InvestorCreating long-term value for Dubai through strategic investments.
The startup scene in United Arab Emirates
Dubai Future District describes an integrated startup pathway connecting company formation, capital introductions, acceleration, and testing. Its labs are described as places to test emerging technology in real-world conditions. [Claim 18527]
About
Dubai Future District describes an integrated startup pathway connecting company formation, capital introductions, acceleration, and testing. Its labs are described as places to test emerging technology in real-world conditions. [Claim 18527]
Dubai DET announced Dubai Founders HQ on October 8, 2025, as a combined physical and digital startup platform. [Claim 18529] In February 2026, Dubai DET said Dubai Founders HQ and Antler had entered a multi-year partnership intended to establish residency programs, founder academies, and structured access to capital. [Claim 18530]
As observed on October 2, 2026, Dubai Future Foundation listed its Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Program with an application action; eligibility and deadline were not specified. [Claim 18528]
in5 says its Design applications are accepted year-round and applicants must be located in, or willing to relocate to, the UAE. Its stated process includes an online form and business plan, with shortlisted applicants pitching to a committee. [Claim 18531] The University of Dubai says its IEBC serves students, alumni, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and business incubation intended to connect academic knowledge with startup creation. [Claim 18534]
This month
On in Dubai this month
11 startup events in the next 30 days, 5 this week, 10 free. The city as a calendar, with the hosts and venues that keep it full.
Monday, Nov 2
AI GENESIS
Conference · lablab · DubaiFreeTuesday, Nov 3
Solana Virtual Golf
Superteam Middle EastFreeThursday, Nov 5
Pitch Night & Mixer | Dubai
Pitch night · Rony Hage · Paramount Hotel MidtownFriday, Nov 6
The Rise of AI Agents Hackathon
Hackathon · lablab · One by OmniyatFreeBuilding Together: Your Path To Becoming An FDE (w/ The AI Collective)
The AI CollectiveFreeStartup ecosystem standing
Where Dubai ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | #9 | Down 2 | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2026 | #12 | Up 7 | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
 Global Cities Index | 2026 | #42 | No prior edition | B | Performance, Growth, Talent, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #44 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
650 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Dubai
Investors 451
Investor
InvestorStrategic investment partner in the UAE.
InvestorEmpowering innovation through strategic financial partnerships.
The 3 most prominent of 451. Browse all investors
Venture studios 107
Venture studioBuilding and scaling AI-first technology startups.
Venture studioBuilding the future of Web3 on Telegram.
Venture studioDigital innovation arm of Inteltec Group.
The 3 most prominent of 107. Browse all venture studios
Accelerators 52
AcceleratorFasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator based in Dubai, UAE, that supports startups through co-funding and technical co-founding…
AcceleratorALTA – Blockchain Labs is a global accelerator and consulting firm focused on blockchain technology and Web3. They provide strategic support to…
AcceleratorKEY Difference is a Dubai-based company specializing in Web3 and blockchain services, offering marketing, acceleration, and venture capital support for…
The 3 most prominent of 52. Browse all accelerators
Incubators 40
IncubatorEmpowering startups and entrepreneurs in Dubai.
IncubatorConnecting blockchain innovators in the UAE.
IncubatorEmpowering sustainable practices through education and incubation.
The 3 most prominent of 40. Browse all incubators
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Dubai
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Dubai
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Dubai
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Dubai
The University of Dubai says its center bridges academic knowledge and startup creation through mentoring and incubation.
Source: Entrepreneurship and Business Centre (UDIEBC)Kitopi says its internally developed software supports real-time kitchen operations.
Source: Our StoryKitopi reports a five-market outlet network including the UAE.
Source: Our StoryApplicants submit an online form and business plan, with shortlisted candidates pitching to a committee.
Source: in5 Designin5 says design applications are accepted year-round and applicants must be in, or willing to relocate to, the UAE.
Source: in5 DesignDubai DET announced a combined physical and digital startup platform in October 2025.
Source: Hamdan bin Mohammed launches Dubai Founders HQ
Questions about Dubai
How does Dubai rank as a startup ecosystem?
Dubai is #44 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 4 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Dubai?
451 investors based in Dubai have a profile here, including Dubai Holding, EII Capital and Mashreq Corporate & Investment Banking Group. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai has 52 accelerators, 40 incubators and 107 venture studios on record, including FasterCapital, in5 Dubai and Disrupt.com (formerly Gaditek).
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Dubai
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