Dubai SME, the small and medium enterprise development arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has launched a new accelerator programme to help Emirati startups expand globally. The initiative, developed in partnership with Plug and Play Tech Centre, aims to turn locally owned ventures into internationally competitive companies.
Backing Dubai’s Global Ambitions
The new accelerator supports Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which seeks to double the city’s economy by 2033. By giving Emirati founders access to mentorship, global networks, and investment opportunities, Dubai SME hopes to position local startups for rapid growth.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said the initiative reflects the city’s long-term goal to empower Emirati entrepreneurs and establish Dubai as a global innovation hub.
Inside the Programme
Each year, the accelerator will support two cohorts of ten Emirati-owned startups. Participants will gain access to Plug and Play’s acceleration model, which includes workshops, mentorship, and investor-readiness sessions.
Startups will also use facilities at the new Dubai Founders HQ, located at One Central in the Dubai World Trade Centre. The space serves as a collaboration hub, linking founders with corporate and government partners to test and deploy real-world solutions.
Target Sectors and Global Reach
The programme focuses on sectors central to Dubai’s digital economy, including trade, logistics, fintech, and connectivity. It will also encourage cross-border expansion, connecting Emirati startups with international investors and corporate partners.
By combining Dubai’s infrastructure with Plug and Play’s global reach, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and scale, ensuring homegrown startups can compete beyond the region.
Building Long-Term Competitiveness
This accelerator marks a significant step in developing a stronger base of Emirati-led innovation. It brings together global expertise, government support, and private-sector collaboration to create tangible pathways for international growth.
For many Emirati founders, this could be the launchpad that transforms local success into global recognition.
