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

ADGM FSRA Regulatory Laboratory (RegLab)

A tailored Financial Services Permission to develop and live-test your fintech product with real customers in ADGM for up to two years under a customised, lighter regulatory framework.

SandboxAbu DhabiEvergreen

DFSA Innovation Testing Licence (ITL)

A restricted DFSA licence to live-test innovative financial products with real customers in the DIFC (typically a 12-month testing period); service fees USD 5,000–140,000 depending on activity.

SandboxDubaiEvergreen

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.