Dubai is strengthening its position as a global hub for entrepreneurs by connecting global talent with leading institutions. This was stated by the Acting CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Ahmed Al Rumaihi. He revealed that 500 startups have joined the new Dubai Entrepreneurs Hub since its opening last October, while 1,300 entrepreneurs have registered to use its services, including 100 from the UAE. The hub is one of the pillars of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). Al Rumaihi explained that the Dubai Entrepreneurs Hub aims to support the emirate's startup ecosystem by encouraging collaboration and stimulating growth across various sectors. The goal is to cement Dubai's status as a global destination for innovation by empowering entrepreneurs and ensuring the success of their companies. The hub provides a world-class working environment, opportunities, tools, and resources that enable entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful projects. Over 25 partners from the public and private sectors, including venture capital firms, financial and telecommunications companies, and innovation incubators, have joined the hub, enhancing its role within Dubai's innovation ecosystem. The hub contributes to achieving the goals of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33), most notably supporting the growth of 30 startups to become 'unicorns' valued at over a billion dollars, and helping 400 small and medium-sized enterprises to expand internationally by 2033. Regarding the business accelerator program, Al Rumaihi said: "We launched the business accelerator program in collaboration with 'Play and Play' to empower entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools, expertise, and networks necessary to expand locally and globally." The program is implemented in cooperation with government and quasi-governmental bodies, including Emirates Aircraft Catering Company, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Police, and Dubai Municipality. These entities identify their challenges to provide an opportunity for UAE companies to develop innovative solutions. This methodology enhances cooperation between the public and private sectors, gives government bodies greater access to local innovations, and empowers Emirati entrepreneurs to develop solutions that meet market needs. "We connect entrepreneurs with investors and government entities to ensure they receive the support they need at various stages of their growth," he added. "We are focusing on the technology sector, and one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is funding. Therefore, we are working with financial institutions, banks, and venture capital firms to enable them and build global companies by 2033." Meanwhile, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy, Saed Al Qarqawi, stated that the Dubai Entrepreneurs Hub has witnessed rapid growth in a short period, reflecting its attractiveness to companies in advanced and fast-growing sectors. "The technology sector is the fastest-growing sector in the world today, and most unicorns come out of this sector. The ingredients are present in Dubai, and our role is to help companies and entrepreneurs go global from the emirate," Al Qarqawi said. He confirmed that the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy is working to support companies in the digital and technology sectors, whether by increasing the digital economy's contribution to GDP or by helping companies establish and grow their businesses within Dubai. Future economies, he noted, will primarily depend on startups in the tech and digital sectors. "Our role as a chamber of commerce is to support companies and enhance the ecosystem, and to link the public and private sectors to work together to enable companies and ensure the readiness of the regulatory environment," he added. "We are building an integrated ecosystem under one roof that allows companies and entrepreneurs to grow, innovate, and expand globally from Dubai by connecting innovative entrepreneurs with promising business opportunities. It aims to enable ambitious startups to make a long-term impact in the strategic sectors that support the emirate's future growth."
