DUBAI, UAE — Hiruy Amanuel, a California-born venture capitalist with nearly a decade of experience in Silicon Valley’s private equity landscape, has made a definitive statement about where he sees the future of global investment: the United Arab Emirates. The entrepreneur and investor has relocated from the United States to Dubai, where he now holds Golden Visa status and has committed more than AED 50 million to UAE-based business ventures, with a particular focus on real estate development.

For Amanuel, the decision to establish roots in the Emirates represents more than a business calculation; it’s a personal conviction. “The UAE is home now,” he has said of his adopted country, joining a growing cohort of international entrepreneurs who have chosen Dubai and Abu Dhabi as their base of operations in an increasingly competitive global economy.

From Silicon Valley to the Gulf

Amanuel’s journey to the UAE began in the tech corridors of California, where he spent the better part of a decade investing in seed and early-stage companies. His expertise in private equity and venture capital positioned him as a discerning investor with an eye for emerging markets and untapped potential.

In 2015, a visit to Africa proved transformative. Struck by the continent’s burgeoning tech ecosystem and youthful demographic dividend, Amanuel pivoted his focus toward emerging markets. He went on to co-found Gebeya Inc., an online marketplace connecting African IT professionals with the global business community, and later established Gullit VC, a venture capital firm dedicated to backing early-stage African tech startups.

Now, with his sights set firmly on the Middle East, Amanuel is applying the same strategic vision that guided his African investments to the UAE’s dynamic real estate sector.

A Strategic Bet on UAE Real Estate

The more than AED 50 million that Amanuel has deployed into UAE ventures underscores his confidence in the nation’s economic trajectory. His current focus on real estate development aligns with the UAE’s ambitious urban transformation agenda, which has positioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi as global hubs for innovation, commerce, and sustainable living.

The UAE’s real estate market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years, attracting international capital through investor-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location bridging East and West. For investors like Amanuel, the Golden Visa program, which grants long-term residency to entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals, has been instrumental in facilitating deeper engagement with the local economy.

As a Golden Visa holder himself, Amanuel has signaled that his commitment to the UAE is long-term. He has indicated plans to expand his investment portfolio further and has become an advocate for others considering similar moves, encouraging fellow entrepreneurs and investors to explore the opportunities the Emirates has to offer.

An Ambassador for the Emirates

Beyond his financial commitments, Amanuel has emerged as a vocal proponent of the UAE as a destination for global talent and capital. His advocacy comes at a time when the Emirates continues to diversify its economy away from oil dependency, investing heavily in technology, real estate, tourism, and financial services.

His message to prospective investors is straightforward: the UAE offers a rare combination of political stability, regulatory clarity, and economic dynamism that few other markets can match. For those willing to take the leap, he suggests, the rewards can be substantial.

As Amanuel continues to build his presence in the region, his trajectory offers a case study in the globalization of venture capital and a testament to the UAE’s growing appeal as a destination not just for investment, but for building a life.