Dubai SME has increased startup funding to AED44 million ($11.97 million) in 2025, marking a more than 25% rise from $9.52 million in 2024, as the emirate accelerates efforts to strengthen its entrepreneurship ecosystem. The funding boost, announced during the inaugural Future Majlis program, reflects Dubai SME’s expanding role in supporting high-growth startups, particularly in priority sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and logistics. It also aligns with its broader goal of launching 27,000 projects by 2033.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Dubai SME, said the institution continues to increase annual funding due to its central role in helping companies scale both locally and internationally, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

He explained that financing is primarily directed toward strategic sectors within Dubai’s economic agenda, with a strong focus on founders and projects that demonstrate scalability and long-term economic value.

The Future Majlis initiative, launched as part of this broader strategy, is designed to encourage entrepreneurship, attract emerging talent, and prepare a new generation of founders to turn ideas into commercially viable ventures.

The three-day program brought together around 50 participants from diverse backgrounds, who were divided into eight teams to tackle real-world challenges posed by government and private-sector entities. Participants collaborated to develop innovative business concepts that could evolve into startups with Dubai SME’s support.

The program focused heavily on high-growth industries, particularly technology, artificial intelligence, and logistics, which are seen as critical to Dubai’s future economic development.

Almheiri said project evaluation was based on several criteria, including founder capability, sector expertise, alignment with national economic priorities, and each project’s potential to deliver meaningful economic impact.

Support, he noted, is not limited to the winning teams. Dubai SME also works with other promising participants to refine their business models and provide tailored support through funding, mentorship, procurement facilitation, and market access opportunities.

Top honors at Future Majlis went to Majlis Al Rowad, an online platform connecting entrepreneurs and startups to accelerate growth. Basco, which focuses on linking projects with logistics companies, secured second place, while Tatoor Program, a platform connecting SMEs with private and government service providers, ranked third.

Winning teams will receive financial prizes along with customized support packages that include mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to local and international markets.

Beyond Future Majlis, Dubai SME continues to roll out specialized initiatives targeting high-potential sectors. These include dedicated support for technology businesses and the Dubai Traders program, designed to help companies expand into e-commerce through major platforms such as Noon and Amazon.

Almheiri emphasized that these initiatives collectively strengthen Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering a comprehensive support framework that includes funding, training, mentorship, partnerships, and improved market access.