The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is integrating its long-standing Hamdan Innovation Incubator (Hi2) into the recently established Dubai Founders HQ. The move aims to create a more direct and powerful support system for Emirati entrepreneurs within the city’s growing startup ecosystem, marked by the launch of a new technology incubator program.
Quick Facts
- Hi2 is now a dedicated platform within Dubai Founders HQ.
- New 16-week incubator will support 20 Emirati entrepreneurs.
- Programme targets founders from idea stage to MVP.
- Applications for the new program close in August 2026.
A Unified Pathway for Emirati Entrepreneurs
Established in 2014, the Hamdan Innovation Incubator (Hi2) has supported Emirati entrepreneurs for over a decade. Its integration into Dubai Founders HQ marks an evolution in its mission, moving from a standalone incubator to a key component of a larger, interconnected platform. This transition is designed to provide local founders with more direct access to a broader network of mentors, investors, corporate partners, and growth programs.
The objective is to create a clear pathway for early-stage entrepreneurs, helping them connect with the resources needed to build and scale their ventures from Dubai.
New Incubator Targets Early-Stage Tech Ideas
To kick off the integration, a new 16-week technology incubator programme has been launched, with applications now open for 20 Emirati founders. The programme, set to begin in October 2026, is designed for entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their journey, including those with just an idea or those developing a minimum viable product (MVP).
Hosted at Dubai Founders HQ, the initiative will guide participants through shaping their ideas, validating market opportunities, developing product strategies, and building the foundations for a commercially successful business. Upon completion, founders will gain continued access to the wider Dubai Founders HQ ecosystem.
Connecting to the D33 Economic Agenda
This strategic move aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033. By creating a more structured, end-to-end support system, the initiative intends to build a stronger and more diverse pipeline of national startups.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, commented on the move, stating, “Embedding Hi2 within Dubai Founders HQ is about creating a structured, end-to-end pathway for Emirati talent to move from first idea to investable business. In a global environment of rapid economic transformation, Dubai’s response has been to invest strategically in its founders, building the infrastructure and programmes that ensure our Emirati entrepreneurs are not only equipped to compete globally, but positioned to lead.”
He added, “Through the new incubator programme, we are opening that doorway to founders at the very earliest stage of their journey, welcoming all regardless of prior funding or company formation. This is how we build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of national startups, advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”
About Dubai Founders HQ
Dubai Founders HQ is a joint initiative of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Established in 2025, it serves as the city’s central platform connecting founders with investors, corporates, and ecosystem enablers to foster startup growth.
About Dubai SME
As a subsidiary of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai SME was created as a resource for support, information, and outreach for the growing small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. It aims to drive the growth of Emirati entrepreneurship and SME businesses, support members throughout their entrepreneurial journey, and promote innovation and leadership across all segments of the sector.
Source: Zawya
