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20 UAE Startup & Collaboration Initiatives Every Founder Should Know
Salim Akil
October 26, 2025
The UAE continues to strengthen its position as the startup capital of the Arab world, offering founders an exceptional mix of funding, global exposure, and innovation infrastructure.
Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur, a scaling tech company, or an investor exploring partnerships, these 20 active initiatives can help you access capital, mentorship, and strategic networks across the Emirates — and beyond.
🌍 Why the UAE Matters for Founders in 2025
The UAE government has doubled down on its entrepreneurship and innovation agenda under Vision 2031. New policies, accelerators, and cross-border collaborations are creating real opportunities for founders.
Sectors leading the charge include:
Artificial Intelligence & Deep Tech
Sustainability & Green Manufacturing
EdTech & Digital Learning
Industrial Innovation
SpaceTech and Advanced Industries
20 Active Startup & Collaboration Initiatives in the UAE
# | Initiative | Focus & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
1. Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) | A global tech ecosystem offering funding incentives, mentorship, and corporate partnerships. hub71.com | |
2. Flat6Labs – The Catalyst Accelerator | Supports MENA startups tackling climate change and sustainability. flat6labs.com | |
3. Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA) | Challenge-based innovation program connecting startups with Dubai government entities. dubaifuture.ae | |
4. startAD (NYU Abu Dhabi) | Venture launchpad for product-driven tech startups. startad.ae | |
5. Sheraa – Startup Studio (S3) | Offers AED 3 million in support to 20 high-impact startups in Sharjah. sheraa.ae | |
6. MoE & Tourism – Emirati Families Initiative | Empowers 1,000 Emirati family entrepreneurs nationwide. | |
7. Dubai Centre for AI Accelerator | AI solutions for improving government services. | |
8. Google for Startups – AI First Accelerator (MENA) | Regional AI accelerator connecting founders with Google mentors. startup.google.com | |
9. MoIAT – Make It in the Emirates Accelerator | Focused on manufacturing, industrial innovation, and advanced tech. | |
10. Startup Global Exchange Program (MoIAT) | Connects UAE startups with international innovation ecosystems. | |
11. “The Emirates: Startup Capital of the World” Campaign | National umbrella to position UAE as a global startup hub. | |
12. National Incubator Network – Open Innovation Calls | Lists corporate innovation and R&D collaboration challenges. nin.ae | |
13. Access Sharjah Challenge | Offers pilot contracts worth AED 250k for edtech startups. asc.sheraa.ae | |
14. EPIC European-UAE Space Startup Competition | For SpaceTech ventures building UAE-Europe collaborations. | |
15. Plug and Play Tech Center Dubai Accelerator | Three-month corporate accelerator connecting startups with Dubai Economy & Tourism. | |
16. Future 100 Initiative | Recognizes and accelerates 100 of the fastest-growing UAE startups. | |
17. UAE–India CEPA Startup Series | Soft-landing and collaboration platform for cross-border ventures. | |
18. Kitaab.ai’s UAE Startup Grants Guide | Detailed overview of 2025 funding and grant opportunities. kitaab.ai | |
19. Tamakkan (Abu Dhabi) | Training and networking platform for SMEs and early-stage founders. | |
20. Dubai Startup Support (Digital Dubai) | Supports digital entrepreneurs testing innovative ideas in Dubai. digitaldubai.ae |
💡 How Founders Can Leverage These Programs
Start local, think global – UAE programs like Hub71 and Sheraa offer both local support and international reach.
Leverage public-private partnerships – Programs like DFA and Plug & Play are ideal for securing pilot contracts with government or corporate clients.
Track sector-specific accelerators – AI, sustainability, and industrial tech programs are expanding rapidly under MoIAT and Google’s initiatives.
Tap cross-border opportunities – Initiatives such as the CEPA Startup Series and Global Exchange Program help founders expand to India, Europe, and beyond.
✳️ The Bigger Picture
As venture ecosystems mature globally, the UAE stands out by combining policy-level support, cross-border collaboration, and founder-centric infrastructure.
Whether you’re building a high-tech product, an impact venture, or a scalable digital platform — 2025 is the time to plug into these networks.
🔗 Ready to Explore?
If you’d like a downloadable database of all 30+ active UAE startup programs —
👉 [Request the full 2025 UAE Startup Program Tracker here.]
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