Dubai Founders HQ is paving the way for aspiring Emirati entrepreneurs with a comprehensive support program that focuses on market validation, product strategy, commercial readiness, and business expansion. Participants will also benefit from invaluable connections with mentors, investors, corporate partners, and various startup services.

Comprehensive Support from Day One

The program is tailored specifically for Emirati individuals who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey. It caters to those who have yet to secure funding or establish a business, providing the foundational support necessary to cultivate their ideas. Participants will receive expert guidance that will help them develop their initial concepts into validated market-ready products, ensuring they can build successful and scalable technology ventures.

Moreover, the support extends even after the formal program concludes, as participants will continue to have access to Dubai Founders HQ’s resources. This includes additional programs, events, investor opportunities, corporate partnerships, and a thriving community of fellow founders. Such ongoing assistance is invaluable, as it fosters an environment conducive to sustained business growth.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, emphasizes the importance of the initiative: “Embedding Hi2 within Dubai Founders HQ is about creating a structured, end-to-end pathway for Emirati talent to transition from their first idea to an investable business.” In a rapidly changing economic landscape, Dubai’s strategy aims to equip local entrepreneurs not only to compete globally but also to take on leadership roles in the international business arena.

Hi2: A New Era for Emirati Startups

The program is part of the recent integration of the Hamdan Innovation Incubator, known as Hi2, into the Dubai Founders HQ. Established in 2014 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the incubator has been a pivotal supporter of Emirati entrepreneurs for nearly a decade. It is now poised to serve as a dedicated platform for national founders within the broader ecosystem of Dubai Founders HQ.

This integration allows Hi2 participants to access startup programs, mentorship, funding, and corporate partnerships through a single, unified platform, significantly simplifying the process for ambitious entrepreneurs. The establishment of Dubai Founders HQ was launched as a collaborative initiative between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy in 2025.

The platform is designed to connect founders with investors, established companies, and various partners across the startup ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in supporting Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the city’s economy by the year 2033. By fostering a robust startup environment, Dubai Founders HQ is contributing to a more diverse and sustainable economic future for the Emirate.

In summary, the program not only facilitates early-stage entrepreneurs in honing their business ideas but also strengthens the fabric of the Emirati startup community. By offering a range of resources and support mechanisms, Dubai Founders HQ is undoubtedly making strides in creating the next generation of influential business leaders in the region.