Seed Group and Oongalee partner to bring next-generation fintech and interactive restaurant technology to the UAE

⬇ Download PDF: Press release on the partnership announcement between Seed Group and Oongalee

Dubai, UAE; Toronto, Canada—January 13th, 2026— Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has entered into a strategic partnership with Oongalee, a Canada‑founded fintech and hospitality technology company.

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.

About Oongalee

Oongalee is building the world’s first connected hospitality platform, turning every table into intelligent infrastructure for media, AI, and commerce. Headquartered in Canada and expanding globally, Oongalee operates one of the world’s largest interactive hospitality media networks, combining patented hardware, proprietary software, and real-time data intelligence. The platform helps hospitality operators increase revenue, streamline service, and elevate guest experiences, while enabling brands to engage audiences through measurable, action-driven media. With a rapidly growing footprint across restaurants, entertainment venues, and high-traffic hospitality environments, Oongalee is redefining how physical spaces connect, monetise, and perform, powering the future of connected hospitality. For more information, visit www.oongalee.com.

About Seed Group

For over 20 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East and North Africa region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Group’s goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organisations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region, helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet The Private Office’s criteria. For more information, visit www.seedgroup.com.

Oongalee Media Contact

Chris Staresinic
+011 905 464 0440
chris@oongalee.com

Seed Group Media Contact

Nomarie Jean Lacsamana
+971 4 373 5068
jean@seedgroup.com