The partnership marks Oongalee’s official market entry into the UAE following its proven success in Canada, where it operates the country’s largest interactive tabletop media network across more than 400 restaurants and 14,000 screens, delivering over 20 million guest interactions annually. With the strategic support of Seed Group, Oongalee aims to position the UAE as the launching pad for its next phase of global growth.
Founded in 2019, Oongalee is a fintech‑based interactive restaurant assistant that combines purpose‑built tabletop hardware, integrated payments, media, and real‑time data to deliver measurable value directly at the table. The company caters to restaurant operators seeking increased efficiency and revenue optimisation, as well as advertisers and media planners looking to engage diners during extended visits. Its network generates over five billion annual impressions across more than 400 locations and is trusted by global advertisers.
Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, commented, “Oongalee’s approach introduces a practical layer of innovation to the hospitality and media landscape. The platform’s ability to modernise table-side service while enabling targeted, measurable advertising reflects a thoughtful response to real operational and marketing challenges. We see clear value in solutions that improve efficiency for restaurants and provide brands with accountable engagement, aligning well with the UAE’s digitally driven economy.”
Karan Sareen, co‑founder and CEO of Oongalee (UAE), stated, “Canada validated our model and our technology, but the UAE is where our global vision accelerates. Partnering with Seed Group gives us the strategic backing, credibility, and access needed to scale with impact. Our focus has always been on building technology that genuinely improves the guest experience while delivering real commercial value for operators. Bringing Oongalee to the UAE is a significant milestone as we work towards building the world’s largest interactive fintech‑powered media network.”
The collaboration is set to advance the hospitality and out-of-home advertising sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s importance as a testbed for smart dining and media innovation. It also supports broader initiatives in the MENA region to enhance customer experiences, stimulate private-sector growth, and attract technology-led business models.
