Business Startup Incubators in Dubai
The startup system in Dubai is not only strong but also has an overwhelming number of incubators and accelerators supporting it. The emirate has several initiatives in place to boost business for those looking to launch their startup in Dubai.
To help entrepreneurs identify the most appropriate program for their business, we have put together a guide to the top incubator programs present in Dubai. Here you can go through a detailed overview of the different business incubators available tostartupsaswellastheirbenefits.
What is a business/startup incubator in Dubai?
Business incubators or startup incubators are special organisations that act as a springboard for early-stage enterprises. They provide all the necessary specialised assistance that early entrepreneurs or single proprietors would need to grow their commercialoperations.
Eventhoughincubatorsaredesignedtofulfilspecificbusinessneeds,mostoffersome common resources and services. These include access to well-equipped office space, business education training, mentorship programs, as well as access to community networkingevents.Asnewbusinessescanhaveavastdifferenceintheirrequirements, all startup incubators follow a variety of processes. They also offer a combination of serviceslike,corporateandlegaladvice,seedfunding,investormeetupsetc.
The presence of these resources allows startups to focus on building their business base and ironing out the details all while operating at a significantly lower cost during the early stages of their business incubation. Most business incubators in Dubai are formed and operated directly by the government. Or they are run by collaborative programswithspecialorganisationsandrenownedentrepreneurs.
List of top business incubators in Dubai
Area 2071
Area 2071 is among Dubai’s top incubators, and it operates under the Dubai Future Foundation. This corporate ecosystem specialises in nurturing global talent to grow their business in the UAE. The incubator offers its members access to a brilliant network of investors, strategic partners, and entrepreneurs while also offering subsidised licensing fees. Startups and entrepreneurs can pay AED 1,000 annually for a commercial license. They can also conduct three business activities in the same category. Area 2071 allows registered business owners to run their startups with a three-year license, in collaboration with Dubai Development Authority. Additionally, startups need to receive an initial approval from the Dubai FutureFoundationProgramtoregisterinArea2071.
In5
In5 is an incubator that supports start-ups through establishing business,providingmentorship,andorganisingnetworkingevents. They also offer investment opportunities and access to labs, studios, and creative workspaces. This business incubator in uae was launched by TECOM and focuses on tech, design and media. In5 is named after its five-stage approach to key investment as well as stage processes (submission of strategy, validation, presentation,incubationandtraction).
Goodforce Labs
The Goodforce Labs is in the Dubai Airport Free zone (DAFZA) where they focus on being solution providers to support the sustainable development of essential sectors such as food and agriculture, education, finance, lifestyle, etc. Not only do they give directaccesstohighlyexperiencedmentorsandraiseawareness of the most concerning social issues in the world, they also encouragetheirentrepreneurstocomeupwithinitiativestobring aboutforwardchangeintheglobalecosystem.
Faster Capital
BasedinDubai,FasterCapitalisbothabusinessincubatoraswell asanaccelerator.Theirincubationprogram,IdeatoProducthelps founders to build their MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and generate revenue. Their accelerator program, Grow Your Startup, assists new businesses in investing in marketing, business development, product design, and sales boosting. What makes Faster Capital unique is that they cover up to 50% of expenses in eitherdevelopingtheMVPorinexpandingthebusiness.
DTEC (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre)
ThefirsteverincubatorinDubai,DTECfallsunderthepurviewof the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. Their comprehensive incubator program helps startups transform their early-stage businesses to successful ventures. They offer access to coworking spaces, mentorship and opportunities to pitch your businesstopotentialinvestors.
