Dubai has long been the leading startup tech hub and has consistently ranked first in terms of number of deals and amount of capital. Meanwhile, we view our geographic scope in terms of several concentric circles, starting with Dubai at the center, followed by the UAE, the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey (MENAPT), and Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) and then global.
We invest mostly in the startups and funds that power Dubai’s future growth and position it as a preferred destination for global talent and entrepreneurship, as well as those that serve the wider MENAPT and MEASA regions.
The availability of capital for tech startups in Dubai has been increasing in recent years, with a growing number of venture capital firms, angel investors, and accelerators active in the ecosystem. The government has also been promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through initiatives, which provide funding and support to startups working on innovative projects. Additionally, many large multinational companies have a presence in Dubai, which can provide opportunities for startups to secure corporate partnerships and investments. Furthermore, Dubai is becoming a hub for many regional and international investors, which can provide access to a wider pool of capital for startups.
Dubai has a diverse and growing pool of tech talent, which can be accessed by startups. The government has been investing in education and training programs to promote the development of tech skills, as well as encouraging the immigration of skilled professionals (e.g. Golden Visa scheme). Additionally, the emirate is home to a number of universities and technical institutes that offer IT and engineering programs, which provide a steady stream of graduates with relevant skills. Furthermore, many large multinational companies have a presence in Dubai, and this has led to a number of experienced professionals in the local market.
Costs associated with setting up a tech startup in Dubai can vary depending on the nature of the business and the location of the office. Some costs to consider include company registration fees, trade license fees, office rental costs, employee salaries and benefits, and any necessary equipment or software. These costs will vary based on where in Dubai you set up your business, and the best location to set up a tech startup will depend on the nature of the business and the target market. Some popular areas for tech startups include the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Internet City.