Business

Sheikh Hamdan launches Dubai Founders HQ: One-stop hub for startups

Published

7 months ago

October 7, 2025

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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

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

New Dubai rule makes investor visas easier for property buyers

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.

Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.

For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.

Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.

There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.

What it means for expats

For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.

The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.

Business

Tourists in UAE can now get instant bank accounts: Here’s how

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a bank account within minutes, thanks to a new digital initiative led by the Central Bank of the UAE in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The service, called ‘Tourist Identity’, allows visitors to set up a fully digital bank account upon arrival, using a secure identity issued at entry and powered by biometric and facial recognition technology.

By linking the system to ADCB’s mobile app, travellers can open an account instantly, receive a digital debit card, and start making payments without paperwork or traditional documents.

For many visitors, especially business travellers, long-stay tourists, and frequent visitors, the move removes a key hurdle: access to local banking. Instead of relying on cash, users can pay digitally, manage expenses easily, and connect directly to the UAE’s financial system from day one.

Officials say the system is designed to deliver a secure and seamless experience, using advanced biometrics and AI to enable access to services without the need for physical documents.

What it means for visitors

For tourists, the new service means faster, safer, and more convenient access to money, making everyday transactions, from shopping to transport, simpler during their stay in the UAE.

The rollout also strengthens the country’s position as a tech-driven global destination, where travel and financial services are increasingly integrated into a seamless digital experience.

Business

Rupee hits record low: Should UAE residents send money now or wait?

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low, offering UAE-based expats one of the most favourable exchange rates in recent months for sending money home.

The Indian rupee was trading at around Rs25.93 per dirham, according to XE, while weakening to 95.25 against the US dollar.

For Indian residents in the UAE, the shift means more rupees per dirham, making it an attractive time to remit funds for expenses such as school fees, family support, or loan payments back home.

A Dh1,000 transfer could fetch around Rs25,930 (before fees), prompting increased activity at exchange houses, where customers often wait for such rate movements to make larger transfers.

The Reserve Bank of India has taken steps to stabilise the currency, including dollar sales through state-run banks, though the impact has been limited as global pressures persist.

What it means for expats

For UAE-based expats, the current exchange rate makes this a strong window to send money, especially for large transfers like school fees, property payments, or savings.

If you’ve been waiting for a better rate, this could be a good time to act. However, currencies can remain volatile, and small gains can be offset by exchange house fees. Some residents prefer to split transfers (send part now, part later) to balance risk.