Sheikh Hamdan launches Dubai Founders HQ to strengthen startup ecosystem

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday launched Dubai Founders HQ to strengthen the emirate’s startup and SME ecosystem.

The hub, located at the 25Hours Hotel in One Central, combines a physical campus with a digital platform. It aims to unite entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and government entities under one roof to accelerate innovation and business growth.

Launched under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Dubai Founders HQ targets the creation of 30 unicorns and the scaling of 400 SMEs by 2033. More than 25 public and private partners, including venture capital firms and government bodies, have already joined.

Sheikh Hamdan said entrepreneurship is a vital driver of sustainable development and stressed Dubai’s commitment to fostering creativity and helping startups grow into global players.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the HQ will serve as a gateway for founders, offering access to mentorship, funding and tailored growth programmes.

The campus features co-working spaces, event facilities and networking areas. Through partnerships with international accelerators like Endeavor and Plug and Play, it will deliver sector-specific programs to help startups scale.

The initiative consolidates Dubai’s innovation resources, creating a one-stop hub that supports entrepreneurs from ideation to global expansion.