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Dubai SME, a division of the Department of Economy and Tourism, said in a statement that it has integrated the Hamdan Innovation Incubator into Dubai Founders HQ to create a structured pathway for Emirati entrepreneurs. The move grants participants access to an expanded ecosystem of mentors, investors, specialised programmes and networking opportunities previously unavailable in isolation. According to the authority, the consolidation aligns with efforts to build a stronger pipeline of national startups capable of competing globally.
The Hamdan Innovation Incubator was established in 2014 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the authority reported. For more than a decade, it has focused exclusively on supporting Emirati founders at various stages of development. Dubai SME figures show the programme has helped numerous participants refine ideas and scale operations within the emirate’s innovation framework.
A new 16-week incubator programme will commence at the headquarters in October 2026 and accommodate 20 Emirati founders, the statement detailed. It targets individuals at the earliest phase of their journey, regardless of prior funding or company registration, and carries no participation costs. Applications opened immediately and will close at the end of August 2026, according to the authority’s timeline.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, said in the announcement, “Embedding Hi2 within Dubai Founders HQ is about creating a structured, end-to-end pathway for Emirati talent to move from first idea to investable business.” He added that in a global environment of rapid economic transformation, Dubai has responded by investing strategically in its founders to ensure they are positioned to lead. The CEO noted the programme opens the door to founders at the very earliest stage while advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Dubai Founders HQ itself was launched in October 2025 as a first-of-its-kind platform that blends a physical campus with a digital ecosystem, the Department of Economy and Tourism reported at the time. The initiative seeks to strengthen the startup and SME sector, with a target of supporting 30 startups in reaching global unicorn status. A DET assessment found the hub consolidates resources to accelerate growth through tailored support, investor connections and market entry strategies.
The integration builds on existing efforts to position Dubai as a leading hub for innovation in the region, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism. It addresses the need for seamless progression from ideation to investment readiness within a single ecosystem. Dubai SME encouraged eligible Emirati founders to apply before the August deadline to secure a place in the inaugural cohort at the headquarters.
