Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has partnered with Silicon Valley-based innovation platform Plug and Play to launch a new accelerator aimed at transforming Emirati-owned startups into globally competitive ventures.
The programme will provide Emirati entrepreneurs with tailored mentorship, global exposure, and access to markets and investors.
It is designed to help participating startups scale their operations, expand internationally, and attract sustainable investment in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033.
Boosting Emirati startups through global expertise
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) said: “This initiative is a testament to visionary leadership and our unwavering commitment to driving the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, forward by empowering Emirati entrepreneurs – the pioneers at the heart of Dubai’s economic future.
Through world-class acceleration practices, thanks to our partnership with Plug and Play, we will be supporting individual startups, as well as building the foundation for sustainable, innovation-driven growth that will establish Dubai as a top global hub for startups. This new accelerator programme also embodies the strong spirit of collaboration between the government and private sector that makes Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem truly exceptional.”
The accelerator will be operated by Plug and Play as part of activities at the recently launched Dubai Founders HQ at the 25Hours Hotel in One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre. The HQ, created by DET in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, serves as a hub for founders, offering workspace, networking, and mentorship opportunities.
Plug and Play CEO Saeed Amidi said the partnership aims to connect Dubai’s growing startup ecosystem with Silicon Valley’s innovation network.
Saeed Amidi, Founder & CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center said: “We are honored to partner with Dubai SME to support the growth of Emirati businesses. From the heart of Silicon Valley – home to leading tech companies like Google and OpenAI – we are eager to build a bridge with Dubai. Our goal is to bring cutting-edge expertise to support and grow the local ecosystem. We believe there’s tremendous potential for collaboration, and we’re excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of innovation in Dubai.
Through this programme, we aim to empower local founders with world-class resources, providing access to highly tailored mentorship, investments, and market expansion opportunities that help scale their ventures both regionally and globally. In parallel, this programme will enable key stakeholders to engage directly with cutting-edge Emirati startups that align with their strategic goals. This combined focus reflects our shared commitment to boost the national economy and nurture homegrown innovation in Dubai.”
The programme will run two cohorts annually, each featuring 10 Emirati startups. Participants will receive investment readiness training, engage with corporate and government partners, and showcase innovations to potential investors. Key public sector entities, including Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Emirates Flight Catering, and the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs, are expected to participate by identifying sector challenges and collaborating with startups on solutions.
