Top 10 Startup Accelerators in Dubai in 2025
Dubai has rapidly emerged as a global startup hub in 2025. With its favorable tax policies, strategic location, and government-backed innovation programs, the city attracts entrepreneurs from fintech, healthtech, AI, blockchain, and other high-growth sectors. However, building a successful startup still requires more than great ideas — founders need capital, mentorship, and network access to scale effectively. That's where Dubai's startup accelerators play a crucial role. These programs provide early-stage founders with funding, expert guidance, and direct connections to VCs, corporates, and government agencies. In this guide, we explore the top startup accelerators in Dubai helping founders build world-class ventures.
Quick list of top startup accelerators in Dubai
- Hub71 – UAE's flagship accelerator backed by Mubadala and global investors
- In5 – Government-supported accelerator offering licensing, mentorship, and coworking
- DIFC FinTech Hive – Financial hub for fintech, insurtech, and regtech startups
- Turn8 – Early-stage accelerator investing in regional tech innovations
- Intelak – Aviation and travel-focused accelerator backed by Emirates and Dubai Tourism
- Techstars Hub71 – Global Techstars program partnered with Abu Dhabi's Hub71
- Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi – MENA's leading regional accelerator supporting diverse sectors
- Astrolabs – Growth-focused platform with coworking and scaling programs
- Sheraa (Sharjah) – Non-equity accelerator supporting impact-driven startups
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund Accelerator – Government-backed innovation platform providing non-dilutive funding
How to find the right startup accelerator in Dubai
Choosing the right accelerator is key to your growth. Here's what to consider:
- Industry focus: Fintech, AI, Blockchain, Healthtech, Traveltech, and more.
- Mentorship network: Strong industry mentors and global investors.
- Location access: Free zones like DIFC or Dubai Internet City offer legal and financial advantages.
- Corporate partnerships: Many programs are backed by government or private corporations.
- Equity terms: Some offer non-dilutive funding, others take equity.
Explore Papermark's Investor Database to find Dubai startup accelerators by sector, stage, and location.
How to send your pitch deck to Dubai startup accelerators
To stand out when applying, you need a pitch deck that's not only impressive — but trackable.
- Don't send attachments: Avoid static PDFs.
- Use tracked links: Share your pitch deck securely via Papermark.
- Personalize each message: Tailor it to the accelerator's industry focus.
- Highlight traction: Showcase your product, revenue, and partnerships.
- Emphasize regional fit: Explain why Dubai is your strategic launchpad.
- Follow up smartly: Use engagement data to time your follow-ups.
Why use a pitch deck link instead of attachments?
- Get notified when accelerator teams open your deck
- Track how long they were on each page
- Capture emails of those who viewed your deck
- Protect your IP using watermark, screenshot protection and other link permissions
- Securely send data room with additional documents
Table
| Accelerator | Location | Investment Size† (USD) | Program Length | Focus Areas | Success Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hub71 | Abu Dhabi | ≈ $136 K in-kind support (equity-free) + optional ≈ $68 K cash for equity | 12 wks (Ignite) / up to 2 yrs incentives | Fintech, AI, SaaS | N/A |
| in5 | Dubai Internet City | Non-equity (subsidised licence, labs, visas) | Ongoing (6 – 12 m.) | Tech, Media, Design | N/A |
| DIFC FinTech Hive | Dubai | Non-equity (benefit package) | 12 wks | Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech | N/A |
| Turn8 | Dubai | $30 K seed | 4 m. | Tech, Logistics, IoT | N/A |
| Intelak | Dubai | $14 K grant (equity-free) | 3 m. | Traveltech, Aviation | N/A |
| Techstars Hub71 | Abu Dhabi | $220 K | 13 wks | SaaS, Healthtech, AI | N/A |
| Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | $150 K – $250 K | 4 m. | SaaS, Fintech, Healthtech | N/A |
| AstroLabs | Dubai | Non-equity (membership & sector sprints) | Ongoing | SaaS, E-Commerce, Digital | N/A |
| Sheraa (Sharjah) | Sharjah | Up to $100 K grant (typ. $50 K) | 4 – 6 m. | Edtech, Impact, Digital | N/A |
| MBRIF Accelerator | UAE (nation-wide) | Non-equity (coaching, guarantees) | 9 m. | Cross-sector Innovation | N/A |
1. Hub71
Flagship Abu Dhabi tech hub backed by Mubadala, ADIO, and global VCs.
