H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council, has launched Dubai Founders HQ to strengthen and expand the emirate’s startup and SME ecosystem.

Developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the initiative introduces a hybrid “phygital” model that combines a physical campus with a digital platform, connecting founders, investors, corporates, and enablers.

More than 25 public and private partners from venture capital, government, telecom, and financial services have joined, highlighting its role as a central hub for innovation in Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that entrepreneurship is a key engine of sustainable development and a driver of global competitiveness.

Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to nurture 30 unicorns and 400 SMEs by 2033, Dubai Founders HQ offers startups mentorship, investment networks, business setup support, and sector-focused acceleration. Using a hub-and-spoke model, it will connect free zones, incubators, and accelerators across the ecosystem.

The physical campus features co-working spaces, event venues, and cultural elements, blending innovation with creativity through workshops, networking, and art showcases.

Senior officials, including Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET; Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; and Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation, attended the launch.

Officials emphasized the initiative’s role in positioning Dubai as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship. Al Olama noted that the HQ would help attract international talent and enable startups to scale globally, while Almarri described it as a “launchpad for pioneering entrepreneurs” aligned with the D33 agenda.

Through partnerships with global ecosystem builders such as Endeavor and Plug and Play, Dubai Founders HQ will provide sector-focused growth programs and a digital platform with learning resources, advisory services, and investor access. Positioned as a one-stop hub, it aims to streamline resources, boost collaboration, and accelerate startup growth, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading global innovation hub.