Programs

40 programs · updated August 2026

Intakes, grants, licenses, visas, sandboxes, and challenges a UAE founder can actually use — with eligibility, dates, and a desk read on each. Closed programs stay listed; most are seasonal. Looking for capital? Browse investors or the funding tracker.

All types Intake Grant License Visa Sandbox Challenge

Any status Open Closing Evergreen Closed

DIFC FinTech Hive Accelerator

Non-equity accelerator: proof-of-concept access to partner banks and insurers, DFSA regulatory guidance, mentorship and an investor demo day inside DIFC.

IntakeDubaiClosed

Dubai Founders HQ Accelerator (Plug and Play)

Equity- and fee-free 3-month accelerator: government/corporate market access, PoC opportunities, investor-readiness training and a Downtown Dubai campus; completers may be considered for investment.

IntakeDubaiClosed

Flat6Labs Ignite (Abu Dhabi)

$150k–$250k seed investment plus a 4-month programme with office space, mentorship and ADQ portfolio access; select graduates eligible for $200k–$500k follow-on funding.

IntakeAbu DhabiClosed

Intelak Hub 2026 Incubator & Accelerator

12-week programme with Emirates Group and DET mentorship; AED 20,000 licensing grant per Incubator startup and AED 50,000 grant per Accelerator startup, plus an investor demo day.

IntakeDubaiClosed

Investors & Ecosystem — who funds UAE startups →Send a program update →

About UAE programs on DXBStart

What does DXBStart list as a program?

A real apply path a founder can use: an intake, grant, license, visa, sandbox, or challenge. Operator homepages and formation shops are not programs.

Why are closed programs still listed?

Most intakes and challenges are seasonal. The page is the permanent record — when it reopens we update the dates, not the URL.

Do you apply on my behalf?

No. The apply button goes to the operator. If you want a read on which programs fit, write the desk from the program page.