Dubai’s hospitality startup, Seraya, is setting a new benchmark in premium serviced accommodation by raising $1.8 million in seed funding, totaling $2.15 million in capital. The funding round was led by family offices from Saudi Arabia and Germany, alongside strategic angel investors. This financial boost, a mix of equity and debt, will fuel Seraya’s expansion in Dubai’s thriving short-term rental market.
Since its inception in October 2024, Seraya has achieved profitability and maintains an impressive occupancy rate of over 92% with a perfect guest rating. The company offers a portfolio of premium apartments in prime Dubai locations like Downtown, Business Bay, and Marina, blending hotel-like consistency with the warmth of home.
Seraya’s unique model involves securing long-term leases, renovating and furnishing spaces, and managing the entire guest experience, allowing full control over quality and operations. Currently in hyper-growth mode, Seraya adds a new apartment weekly, aiming for 50 units by the end of 2025, with expansions planned in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, and villa communities.
Co-Founder Pepijn Haima emphasizes that Seraya is crafted for modern travelers seeking comfort and care. Their model, which includes designing and manufacturing bespoke furniture locally, ensures rapid scalability and consistency. Wellness is integral to their brand, with features like in-apartment saunas and water filtration systems supporting restorative travel.
Dubai’s short-term rental market is rapidly expanding, with units projected to grow from 20,000 in 2024 to over 30,000 in 2025. Seraya aims to lead the premium segment, offering a unique alternative to traditional hotels and generic listings. With its innovative systems and design, Seraya sees strong potential for regional expansion.
Seraya is redefining short-term stays, ensuring they are as thoughtfully crafted as the lives they cater to. The company’s design-led, fully serviced apartments reflect a philosophy of calm, quality, and care, inspired by Japanese minimalism and Wabi-Sabi design principles. Headquartered in Dubai, Seraya is committed to sustainable, profitable growth in the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.
