The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), an entity within Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced a strategic partnership with the global innovation platform Plug and Play. The collaboration will launch a new accelerator programme designed to scale Emirati-owned, technology-enabled startups, equipping them with the resources and network to succeed locally and expand globally.
Bridging Dubai and Silicon Valley
This new initiative aims to build a bridge between Dubai’s burgeoning startup ecosystem and Silicon Valley, leveraging Plug and Play’s extensive global network and proven acceleration methodology. The programme is designed to provide participating Emirati startups with tailored mentorship, investment readiness training, and direct access to new markets and partners. The collaboration will also see key government and semi-government entities, including Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Police, engage with startups to solve real-world sector challenges, fostering a cycle of public-private innovation.
Saeed Amidi, Founder & CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center, stated, “From the heart of Silicon Valley – home to leading tech companies like Google and Open AI – we are eager to build a bridge with Dubai. Our goal is to bring cutting-edge expertise to support and grow the local ecosystem. We believe there’s tremendous potential for collaboration, and we’re excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of innovation in Dubai.”
A D33 Agenda-Driven Initiative
The launch of the accelerator directly supports the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the city’s economy by 2033. By strengthening the SME sector and cultivating local champions, the programme seeks to drive economic diversification, attract sustainable investment, and solidify Dubai’s position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurs and high-growth ventures.
“This initiative is a testament to visionary leadership and our unwavering commitment to driving the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, forward by empowering Emirati entrepreneurs – the pioneers at the heart of Dubai’s economic future,” said Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME. “Through world-class acceleration practices, thanks to our partnership with Plug and Play, we will be supporting individual startups, as well as building the foundation for sustainable, innovation-driven growth.”
Integrated Ecosystem Support at Dubai Founders HQ
The accelerator will be operated by Plug and Play and run as part of the activations at the newly launched Dubai Founders HQ, an initiative by DET and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Participating startups will gain full access to the Dubai Founders HQ campus at the 25Hours Hotel at One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre, placing them at the heart of the city’s consolidated startup support ecosystem. The programme will host two cohorts annually, each composed of 10 promising Emirati startups, who will showcase their solutions to government bodies, corporations, and investors.
About Dubai SME
As a subsidiary of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai SME serves as a key resource for the support, information, and outreach for the small and medium enterprise sector. It aims to drive the growth of Emirati entrepreneurship and SME businesses, support them throughout their journey, and promote innovation and leadership. Dubai SME is committed to providing UAE Nationals with comprehensive support to help establish and scale their businesses, from planning and finance to simplifying official procedures.
About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is a leading global innovation platform connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley and present in over 60 locations worldwide, it offers corporate innovation programmes and runs startup acceleration initiatives. Plug and Play has built an in-house VC with a large portfolio of successful investments in companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, and PayPal.
Source: Zawya
