Dubai Founders HQ, a new initiative aimed at strengthening the emirate’s startup and SME landscape, has recorded rapid early momentum, drawing about 500 startups and 1,500 members within just 50 days of its launch, officials announced on Thursday.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ahmad Alroom, acting CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), said the initiative is designed to support Dubai-based companies with the capacity to scale from the emirate to global markets. He noted that joining Dubai Founders HQ is currently free, with no membership fee charged to startups.
“Startups don’t pay a fee. For now, it’s open to all, based on our eligibility criteria. A membership model may be introduced later, but any fee will be nominal,” Alroom said.
Located inside the 25Hours Hotel One Central, the 20,000-square-foot hub is a joint project between Dubai Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. It was launched in October by 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. The initiative is expected to play an important role in advancing Dubai D33’s goal of creating 30 unicorns by 2033 and doubling the size of the economy.
Alroom said eligibility rules consider two main categories of companies: local businesses and international firms seeking a base in Dubai. “For international companies, we aim to give them a central location that connects them to the wider ecosystem,” he explained. His team supports firms looking to redomicile or set up operations, helping them access a network of partners and easing their entry into the market.
Strong Uptake Across Digital and AI Sectors
Saeed Al Gergawi, vice-president of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the chamber supported 582 companies in the first nine months of 2025, with about 21% operating in AI. Commenting on the surge of 500 companies joining Founders HQ within six weeks, he said the response has been encouraging, though the long-term objective is to expand the hub’s impact.
“This is just the beginning. Demand is rising as more companies choose Dubai as their home,” he said.
Building a Global Launchpad
Alroom said the ambition is to help build startups that can expand beyond the local market. “We want businesses that are building for the world. We are open to all sectors, while giving special attention to high-growth industries where investor interest is increasing,” he said.
He added that the team is enhancing training programmes, developing sector-focused content for founders, and organising more events as part of a wider plan to strengthen support systems for startup growth. Work is also under way with venture capital firms, banks and other investors to widen funding options for entrepreneurs.
