Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed: Dubai Founders HQ to help startups become global unicorns

• Dubai Founders HQ is a new “phygital” hub guiding entrepreneurs on how to start a business in Dubai.
• The Campus is situated at the 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central.
• The initiative boosts Dubai SMEs and startups’ growth with tailored resources, investor connections, and effective market entry strategy programs.

The emirate’s business environment welcomed a major new development this week with the launch of Dubai Founders HQ (DFHQ). This first-of-its-kind “phygital” platform merges a physical campus with a digital ecosystem to empower SME and startup founders. Designed as a one-stop gateway for entrepreneurs, DFHQ is a deliberate move to simplify how to start a business in Dubai and accelerate the growth of innovative ventures across the region.

The launch of DFHQ is in line with the extensive programs of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 — which also aims to support 400 SMEs and nurture 30 unicorns by 2033. The initiative was officially inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. It is powered by the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, Dubai SME, and Dubai Chambers.

What is the Dubai Founders HQ?

Today, I launched Dubai Founders HQ, a joint initiative of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s startup and SME ecosystem. The platform unites efforts to help 30 startups become global… pic.twitter.com/klGZH5eFbg

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 6, 2025

One of DFHQ’s main goals is to guide local and foreign entrepreneurs who are pondering how to start a business in Dubai. This service involves assisting them through the complexities of the UAE’s market landscape and regulatory requirements. DFHQ provides onboarding programs, toolkits, and consultation services to help business owners choose the appropriate legal structure, obtain necessary licenses, and manage compliance and permits.

From the initial concept to the official launch, DFHQ  makes use of ecosystem data and partner networks to aid founders in assessing market demand, understanding the competition, and refining their pitch. These measures are fundamental to successfully entering the Dubai market.

How to start and run a business in Dubai?

The DFHQ presents guidelines and resources to help entrepreneurs run their businesses smoothly in Dubai’s dynamic market. This support includes:

• Training and seminars on key functions such as HR, finance, legal, tax, compliance, hiring visas, banking and contracts;
• Coaching from experienced professionals to help resolve real-time challenges;
• Access carefully selected operational templates, dashboards, and tools;
• Guidance in dealing with UAE-specific rules (e.g., visa structures, free zone vs. mainland, business tax); and,
• Special assistance for Emirati founders in areas like government procurement, event participation, and showcasing through Dubai SME programs.

This support is crucial for maintaining productivity, adapting to the Dubai business environment, and minimising operational friction.

How to get funding for your company in 2025

Securing funding is one of the most important steps after setting up operations in Dubai. DFHQ engineers multiple funding streams and connects startups with capital:

• UAE-based funds focused on SMEs and startups, including Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, Dubai Future District Fund, and Dubai Future Accelerators
• Access to global venture capital and angel networks via DFHQ’s digital platform and investor matchmaking services
• Ecosystem support from entities like Beehive (peer-to-peer lending) and MEVP for growth-stage rounds
• DFHQ’s chosen programs, offering grant, pilot funding, or direct investment support

These diverse funding options help businesses overcome any funding struggles often encountered by SMEs and young founders during early and scaling phases.

The Campus

DFHQ is located at The Campus on the mezzanine floor of the 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, right next to the Dubai World Trade Centre. Here are some key features of The Campus:

• Co-working areas, private pods, and meeting rooms
• A 250 sqm event space for pitches, workshops, and groups
• Flexible private offices
• Pantry and F&B facilities on site
• Relaxation areas for creative breaks
• Vibrant interior design with art installations and a community atmosphere

The Campus gives founders a physical space in the city. It helps them make in-person connections, participate in pitch days, and immerse in programming.

Inside Dubai’s booming business network

One of DFHQ’s standout features is its network infrastructure:

• Dubai Ecosystem Navigator (DEN) – a digital platform that curates investor profiles, sector trends, potential partners and competitor data
• Integrated ecosystem players – VCs, corporates, and accelerators are embedded in the platform for easier matchmaking
• Networking events – organised events, demo days, and meetups connect founders with mentors, angel investors, and corporates.
• Hub-and-spoke model – links DFHQ with incubators, accelerators and free zones within Dubai

This networking enables founders to scale beyond local limitations, essentially simplifying market entry in Dubai.

Eligibility and application process

To join DFHQ, founders need to apply through their portal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Here are some key points:

• They are currently prioritising companies that utilise technology, either based in or planning to relocate to Dubai.
• The priority sectors are fintech, trade and logistics, connectivity, and digital solutions.
• Applicants are assessed based on their traction, team’s qualification, alignment with the program, and growth prospects.
• Space is limited. If a spot isn’t available right away, applications may be kept for future openings.

So if you’re a company evaluating how to start a business in Dubai, be sure to grab this chance: apply early, show that your product fits the market, and demonstrate your ambition to grow.

Dubai Founders HQ pre-launch initiatives

Before Dubai Founders HQ went publicly live, the ecosystem took shape through targeted pilot programs that tested the model of deep mentorship, strategic alliances, and network acceleration.

In May 2025, DFHQ and Endeavor launched the Unicorn Builder program, bringing together 10 high-impact startups. These firms, encompassing ventures founded locally and led by women, have secured over $100 million in aggregate. The program offered intensive mentorship, fundraising support, peer strategy sessions, and growth acceleration.

Alongside this, Dubai’s DET and the Chamber of Digital Economy teamed up with Plug and Play to launch a flagship three-month accelerator. This program was designed for ambitious post-revenue startups to connect them directly with the city’s corporate innovation ecosystem. Participants get to work with leading organisations like DHL, du, and Visa in sectors such as trade and logistics, digital solutions, and fintech.

These initiatives open doors for Dubai SMEs and startups to connect with corporate leaders, investors, and seasoned mentors. They also offer tailored market entry and fundraising support. The accelerator becomes a gateway for those seeking how to start a business in Dubai and scale in the MENA region.