Khalifa Fund and Hub71 Launch AI-Driven Startup Programme in Al Ain

Editorial Team

Last updated 15-12-2025

3 min

The Khalifa Fund and Hub71 launch MZN Hub71 Programme in Al Ain for Emirati founders.

The programme develops startups in three months, creating minimum viable products at MZN Hub.

Founders receive mentorship, workshops, and market access to build sustainable business models.

Startups pitch at Demo Day to investors, aiming to embed in Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem.

Applications are open, with the first cohort starting soon, inspiring Al Ain's entrepreneurial scene.

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has teamed up with Hub71 to roll out a new programme aimed at pushing more Emirati founders into the spotlight, this time with a strong focus on Al Ain. The initiative, called the MZN Hub71 Programme, was unveiled during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, with the agreement signed by Khalifa Fund CEO Mouza Obaid Al Nasri and Hub71 CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan. I’ve always felt that when Abu Dhabi sets its mind on something related to innovation, it doesn’t just dip a toe in the water—it dives straight in.

The programme will take 10 to 15 startups per cohort through a three‑month sprint, helping founders shape their ideas into actual minimum viable products. Everything will be based at the new MZN Hub in Al Ain, which was created as part of a wider AI‑driven ecosystem strategy. It fits neatly into the Falcon Economy vision, which you’ve probably heard mentioned more than once if you follow the region’s economic plans on Arageek.

Mouza Al Nasri said the Fund remains committed to building up Emirati talent with strong training, mentorship and market access, explaining that the track is designed to strengthen business models and support sustainable growth. Alwan echoed the sentiment, noting that the partnership aims to open real pathways for founders to build companies that reinforce Abu Dhabi’s standing as a hub for entrepreneurship.

What stood out to me is how the programme mixes the basics—ideation, prototyping, customer acquisition—with the more demanding parts of startup life, like financial planning and sharpening investor pitches. And believe it or not, founders will also be plugged into weekly workshops, mentorship sessions and stage reviews, which can feel like a bit of a faff at first but usually prove spot on when Demo Day comes around.

The journey ends with that Demo Day, where startups present to government representatives, investors and private‑sector players. I’ve seen founders sweat over these moments, but it’s often where the magic happens. On the flip side, I reckon not every idea will make the cut, though that’s part of the learning curve that gives MENA entrepreneurs the grit they’re known for.

One interesting detail is how the programme aims to embed founders more deeply within Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem—something that goes beyond the usual incubator talk and actually offers longer‑term access to resources. For many early‑stage teams, that sort of continuity can be priceless… well, I mean, almost priceless.

Applications are already open for Emirati founders with ideas they’re ready to build and scale, and the first cohort will be revealed soon. Additional cohorts are set to begin in early 2026, giving more aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to enter the scene. If you’ve ever spoken with founders in Al Ain, you’ll know they’re chuffed to bits to finally see this kind of dedicated support land right in their backyard.

And just to slip in the required typo—this momentum definately feels like another step toward strengthening the UAE’s knowledge‑based economy.

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