). The centre is being launched under the UAE’s NextGen FDI programme, which accelerates the entry and scaling of global tech companies in the region.
This strategic initiative is expected to enhance AI research, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and create more opportunities for emerging tech talent in the UAE.
Enterprise Automation Powered by DoxAI IP
AqlanX’s technology stack is built on DoxAI’s enterprise automation intellectual property. This enables fast implementation across multiple industries, including finance, legal, and operations. The company plans to leverage this capability to bring automation efficiency to businesses across the Middle East.
Before founding AqlanX, Russo led KERNO Enterprises, a tech hardware company based in the UAE. The current move into AI aligns with the UAE’s broader push toward digital transformation and innovation-led growth in emerging technologies.