Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Monday launched Dubai Founders HQ, a groundbreaking initiative that consolidates the emirate’s entire startup and SME ecosystem under one roof.

The first-of-its-kind “phygital” platform combines a state-of-the-art physical campus at One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre, with a comprehensive digital ecosystem connecting founders, investors, corporates, and enablers.

The mission: 30 unicorns by 2033

Dubai Founders HQ directly supports the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to:

• Scale 30 unicorns (startups valued at $1 billion+) from Dubai
• Enable 400 SMEs to grow by 2033
• Position Dubai as a global innovation powerhouse

“In Dubai, entrepreneurship is considered a key engine of comprehensive and sustainable development,” Sheikh Hamdan said during his visit to the new campus. “Supporting entrepreneurs is an investment in human potential and in our society’s capacity to innovate and move confidently towards a more prosperous future.”

More than 25 powerhouse partners already on board

More than 25 leading organisations spanning venture capital, financial services, government entities, telecommunications, and innovation hubs have joined the platform, including globally renowned ecosystem builders Endeavor and Plug and Play.

This isn’t just another co-working space, it’s a fully integrated support system designed to take startups from ideation to market leadership.

What founders actually get

Physical campus perks:

• State-of-the-art co-working spaces
• Event facilities and meeting rooms
• Open collaboration areas
• Curated networking events and workshops
• Local art showcasing Dubai’s creative spirit

Digital platform access:

• Curated learning library
• Consolidated repository of Dubai’s startup ecosystem
• Data-driven insights and connections

End-to-end services:

• Sector-specific acceleration programmes
• Expert mentorship and advisory
• Direct investor access
• Business setup and licensing support
• Global ecosystem connections
• Tailored venture building partnerships

Hub-and-spoke model

Dubai Founders HQ acts as the “gravitational centre” of Dubai’s innovation landscape, seamlessly connecting with free zones, accelerators, and incubators across the emirate.

Think of it as the central nervous system coordinating Dubai’s entire entrepreneurial ecosystem – eliminating fragmentation and creating a streamlined entry point for founders at every growth stage.

Strategic vision

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, called the launch “a significant milestone in our journey to position Dubai as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship.”

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasised the collaborative approach: “In bringing together government entities, corporates, and investors, we are creating a self-sustaining engine for innovation.”

Why it matters

For startups: Unparalleled access to expertise, funding, and support in one location

For investors: Direct pipeline to Dubai’s most disruptive businesses and talent

For corporates: Innovation partnerships and access to cutting-edge solutions

For Dubai: Accelerated path to becoming a global startup capital

Global gateway

Dubai Founders HQ also serves as an entry point for international startups and SMEs looking to access Middle Eastern markets, offering comprehensive guidance on business setup and ecosystem navigation.

Navigating bureaucracy

Dubai has consolidated years of entrepreneurial infrastructure development into one powerful platform. For founders, this means less time navigating bureaucracy and more time building world-class companies.

“Many startups have begun their journey in Dubai and grown to reach global markets,” Sheikh Hamdan noted. 

“Our aim is to make the city a platform where bold ideas can flourish and scale up.”

With 30 unicorns in its sights and an ecosystem now operating in unison, Dubai Founders HQ isn’t just supporting startups, it’s engineering them at scale.

Location: 25Hours Hotel, One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre
Partners: More than 25 venture capital firms, financial institutions, government entities, telcos, innovation hubs
Model: Physical campus + digital platform = “phygital” ecosystem