Q3 2026$288M raised8 deals31 new startups215 open rolesTracker

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.

ADGM Tech Startup Licence

Incentivised ADGM commercial licence from USD 1,500/yr at seed stage, with English common-law jurisdiction, 3 visas per desk and the Hub71 ecosystem.

LicenseAbu DhabiEvergreen
LicenseAbu DhabiEvergreen

DIFC Innovation Licence

Subsidised DIFC commercial licence at USD 1,500/yr for tech startups, with discounted coworking, up to 4 discounted visas on the first desk and Ignyte access.

LicenseDubaiEvergreen
LicenseDubaiEvergreen

DMCC Jump Start Package

DMCC licence + flexi desk + one residency visa in a single package (AED 43,780/yr), with sector-specific Crypto/AI/Gaming Centre variants at AED 31,000.

LicenseDubaiEvergreen
LicenseDubaiEvergreen

Dubai Mainland Trade Licence (DED)

Mainland Dubai trade licence issued digitally in about 15 minutes via Invest in Dubai/Basher, bundling Chamber membership, establishment card and work-permit quota.

LicenseDubaiEvergreen
LicenseDubaiEvergreen

Dubai Silicon Oasis Startup Licence (via Dtec)

Subsidised startup licence bundled with coworking at Dtec, DSO's tech campus — 100% ownership, DIEZ visas and a 5-year runway before standard rates.

LicenseDubaiEvergreen
LicenseDubaiEvergreen

IFZA Free Zone Business Licence

Remote, no-presence-required Dubai free-zone licence with 100% ownership and mix-and-match business activities, set up via IFZA's partner network.

LicenseDubaiEvergreen
LicenseDubaiEvergreen

Meydan Free Zone Business Licence

Passport-only, fully remote Dubai licence from AED 12,500 with flexi-desk included — or the Fawri instant licence issued in under 60 minutes from AED 15,000.

LicenseDubaiEvergreen
LicenseDubaiEvergreen

SHAMS Business Licence (Sharjah Media City)

Low-cost, fully online Sharjah media/creative licence with 100% ownership, no physical presence required and up to 12 visas on a shared-desk facility.

LicenseSharjahEvergreen
LicenseSharjahEvergreen
Related
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.