H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has unveiled Dubai Founders HQ, a pioneering initiative to boost the emirate’s startup and SME ecosystem
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has launched Dubai Founders HQ, a flagship initiative aimed at consolidating and strengthening Dubai’s startup and SME ecosystem.
A joint effort between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Dubai Founders HQ is the first-of-its-kind ‘phygital’ platform, combining a physical campus with a comprehensive digital infrastructure. It brings together founders, investors, corporates, and enablers to drive collaboration, innovation, and business growth.
Launched under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the initiative supports key objectives such as scaling 30 unicorns and enabling 400 SMEs to grow by 2033. The platform has already secured the participation of over 25 leading public and private sector partners across venture capital, finance, telecoms, and innovation sectors.
Located at the 25Hours Hotel in One Central, the Dubai Founders HQ campus offers co-working spaces, event facilities, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas, supported by a curated calendar of events and workshops. The space also celebrates local artists, reflecting Dubai’s creative spirit.
H.H. said: “In Dubai, entrepreneurship is considered a key engine of comprehensive and sustainable development and a vital force shaping the future. We are committed to fostering an environment that embraces creativity, encourages new ideas and transforms them into success stories that enhance Dubai’s position as a global centre for innovation and creativity. Supporting entrepreneurs is an investment in human potential and in our society’s capacity to innovate and move confidently towards a more prosperous future. Many startups have begun their journey in Dubai and grown to reach global markets, and our aim is to make the city a platform where bold ideas can flourish and scale up.”
The initiative delivers end-to-end services for startups, including acceleration programmes, mentorship, investor access, business setup support, and tailored advisory services. Through partnerships with global ecosystem players such as Endeavor and Plug and Play, Dubai Founders HQ will offer specialised growth programmes for startups across key sectors.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, said: “The launch of Dubai Founders HQ marks a significant milestone in our journey to position Dubai as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating an integrated and founder-focused ecosystem that accelerates innovation, attracts international talent, and empowers startups to scale beyond borders. By uniting stakeholders across sectors, Dubai Founders HQ will serve as a vital engine for growth, supporting the goals of the D33 Agenda and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as the destination of choice for visionary entrepreneurs.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “The launch of Dubai Founders HQ is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and reflects our determination to build an economy powered by creativity, innovation, and global connectivity.
The integrated digital platform complements the physical campus by offering a learning library, licensing support, and a central access point to Dubai’s startup ecosystem. Serving as a gateway for global startups and SMEs, Dubai Founders HQ aims to simplify market entry, foster scale-up, and drive long-term growth.
