Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a major step to elevate homegrown entrepreneurship, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has joined hands with global innovation platform Plug and Play to launch a new accelerator programme aimed at scaling Emirati-owned startups.

The initiative is designed to provide local founders with the expertise, resources, and global connections needed to expand beyond the UAE and attract sustainable investment — aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the city’s economy by 2033.

Focusing on technology-driven businesses, the programme will offer tailored mentorship, hands-on guidance, and access to key markets. Participating startups will gain opportunities to collaborate with major government and private entities, strengthening their operations and fast-tracking the adoption of their solutions.

The accelerator will be operated by Plug and Play and hosted at Dubai Founders HQ, the recently launched hub in partnership with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The space, located in the 25Hours Hotel at One Central, offers founders a vibrant ecosystem to connect, collaborate, and access a full suite of startup support services.

Dubai SME has also brought in several key partners — including Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Emirates Flight Catering, and the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai). These partners will identify pressing sector challenges and invite Emirati startups to develop innovative solutions tailored to real-world needs.

Each year, the programme will host two cohorts of 10 startups, providing them with Plug and Play’s proven methodology through intensive workshops, investment-readiness sessions, and direct networking with investors and corporates. Participants will also have the chance to pitch their innovations at showcase events, bridging the gap between promising ideas and tangible business success.

Beyond immediate acceleration, the initiative aims to build a sustainable foundation for long-term growth. By fostering closer ties between founders, investors, and government bodies, the programme will help create a steady pipeline of high-potential Emirati ventures — driving job creation, innovation, and economic diversification.

With this collaboration, Dubai continues to cement its position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation — one where local talent is empowered to shape the future of the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.

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