Since its launch in October, the Dubai Entrepreneurs Headquarters has rapidly become a central force in the emirate’s startup ecosystem, uniting and strengthening the landscape for startups and SMEs. The new hub has already attracted 500 startups, housing over 1,300 entrepreneurs, and is on a mission to cultivate the next generation of global tech giants from the region.
The headquarters is a joint initiative between Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, offering an innovative model that blends a physical presence with a robust digital ecosystem.
A Strategic Push for Unicorns and Global Expansion
The initiative is a key pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), with ambitious targets to help 30 local startups achieve unicorn status and support 400 SMEs in their global expansion over the coming years.
Ahmed Al-Muhairi, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, stated that these goals are being pursued through a structured system of programs. “The headquarters has successfully attracted 500 startups, comprising more than 1,300 entrepreneurs, within a 20,000-square-foot workspace designed to support innovation and accelerate company growth,” he said.
Key partnerships include the “Unicorn Builder” program with Endeavor and the launch of Dubai’s first accelerators in collaboration with global innovation platform Plug and Play. The hub also hosts a dedicated program for Emirati entrepreneurs and partners with government entities to create practical challenges, enabling startups to develop viable solutions and gain direct market access.
Al-Muhairi emphasized that the hub provides entrepreneurs with co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and direct access to investors and venture capital, tackling the critical challenge of funding.
An Integrated Ecosystem for Growth
Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, highlighted the Chamber’s role in creating an ideal launchpad for digital startups. The headquarters simplifies the setup process by co-locating government entities and entrepreneurs in one place.
“This integrated gathering in one location gives companies the opportunity for direct interaction with ecosystem partners, building cooperation and investment relationships, and accessing a wide network of entrepreneurs and investors, which contributes to accelerating the growth of digital companies in the emirate,” Al Gergawi explained.
He noted that all companies currently at the headquarters operate in technology and digital transformation, positioning Dubai as an ideal platform to develop and export tech solutions globally. According to Al Gergawi, the fastest-growing digital sectors are FinTech, followed by software and artificial intelligence.
Founders Laud Hub’s Impact
Startups already based at the headquarters are experiencing tangible benefits. Ahmed Al Falasi, Founder and CEO of TranspRight, a logistics company using AI and automation, described the support as a game-changer. “The support available at the headquarters is a qualitative addition not found in many traditional areas,” he noted, highlighting the initiative’s importance in empowering startups in the logistics sector.
The collaborative environment has also proven invaluable. Sayyida Kamali, Head of Academy at Sixpack Miner, a platform that converts burned calories into a digital token, found the hub instrumental for growth. “Being at the Dubai Entrepreneurs Headquarters provided an ideal opportunity to meet various investors and entrepreneurs, opening the door for new partnerships and collaborations that support our project’s growth,” she said.
About Dubai Entrepreneurs Headquarters
Launched in October 2023, the Dubai Entrepreneurs Headquarters is a joint initiative by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. It serves as a central hub designed to unify and bolster the emirate’s startup and SME ecosystem. By providing a hybrid physical-digital platform, it offers startups access to resources, strategic programs, and a network of investors and government entities to accelerate their growth and global expansion.
Source: Al Bayan
