UAE startup programmes
The UAE has accelerators, incubators, funds and regulatory test environments for new companies. This directory lists 31 of them, with what each offers and who runs it, and links to each official page.
Accelerators
4
Dubai Future AcceleratorsDubai Future FoundationCohorts in which startups, companies and government entities work on set future challenges.DubaiCohorts in which startups, companies and government entities work on set future challenges.
Hub71A technology ecosystem that links startups with investors, corporates and government. Programmes can include subsidised housing, office space and medical insurance.Abu DhabiA technology ecosystem that links startups with investors, corporates and government. Programmes can include subsidised housing, office space and medical insurance.
For: Founders from early idea to scale; eligibility varies by programme.
- Hub71 Initiate, for ideation and pre-MVP founders
- Hub71 Access, with in-kind and cash incentives
- MZN x Hub71, a three-month programme for Emirati founders with Khalifa Fund
- Hub71+ tracks in life sciences, digital assets, climate tech and AI
- Hub71 Sandbox, to test with regulators before launch
- Immersion Programme with the UAE-India CEPA Council
Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF)A UAE government initiative with an accelerator and a guarantee scheme to help innovators refine their model, enter the market and reach finance. It describes itself as non-profit and takes no equity.UAE-wideA UAE government initiative with an accelerator and a guarantee scheme to help innovators refine their model, enter the market and reach finance. It describes itself as non-profit and takes no equity.
For: High-potential innovators, from startup to scale-up.
SANDBOXOraseya CapitalA five-month programme with USD 150,000 from Oraseya Capital through a SAFE note (USD 110,000 cash and a USD 40,000 programme fee), mentoring, workshops and coworking.DubaiA five-month programme with USD 150,000 from Oraseya Capital through a SAFE note (USD 110,000 cash and a USD 40,000 programme fee), mentoring, workshops and coworking.
For: Pre-seed to seed technology startups.
The site lists the next programme starting in Q3 2026, with applications closing in September 2026.
Incubators and hubs
6- AREA 2071Dubai Future FoundationA co-creation space with labs, flexible offices and startup business licences.Dubai
A co-creation space with labs, flexible offices and startup business licences.
DIFC Innovation HubDIFCA hub of technology firms with coworking, offices, licences and accelerator programmes.DubaiA hub of technology firms with coworking, offices, licences and accelerator programmes.
For: Startups and growth-stage technology firms, with a focus on fintech, insurtech and regtech.
DtecDubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ), at Dubai Silicon OasisCoworking, founder programmes, events, company formation and free-zone registration support.DubaiCoworking, founder programmes, events, company formation and free-zone registration support.
For: Early-stage and growing technology founders.
Dubai Future DistrictA startup and growth hub offering business visas, licensing, accommodation, the Dubai Future District Fund, a Regulation and Experimentation Lab and Future Labs.DubaiA startup and growth hub offering business visas, licensing, accommodation, the Dubai Future District Fund, a Regulation and Experimentation Lab and Future Labs.
in5TECOM Group PJSCAn incubator with access to advisory, mentorship and potential investment opportunities.DubaiAn incubator with access to advisory, mentorship and potential investment opportunities.
SheraaSharjah Entrepreneurship CenterProgrammes including Startup Blueprint, Startup Dojo, Sharjah Startup Studio, the Women Impact Fellowship and the Access Sharjah Challenge.SharjahProgrammes including Startup Blueprint, Startup Dojo, Sharjah Startup Studio, the Women Impact Fellowship and the Access Sharjah Challenge.
For: Aspiring to growth-stage founders, depending on the programme.
Regulatory sandboxes
2ADGM RegLabADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)A controlled environment to test fintech solutions, with lighter regulatory requirements at the start.Abu Dhabi
A controlled environment to test fintech solutions, with lighter regulatory requirements at the start.
For: Fintech firms with an innovative solution that is ready to test.
Fintech Regulatory SandboxSecurities and Commodities Authority (now the Capital Market Authority site)Live testing for a limited time and scope, with possible temporary relief and supervisory support. Applying does not grant a licence.UAE-wide
Live testing for a limited time and scope, with possible temporary relief and supervisory support. Applying does not grant a licence.
For: Startups and companies with a regulatory question in the authority's scope.
Funds and finance
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Dubai Future District FundAn AED 1 billion evergreen fund of funds, anchored by DIFC and Dubai Future Foundation, that invests in venture funds and directly in startups.DubaiAn AED 1 billion evergreen fund of funds, anchored by DIFC and Dubai Future Foundation, that invests in venture funds and directly in startups.
For: Future-economy companies operating from Dubai Future District.
Emirates Development BankFinancing for startups and SMEs in five priority sectors (healthcare, advanced technology, manufacturing, renewables and food security), a credit guarantee scheme, Business Lab learning and mentoring, and the MIITE accelerator and AgriX programmes.UAE-wideFinancing for startups and SMEs in five priority sectors (healthcare, advanced technology, manufacturing, renewables and food security), a credit guarantee scheme, Business Lab learning and mentoring, and the MIITE accelerator and AgriX programmes.
