Navigating Dubai’s Startup Ecosystem: Your Guide to Incubators & Accelerators

Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF)

• Website: https://mbrif.ae/

• Who is it for: Early startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Tech, Education, Clean Energy, Water, Transport, Health, Space

• Duration: Not specified

• Highlights & Eligibility: Operated by Emirates Development Bank, MBRIF offers affordable, government-backed funding without taking equity. Its accelerator programme (launched in December 2018) supports innovative startups aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy. It’s ideal for startups that already have a team and a promising idea in high-impact sectors.

Dtec Sandbox

• Website: https://dtec.ae/

• Who is it for: Early startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Technology

• Duration: 12 months

• Highlights & Eligibility: Hosted at Dubai Silicon Oasis’ DTEC, SANDBOX is a year-long accelerator designed to jumpstart tech ventures. With a comprehensive curriculum covering key entrepreneurial pillars, it’s perfect for startups looking to transform their tech innovations into a viable business.

Faster Capital

• Website: https://fastercapital.com/

• Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea looking to become investment-ready

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Sector Agnostic

• Duration: 6 months

• Highlights & Eligibility: This programme transitions your business from concept to market-ready by assisting with market studies, pitch deck preparation, and business model development—all while connecting you with investors and mentors.

Intelak Incubator

• Website: https://intelak.com/

• Who is it for: Early startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Aviation, Travel, Tourism

• Duration: 3 months

• Highlights & Eligibility: With principal partners like Emirates, Accenture, and Dubai Economy and Tourism, Intelak Incubator offers expert guidance plus a travel grant (USD 2,500) and up to USD 10,000 in equity‑free investment. It’s ideal for startups innovating in aviation, travel, and tourism.

Startupbootcamp Smart City Dubai

• Website: https://www.startupbootcamp.org/accelerator/smart-city-dubai/

• Who is it for: Early startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Technology (Smart City)

• Duration: 3 months

• Highlights & Eligibility: An intensive programme focused on smart city innovations, it offers expert-led masterclasses, free coworking space, and EUR15,000 cash for living expenses. Ideal for startups developing technologies that contribute to smarter urban living.

Dubai Future Accelerators

• Website: https://www.dubaifutureaccelerators.com/

• Who is it for: Early startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Sector Agnostic

• Duration: 10 weeks (with a 6‑week in‑residence phase if shortlisted)

• Highlights & Eligibility: This unique programme lets you tackle specific challenges posed by government partners, collaborating with both private and public entities. It’s ideal for innovators aiming to solve real-world problems with tangible impact.

Ztartup Incubator

• Website: https://ztartup.com/

• Who is it for: Early startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Sector Agnostic

• Duration: Not specified

• Highlights & Eligibility: Ztartup Incubator provides comprehensive market entry support in the MENA region, helping you with everything from trade licenses and bank accounts to visa processing—ideal for startups launching operations in the region.

Ztartup Accelerator

• Website: https://ztartup.com/

• Who is it for: Mature startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Sector Agnostic

• Duration: Not specified

• Highlights & Eligibility: Building on the foundation of the Ztartup Incubator, this accelerator helps companies break into new markets and launch additional products or services—tailored for startups aiming to expand their reach in the MENA region.

Chalhoub Greenhouse Accelerator

• Website: https://www.chalhoubgreenhouse.com/

• Who is it for: Early to mature startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Focus: Retail

• Duration: 3 months

• Highlights & Eligibility: This equity‑free accelerator pairs retail startups with corporate sponsors for pilot projects, using real‑life case studies and industry insights to help scale proven, tech‑driven retail solutions.

The Co-Spaces

• Website: https://theco-spaces.com/downtown-dubai-coworking/

• Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking cofounders or early startups with a team

• Need to have an idea: Yes

• Duration: 1 year

• Highlights & Eligibility: Approved by Dubai SME and powered by The Co-Dubai, this programme supports retail startups with essential services including trading licenses, marketplace networks, logistics, and online payment gateways, enabling you to start selling your products quickly.