The New Capital of Startups: Dubai. Photo: Shutterstock Dubai’s Innovative Project Launch: This week, Dubai announced Dubai Founders HQ, a significant development in the world of entrepreneurship, envisioned as a new center designed to unify, empower, and strengthen the city's startup and SME ecosystem. The initiative was launched by Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and developed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in partnership with the Dubai Digital Economy Chamber.
The new center is the first of its kind in the world, blending a "phygital" model that combines a dynamic physical campus with a comprehensive digital platform, enabling entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and partners to collaborate within a single environment.
During the launch event, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized: “Entrepreneurship is a key driver of sustainable growth and a force shaping the future. We are committed to fostering creativity, encouraging new ideas, and turning them into success stories to strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for innovation and creativity. Supporting entrepreneurs is an investment in human capital and our ability to confidently move towards a more prosperous future.”
The center is part of the D33 Program, which is Dubai's economic agenda with ambitious goals for the next decade:
- Developing 30 unicorns (startups valued at over one billion dollars).
- Assisting 400 SMEs in expanding and reaching new markets.
- Strengthening Dubai's status as a leading city in digital, technological, and business innovation.
Dubai Founders HQ offers entrepreneurs:
- Access to international investors and corporations.
- Unique acceleration programs in collaboration with international entities like Endeavor and Plug and Play.
- Personal mentoring from experts in various fields.
- Support in establishing businesses and licensing within Dubai's ecosystem.
- A dynamic community with networking events, workshops, and educational content.
Upon its launch, the center welcomed over 25 partners from public and private sectors, including venture capital firms, banks, tech companies, and international corporations, positioning it as a central hub for collaboration.
The UAE's Minister of Digital Economy, Omar Sultan Al Olama, concluded: “Dubai Founders HQ marks a turning point in positioning the city as a global center for digital entrepreneurship. The venture connects different sectors, accelerates innovation, attracts international talent, and will enhance business growth far beyond Dubai's borders.”