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Hub71 for Emirati Founders: Access Programme and MZN Hub71

By Vibhor Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO, StrongYesLast fact-checked 13 October 2026
Hub71 for Emirati Founders: Access Programme and MZN Hub71: StrongYes Emiratisation Hub
Quick answer

Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's tech ecosystem. Its 12-month Access Programme gives selected startups AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives (office, housing, health insurance, licence and visa support) and AED 250,000 in cash for equity through a SAFE, with a top-up of up to AED 250,000 for high performers. For early-stage Emirati founders, Khalifa Fund and Hub71 run the three-month MZN Hub71 Programme in Al Ain.

Hub71 Access

Item Detail
In-kind incentives AED 250,000: office space, health insurance, housing, licensing and visa support
Cash AED 250,000 for equity through a SAFE note
Top-up Up to AED 250,000 for high performers committed to Abu Dhabi
Duration 12 months
Stage Pre-seed to Series A
Commitment At least one founder relocates to build a team in Abu Dhabi

MZN Hub71 Programme for Emirati founders

Three months from concept to execution (MVP, market validation, launch preparation) at MZN Hub Al Ain, ending with a Demo Day. Sectors: HealthTech, ClimateTech, FinTech, AgriTech and applied AI. The first cycle took 17 Emirati founders from more than 370 applications.

Sources

  1. Hub71 Access Programme. Hub71.
  2. Khalifa Fund and Hub71 welcome inaugural Emirati founders. Aletihad, 21 May 2026.

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.