Dubai SME Joins Forces with Plug and Play for Emirati Startup Growth

In a significant move to enhance local entrepreneurship, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) has partnered with the global innovation hub Plug and Play to introduce a new accelerator program intended to scale Emirati startups.

This initiative aims to equip local entrepreneurs with the essential resources, global connections, and expertise necessary to expand internationally and secure sustainable investments—reflecting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the city's economy by 2033.

Targeting tech-driven enterprises, the program will provide customized mentorship, practical support, and access to crucial markets. Startups enrolled in the accelerator will have opportunities to work alongside major government and private organizations, enhancing their operations and expediting the adoption of their innovative solutions.

Plug and Play will manage the accelerator hosted at Dubai Founders HQ, a new hub developed in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Situated within the 25Hours Hotel at One Central, this vibrant workspace enables founders to connect, collaborate, and leverage comprehensive startup support services.

Additionally, Dubai SME has secured partnerships with several influential entities, including Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Emirates Flight Catering, and the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai). These collaborators will pinpoint sector challenges and encourage Emirati startups to devise inventive solutions tailored to real-world demands.

The program will accommodate two cohorts annually, each consisting of 10 startups, guiding them through Plug and Play's established methodologies with intensive workshops, investment preparation, and networking opportunities with investors and corporate partners. Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their innovations, helping transform promising ideas into successful ventures.

Beyond immediate acceleration, the initiative aspires to establish a solid foundation for long-term growth. By creating stronger connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and government bodies, the program aims to nurture a steady pipeline of high-potential Emirati ventures, driving job creation, innovation, and economic diversification.

This partnership reinforces Dubai's status as a global nexus for entrepreneurship and innovation, empowering local talent to contribute actively to the future of the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.