The United Arab Emirates is solidifying its role as the Middle East’s startup capital, driven by an ambitious national agenda to diversify beyond oil and foster an innovation-led economy. With strong government backing, global partnerships, and a steady influx of venture funding, the country’s startup landscape has evolved into one of the most active and interconnected ecosystems worldwide.
Accelerators now play a central role in this transformation- equipping founders with capital, mentorship, and market access to scale from the Gulf to global markets. From flagship programs like Hub71 to regional powerhouses such as Flat6Labs and in5, the UAE’s accelerator network has become a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As the UAE doubles down on entrepreneurship under its ‘Projects of the 50’ and Vision 2031 strategies, these accelerator programs are reframing how innovation is funded, scaled, and exported from the region. Here’s a closer look at the leading accelerators and venture-backed programs fueling the UAE’s startup momentum.
Hub71

Launched in 2019, Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s flagship global tech ecosystem backed by Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi government. It supports startups across sectors including AI, ClimateTech, HealthTech, and FinTech through funding, mentorship, and market access. In 2024, Hub71 startups raised over AED 8 billion ($2.18 billion) and generated record revenues, while its sector-specific initiatives like Hub71+ AI and ClimateTech continue to attract international founders and investors.
DIFC FinTech Hive

Founded in 2017 as part of the Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC FinTech Hive is the region’s first and largest financial technology accelerator. It focuses on FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech, and Islamic finance, connecting startups to banks, regulators, and investors. FinTech firms in the DIFC ecosystem have raised more than $3.3 billion to date, positioning Dubai as a key hub for financial innovation in the Middle East.
Flat6Labs

Flat6Labs, one of the region’s leading seed and early-stage venture platforms, launched its Abu Dhabi-based Ignite program in 2021 in partnership with ADQ’s DisruptAD. It invests in tech-driven startups spanning EdTech, HealthTech, SpaceTech, and AI. Through Ignite, Flat6Labs has deployed over $10 million into 38 startups, while its wider MENA network manages more than $100 million in regional and African funds.
Sheraa (Sharjah)

Established in 2016, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) accelerates startups in sustainability, creative industries, EdTech, and advanced manufacturing. It has supported more than 450 startups that collectively attracted around $300 million in funding and generated over $370 million in revenue. In 2024, Sheraa partnered with Emirates Development Bank and SCCI to launch a Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing & CPG.
In5

Founded in 2013 by TECOM Group, in5 operates across four verticals- tech, media, design, and science- offering incubation, prototyping labs, and investment access. Its startups have raised over AED 9 billion ($2.45 billion) collectively, with notable alumni including fintech platform Ziina and podcast company Podeo. The launch of in5 Science in 2023 expanded its focus into life sciences and sustainability.
Intelak

Established in 2016, Intelak is an aviation, travel, and tourism-focused accelerator founded by Emirates Group, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and Accenture. It nurtures startups developing solutions in mobility, travel tech, and customer experience. The program has supported over 60 startups that collectively raised more than AED 50 million, with recent cohorts focusing on AI-driven sustainability and digital transformation in the aviation sector.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF)

Launched in 2016 by the UAE Ministry of Finance, the MBR Innovation Fund supports entrepreneurs and SMEs driving innovation across health, clean energy, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. It provides both accelerator programs and financial guarantees to help startups secure funding. MBRIF has backed over 120 innovators, facilitating over AED 600 million in financing and nurturing success stories like Sarwa and ProvenMed.
StartAD

Founded in 2016 at NYU Abu Dhabi, StartAD is an innovation and accelerator platform bridging academia and industry. It focuses on hardware, deep tech, and sustainability, helping founders build scalable ventures through corporate partnerships and investment readiness programs. StartAD has supported over 130 startups that raised $90 million collectively and created more than 250 jobs across the UAE.