- Focus: Fintech, AI, SaaS
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Program length: 12 weeks (Ignite) + up to 2 years incentive residence
- Investment: Up to ≈ $136 K equity-free in-kind support; optional ≈ $68 K cash for equity
- Equity free: Partly (in-kind incentives); cash leg requires equity
- Website: Hub71
2. In5
Dubai Internet City's accelerator supporting startups with coworking, licensing, and funding support.
- Focus: Tech, Media, Design
- Location: Dubai Internet City
- Program length: Ongoing membership (6 – 12 months typical)
- Investment: Non-equity
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: In5
3. DIFC FinTech Hive
Leading financial innovation accelerator located in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
- Focus: Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech
- Location: Dubai
- Program length: 12 weeks
- Investment: $20K (non-equity)
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: DIFC FinTech Hive
4. Turn8
Early-stage accelerator investing in promising Dubai-based startups.
- Focus: Tech, Logistics, IoT
- Location: Dubai
- Program length: 4 months
- Investment: $30K
- Equity free: No
- Website: Turn8
5. Intelak
Government-backed accelerator for travel, tourism, and aviation innovation.
- Focus: Traveltech, Aviation
- Location: Dubai
- Program length: 3 months
- Investment: $14 K non-dilutive grant + corporate pilot opportunities
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: Intelak
6. Techstars Hub71
Techstars' global playbook combined with Hub71's Abu Dhabi ecosystem.
- Focus: SaaS, Healthtech, AI
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Program length: 13 weeks
- Investment: $220 K ( $20 K for 6 % + $200 K uncapped SAFE)
- Equity free: No
- Website: Techstars Hub71
7. Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi
MENA's marquee seed fund & accelerator (A + Dubai co-location).
- Focus: SaaS, Fintech, Healthtech
- Location: Abu Dhabi / Dubai
- Program length: 4 months
- Investment: $150 K – $250 K for equity + follow-on up to $500 K
- Equity free: No
- Website: Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi
8. Astrolabs
Growth academy & coworking community for digital founders across GCC.
- Focus: SaaS, E-Commerce, Digital
- Location: Dubai
- Program length: Ongoing
- Investment: Non-equity
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: Astrolabs
9. Sheraa (Sharjah)
Impact-oriented accelerator offering sizeable non-dilutive grants and Sharjah-based support.
- Focus: Edtech, Impact, Digital
- Location: Sharjah (UAE)
- Program length: 4-6 months
- Investment: $50K
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: Sheraa
10. Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund Accelerator
Federal initiative matching innovative SMEs with tailored coaching and non-dilutive support.
- Focus: Cross-sector Innovation
- Location: UAE
- Program length: 9 months
- Investment: Non-equity
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: MBRIF Accelerator
Prepare for Demo Day: what Dubai accelerators expect
- Show traction: customers, partnerships, or product pilots
- Emphasize regional market strategy and scalability
- Demonstrate legal readiness (free zone incorporation etc.)
- Showcase strong advisory or mentor backing
- Use Papermark to track investor interest and deck analytics
Didn't find the right accelerator?
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Final Thoughts
Dubai is no longer just a financial hub — it's now a full-scale launchpad for global startups. With world-class accelerators, government support, and investor access, founders can transform bold ideas into thriving companies faster than ever. Don't leave your fundraising to chance — present your pitch like a pro with Papermark and open doors to global capital.