H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched Dubai Founders HQ, a landmark initiative designed to unify and elevate the city’s startup and SME ecosystem.
A joint venture between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the initiative introduces a first-of-its-kind “phygital” platform — merging a dynamic physical hub with an integrated digital ecosystem. Located at the 25Hours Hotel in Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Founders HQ brings together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and enablers to drive innovation and business growth.
Sheikh Hamdan said the platform will play a central role in empowering entrepreneurs, highlighting that supporting startups is an investment in human potential and a cornerstone of Dubai’s sustainable development.
Backed by more than 25 public and private sector partners, the initiative is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to scale 30 unicorns and support 400 SMEs by 2033. Through strategic collaborations with global ecosystem builders such as Endeavor and Plug and Play, the hub will offer tailored growth programmes, mentorship, and investor access.
The campus features co-working spaces, event facilities, and networking areas, supported by a vibrant programme of workshops and innovation-focused events. Complementing the physical space, a digital platform provides entrepreneurs with access to learning resources, business setup support, and a unified directory of ecosystem players.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said Dubai Founders HQ marks a major step in positioning the city as a global hub for digital entrepreneurship, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing innovation and attracting visionary founders worldwide.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