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise DevelopmentThe Government of Abu Dhabi, as a not-for-profit economic development fundFunding schemes, training, membership and programmes such as SME Champions, Export Enablement, a Cybersecurity Accelerator and the Young Entrepreneurship Program 2026.Abu DhabiFunding schemes, training, membership and programmes such as SME Champions, Export Enablement, a Cybersecurity Accelerator and the Young Entrepreneurship Program 2026.
For: Eligible Emirati-owned SMEs and Emirati entrepreneurs.
Oraseya CapitalDubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ)The venture capital arm of DIEZ. Its fund doubled to AED 1 billion, with a maximum cheque of USD 6 million.DubaiThe venture capital arm of DIEZ. Its fund doubled to AED 1 billion, with a maximum cheque of USD 6 million.
For: Startups, with priority sectors of healthcare and longevity, fintech and digital assets, and AI.
Government programmes
2Dubai Founders HQDubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Chamber of Digital EconomyA physical campus and digital platform, launched on 6 October 2025, that brings founders, investors, corporates and enablers together.Dubai
A physical campus and digital platform, launched on 6 October 2025, that brings founders, investors, corporates and enablers together.
For: Startups and SMEs.
Official page: Government of Dubai Media Office, 6 October 2025
Dubai SMEMohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, a Dubai government entityTraining, trade licensing, funding and investment, product promotion and procurement programmes.DubaiTraining, trade licensing, funding and investment, product promotion and procurement programmes.
Free-zone startup packages
11- DIEZ startup offer at DtecDubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ)Business setup, visa services and workspace for technology startups at Dtec.Dubai
Business setup, visa services and workspace for technology startups at Dtec.
- DIFC Innovation LicenceDIFCA licence for technology and innovation firms with subsidised fees for eligible firms, coworking and discounted visas. Terms apply.Dubai
A licence for technology and innovation firms with subsidised fees for eligible firms, coworking and discounted visas. Terms apply.
DMCCDiscounted business setup packages for startups and SMEs, an incubator package with AstroLabs, and Crypto, Gaming and AI Centres.DubaiDiscounted business setup packages for startups and SMEs, an incubator package with AstroLabs, and Crypto, Gaming and AI Centres.
Masdar City Free ZoneOne-stop business support, networks and access to research and development partners.Abu DhabiOne-stop business support, networks and access to research and development partners.
Meydan Free ZoneA digital trade licence, flexi-desk options and fast licensing for startups and entrepreneurs.DubaiA digital trade licence, flexi-desk options and fast licensing for startups and entrepreneurs.
RAKEZStarter and all-inclusive packages, an instant licence, and e-commerce and businesswomen packages.Ras Al Khaimah
Starter and all-inclusive packages, an instant licence, and e-commerce and businesswomen packages.
Sharjah Media City (Shams)Licensing and administrative support for startups, SMEs and freelancers.SharjahLicensing and administrative support for startups, SMEs and freelancers.
Sharjah Publishing City Free ZoneStartup packages with full foreign ownership, with a publishing focus.SharjahStartup packages with full foreign ownership, with a publishing focus.
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)A free zone with business setup, a prototyping centre, accelerators, a business angels network and creative hubs.SharjahA free zone with business setup, a prototyping centre, accelerators, a business angels network and creative hubs.
twofour54Business setup support for entrepreneurs, startups and companies.Abu DhabiBusiness setup support for entrepreneurs, startups and companies.
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade ZoneAll-inclusive business packages for startups and growing businesses.Umm Al QuwainAll-inclusive business packages for startups and growing businesses.
Private accelerators
1
AstroLabsBusiness setup in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, coworking, and innovation and market-entry programmes.DubaiBusiness setup in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, coworking, and innovation and market-entry programmes.
Visas
1
Golden visa for entrepreneursRenewable long-term residence for entrepreneurs with a project. The official page sets out the route, including a letter from an approved incubator or authority.UAE-wideRenewable long-term residence for entrepreneurs with a project. The official page sets out the route, including a letter from an approved incubator or authority.
Listed alphabetically by type. Each entry was checked on the operator's or government's own site on 18 October 2026. Logos belong to their owners; listing implies no endorsement or partnership.
Questions about UAE startup programmes
Which programmes are for Emirati founders?
MZN x Hub71 is a three-month programme for Emirati founders, run by Hub71 with Khalifa Fund. Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, a fund of the Government of Abu Dhabi, offers financing, training and specialised programmes for eligible Emirati-owned SMEs. Check each official page for who can apply.
Which programmes are regulatory sandboxes?
Use the "Regulatory sandbox" filter. A regulatory sandbox lets a company test a product with a regulator before a full launch. The directory lists each one with the authority that runs it and its official page.
Is this a ranking or a partnership?
Neither. It is an alphabetical directory, grouped by type, with no ranking. Logos belong to their owners, and listing a programme implies no endorsement or partnership.
How was the list checked?
Every entry was read on the operator's or government's own site on 18 October 2026. Programmes that could only be found in the press, or could not be confirmed as current, are left out. Where a page says a programme is closed or changing, the entry says so.
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