Dubai Launches Founders HQ to Boost Startups and SMEs
Dubai has launched Dubai Founders HQ, a joint venture between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The initiative, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to unify and elevate the city's startup and SME ecosystem.
The campus, situated at the 25Hours Hotel in Dubai World Trade Centre, offers co-working spaces, event facilities, and networking areas. It also features a digital platform with learning resources, business setup support, and a unified directory of ecosystem players. This 'phygital' platform merges a physical hub with an integrated digital ecosystem.
Dubai Founders HQ provides tailored growth programmes, mentorship, and investor access through collaborations with global ecosystem builders. While specific details about these collaborations are not available, the initiative is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This agenda aims to scale 30 unicorns and support 400 SMEs by 2033.
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, praised the initiative for positioning Dubai as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of supporting startups as an investment in human potential and a key aspect of Dubai's sustainable development. Dubai Founders HQ brings together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and enablers, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and growth.
