Funding and Support for Emirati Founders: Khalifa Fund, Dubai SME, Hub71
Emirati founders can draw on federal and emirate-level support. Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (Abu Dhabi) runs seven loan programmes, including a First-time Founders Loan for Emiratis. Dubai SME supports Emirati businesses with licences, funding, incubation and a 10% government procurement share. Hub71 backs startups with up to AED 500,000 in incentives, and the MZN Hub71 programme in Al Ain is built for Emirati founders. The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund offers an accelerator and a guarantee scheme.
Entrepreneurship is part of the same national talent agenda as Emiratisation: building Emirati careers across the whole economy, including as business owners and employers.
Where to start
| Programme | Run by | Best for | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa Fund loans (7 programmes) | Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Abu Dhabi | First-time and growing Emirati businesses | Khalifa Fund |
| Dubai SME | Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai | Emirati businesses in Dubai | Dubai SME |
| Hub71 Access | Hub71, Abu Dhabi | Tech startups, pre-seed to Series A | Hub71 |
| MZN Hub71 Programme | Khalifa Fund with Hub71, Al Ain | Early-stage Emirati founders | Hub71 |
| Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund | Ministry of Economy and Tourism | Innovative companies needing finance and acceleration | See below |
Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF)
MBRIF runs an Innovation Accelerator (training and mentoring on strategy, business models, market access, financing and recruitment) and a Guarantee Scheme that helps innovators secure financing at low cost. It is open to entrepreneurs of all nationalities with projects registered in the UAE, with priority sectors including technology, education, renewable energy, water, health, space and transport.
Do I need an Emirati partner?
Not for most activities: full foreign ownership of mainland companies has been allowed since 2021. Being an Emirati founder brings access to national support programmes, not a legal monopoly. See the 51% rule explained.
Frequently asked questions
01What funding is available for Emirati startups?
Khalifa Fund loans (including a First-time Founders Loan), Dubai SME funding and services, Hub71 incentives of up to AED 500,000, the KFED x Hub71 programme for Emirati founders in Al Ain, and MBRIF's accelerator and guarantee scheme.
02Which programmes are only for Emiratis?
Khalifa Fund's First-time Founders Loan and the MZN Hub71 programme are aimed at Emirati founders; Dubai SME focuses on Emirati entrepreneurs. Hub71 and MBRIF are open to all nationalities.
Sources
- Khalifa Fund strengthens financing ecosystem with 7 integrated programmes. Abu Dhabi Media Office, 20 July 2026.
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund. Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
- Hub71 Access Programme. Hub71.
This page explains UAE Emiratisation rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm against the official MoHRE, Nafis or Central Bank source linked above before acting. StrongYes is an independent publication and is not affiliated with MoHRE, Nafis, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council or any UAE government body. Full disclaimer.