Dubai SME Teams Up with Plug and Play to Propel Emirati Startups

In a pivotal move to bolster local entrepreneurship, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has partnered with global innovation platform Plug and Play to unveil a new accelerator program aimed at advancing Emirati-owned startups.

This initiative aims to equip local entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and international connections necessary to grow beyond the UAE, tapping into sustainable investment opportunities, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the city's economy by 2033.

Targeting technology-focused businesses, the program will provide customized mentorship, practical guidance, and access to crucial markets. Participating startups will have opportunities to collaborate with significant government and private sector entities, enhancing their operations and speeding up the adoption of their solutions.

The accelerator will be managed by Plug and Play and hosted at Dubai Founders HQ, a newly established hub in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Situated in the 25Hours Hotel at One Central, this venue offers a dynamic ecosystem for founders to network, collaborate, and benefit from comprehensive startup support services.

Additionally, Dubai SME has recruited several key partners—including Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Emirates Flight Catering, and the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai). These partners will highlight sector challenges and invite Emirati startups to devise innovative solutions tailored to actual needs.

Each year, the program will facilitate two cohorts of 10 startups, imparting Plug and Play’s renowned methodology through rigorous workshops, investment preparedness sessions, and direct interactions with investors and corporate entities. Participants will also have opportunities to present their innovative concepts at showcase events, connecting promising ideas with tangible business outcomes.

Beyond immediate results, the initiative aspires to cultivate a sustainable foundation for long-term success. By strengthening connections among founders, investors, and government organizations, the program will foster a consistent pipeline of high-potential Emirati enterprises—driving job creation, innovation, and economic diversification.

This collaboration further positions Dubai as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, empowering local talent to shape the future of the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.