Abu Dhabi's Hub71 accelerator has selected two Indian startups, Uravu Labs and Endimension Technology, for its 18th cohort. These companies will join 25 other international startups establishing operations in the UAE capital.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has partnered with Huawei to launch the second edition of the Nafis International Programme, offering international training to Emirati tech graduates and students. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of future Emirati tech professionals.

Student enterprises PocketPal and Hydroguard have been named national champions at the INJAZ UAE Company Program Competition 2026. They will now represent the UAE at the regional competition, showcasing emerging entrepreneurial talent.

The Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital have launched the eighth 'Women in Tech' accelerator in the UAE, supporting women-led tech-enabled startups with investment readiness, funding, and global networks. This program boosts female entrepreneurship and innovation within the region.

Hub71 announced its support for the second edition of the UAE–India Start-Up Series, a program designed to help high-potential Indian startups expand into Abu Dhabi. This initiative offers access to funding, mentorship, and market entry opportunities, strengthening the UAE's role as a regional tech gateway.

TiE Dubai has opened applications for the 7th edition of its TiE Women MENA Program 2026. This regional accelerator supports women entrepreneurs.

Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has expanded to 390 companies, with its startups collectively raising over AED9.9 billion ($2.7 billion) in funding. This growth underscores Abu Dhabi's emergence as a significant technology hub in the region.

The GameForward accelerator program by Dubai SME and Dubai Culture is mentoring Emirati game developers for a Demo Day at GameExpo, aiming to commercialize their game concepts. This initiative supports local talent development and the growth of Dubai's gaming industry.

Dubai launched the 'SME in a Box' initiative, providing new SME founders with a single entry point for essential services and discounts exceeding Dh80,000 to streamline business setup. This initiative aims to reduce costs and simplify processes for new businesses entering the market.

DMCC, Dubai's prominent free zone, launched new acceleration initiatives offering financial incentives, fee waivers, and regulatory flexibilities. These measures aim to reduce operating costs and support growth for its over 26,000 member companies, including many startups.

The UAE is enhancing policy initiatives to foster the growth of AI unicorn companies, aiming to establish itself as a leading global hub for AI innovation. This strategic focus includes investments and a supportive ecosystem for AI ventures.

Mastercard Lighthouse and Hub71 have opened applications for a new four-month accelerator program in the UAE, focusing on AI startups in fintech, commerce, and other key sectors. The initiative aims to foster innovation within the region's AI ecosystem.

Dubai has introduced a landmark accelerator program to connect post-revenue startups with major corporate partners like DHL, du, and Visa. The initiative aligns with the D33 Agenda to foster innovation and economic growth.

The UAE initiated a Dh1 billion International Space Cooperation Programme to foster research, collaboration, and talent development in the space sector. This program signifies a strategic push to strengthen the UAE's position in the global space industry.

The UAE government has rolled out new initiatives, including equity-free grants and tax incentives, to strengthen support for startups and SMEs. These measures aim to cultivate an innovation-driven business environment.

The UAE government has launched several initiatives, including equity-free grants up to AED5 million from Sheraa and new tax incentives, to bolster support for startups and SMEs. These measures aim to foster a more resilient and innovation-driven business environment.

Mastercard introduced its Lighthouse 2026 program in the UAE, backed by the UAE Digital Economy Office, to accelerate high-potential AI and fintech startups. The initiative aims to foster innovation and growth within these key sectors.

Xsolla and the Dubai Films and Games Commission launched a partnership, including a joint studio accelerator, to develop the MENA region's video game industry. This initiative aims to connect Dubai-based developers with global markets.

Dubai has initiated a Dh1 billion International Space Cooperation Programme to boost global collaboration in space research and development. This program aims to strengthen the UAE's position in advanced space technologies and industries, opening opportunities for startups in the sector.

Dubai Holding has partnered with Microsoft to implement enterprise-wide AI across its operations, aiming for the first deployment of its kind in the Middle East and Africa. This initiative signals a major push towards advanced digital transformation within Dubai's large corporate landscape.