Dubai Founders HQ Launched By H.H. Sheikh Hamdan To Boost Startup And SME Ecosystem In Dubai

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has introduced the Dubai Founders HQ. This initiative aims to enhance Dubai's startup and SME ecosystem by merging physical and digital elements. The project, a collaboration between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, seeks to unite founders, investors, corporates, and enablers for innovation and growth.

The initiative is supported by over 25 partners from various sectors like venture capital, financial services, government entities, telecommunications, and innovation hubs. These partnerships reinforce its role as a central platform within Dubai’s innovation ecosystem. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration to empower entrepreneurs during his visit to the campus at 25Hours Hotel in One Central.

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Dubai Founders HQ offers entrepreneurs access to essential services such as sector-specific acceleration programmes, expert mentorship, investor access, and networking events. These are delivered through a vibrant community campus and a comprehensive digital platform. Entrepreneurs also benefit from tailored advisory services and connections to global ecosystem players.

The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by aiming to scale 30 unicorns from Dubai and enable 400 SMEs to grow by 2033. It consolidates resources for entrepreneurs across all growth stages through its hub-and-spoke model. This model connects free zones, accelerators, and incubators across Dubai.

The campus serves as a dynamic community where founders can connect with investors and corporates. It features co-working spaces, event facilities, meeting rooms, and open collaboration areas. A calendar of curated events fosters networking and knowledge-sharing among participants.

Omar Sultan Al Olama stated: "The launch of Dubai Founders HQ marks a significant milestone in our journey to position Dubai as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship." He highlighted the initiative's role in creating an integrated ecosystem that accelerates innovation and attracts international talent.

Strategic Partnerships for Growth

Through strategic partnerships with global ecosystem builders like Endeavor and Plug and Play, Dubai Founders HQ delivers specialised growth programmes for startups across various sectors. These programmes provide access to corporate innovation leaders, expert mentorship, and actionable insights for founders on their journey from ideation to market leadership.

Helal Saeed Almarri noted: "The launch of Dubai Founders HQ is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum." He added that it reflects their determination to build an economy powered by creativity, innovation, and global connectivity.

A Gateway for Global Startups

Dubai Founders HQ acts as a gateway for global startups entering the Dubai market by offering guidance on business setup. It provides seamless access to key players across the ecosystem through its comprehensive online platform designed with entrepreneurs in mind.

This platform includes a curated learning library and consolidated repository of the Dubai startup ecosystem. It supports founders with resources needed for growth through data-driven insights from curated events and workshops.

The interconnected ecosystem at Dubai Founders HQ facilitates continuous collaboration among diverse stakeholders like startups, investors, multinational corporations, and government bodies. This environment enables knowledge sharing and partnership building while accelerating scaling efforts.

The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth while reinforcing its reputation as a leading hub for entrepreneurship globally.

With inputs from WAM