Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, launched Dubai Founders HQ.
The flagship initiative is designed to strengthen the emirate’s startup and small and medium enterprise (SME) ecosystem.
Dubai Founders HQ
A joint initiative by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Chamber of Digital Economy, Dubai Founders HQ is the first-of-its-kind “phygital” platform.
It combines a physical campus with a comprehensive digital ecosystem. The platform brings together founders, investors, corporates, and enablers under one roof to foster collaboration, innovation, and business growth.
More than 25 leading public and private sector partners — spanning venture capital, financial services, government, telecommunications, and innovation hubs — have already joined the platform, reinforcing its role as a central hub in Dubai’s entrepreneurial landscape.
A unified hub for Dubai’s entrepreneurs
During his visit to the Dubai Founders HQ, located at the 25Hours Hotel in One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Hamdan said the new campus will play a key role in uniting Dubai’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and advancing collaboration between public and private sectors to empower innovators and startups.
He said: “In Dubai, entrepreneurship is considered a key engine of comprehensive and sustainable development and a vital force shaping the future.
“We are committed to fostering an environment that embraces creativity, encourages new ideas and transforms them into success stories that enhance Dubai’s position as a global centre for innovation and creativity.
“Supporting entrepreneurs is an investment in human potential and in our society’s capacity to innovate and move confidently towards a more prosperous future.
“Many startups have begun their journey in Dubai and grown to reach global markets, and our aim is to make the city a platform where bold ideas can flourish and scale up.”
D33 Economic Agenda
Dubai launched Dubai Founders HQ as a key initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to empower founders with the tools and networks to launch, scale, and thrive.
The initiative supports D33’s goal to scale 30 unicorns — startups valued at more than $1bn — and enable 400 SMEs to grow by 2033.
Through partnerships with leading local and international ecosystem players, the platform accelerates innovation and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship.
The initiative serves as a transformative approach to ecosystem-building, consolidating resources and delivering end-to-end services to founders across all stages of growth.
Its hub-and-spoke model connects the Founders HQ to Dubai’s free zones, accelerators, and incubators, creating a unified gateway for startups.
Dubai Founders HQ provides entrepreneurs with sector-specific acceleration programmes, expert mentorship, investor access, and networking opportunities through its physical campus and digital platform.
The community hub includes state-of-the-art co-working spaces, event facilities, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas, supported by curated workshops and events.
Reflecting the emirate’s creative spirit, the space also features art by local creators, combining innovation with culture.
Leadership perspectives
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, said the launch marks a major milestone in positioning Dubai as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship.
Al Olama said: “The launch of Dubai Founders HQ marks a significant milestone in our journey to position Dubai as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating an integrated and founder-focused ecosystem that accelerates innovation, attracts international talent, and empowers startups to scale beyond borders.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said Dubai Founders HQ highlights the emirate’s determination to build an economy powered by creativity, innovation, and global connectivity.
Almarri said: “The launch of Dubai Founders HQ is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and reflects our determination to build an economy powered by creativity, innovation, and global connectivity.
“By consolidating resources and building bridges across the ecosystem, Dubai Founders HQ will provide the launchpad for the next generation of pioneering entrepreneurs.”
Comprehensive support for startups
Dubai Founders HQ will deliver bespoke acceleration and mentorship programmes in collaboration with international partners including Endeavor and Plug and Play, tailored to the needs of startups across multiple sectors.
Entrepreneurs will also benefit from tailored advisory services, licensing support, access to funding networks, and learning resources, with a digital library offering upskilling and practical insights.
By serving as a gateway for international startups and SMEs entering the city, the initiative simplifies market entry and connects global innovators to key players across the ecosystem.
Empowering founders
Dubai Founders HQ designs every aspect of its platform around founders’ needs, delivering mentorship, resources, and opportunities that accelerate growth.
Its collaborative ecosystem encourages continuous engagement between startups, investors, corporates, and government entities, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a leading global centre for entrepreneurship and innovation.
