Dubai SME funding rises 25% as startup push accelerates

Dubai SME funding startups increased significantly in 2025, as the government-backed Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development allocated approximately $12 million (AED44 million) to support new ventures.

The figure marks a 25% rise compared to 2024, reflecting Dubai’s expanding strategy to strengthen its startup ecosystem and diversify the economy.

Funding targets high-growth sectors

According to Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, acting CEO of Dubai SME, the institution continues to scale funding year after year to help companies grow locally and internationally.

He noted that capital is primarily directed toward priority sectors, including technology, artificial intelligence and logistics. These industries align closely with Dubai’s long-term economic agenda and offer strong scalability potential.

Importantly, funding remains available to UAE nationals who meet eligibility criteria, ensuring local participation in the country’s innovation drive.

Future Majlis program drives new ventures

A key pillar of the initiative is the Future Majlis programme, designed to nurture entrepreneurs and transform ideas into viable businesses.

The program brought together around 50 participants, who were divided into teams to develop solutions to real-world challenges posed by public and private sector organizations.

Dubai SME aims to leverage initiatives like Future Majlis to reach an ambitious target of 27,000 new projects by 2033.

Winning startups and broader support

Among the standout projects recognized:

• Majlis Al Rowad, an online platform connecting entrepreneurs and startups
• Basco, focused on linking projects with logistics providers
• Tatoor Programme, designed to connect SMEs with service providers across sectors

However, support is not limited to winners. Dubai SME also assists other promising teams by refining business models and providing access to funding, mentorship and market opportunities.

Expanding access to global markets

Beyond direct funding, Dubai SME is actively facilitating market access and partnerships. Initiatives like Dubai Traders help businesses enter e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Noon, accelerating their growth potential.

The institution is also strengthening collaborations with specialized entities to further develop the startup ecosystem.

A growing global startup hub

Dubai’s approach combines capital, training, mentorship and market integration, positioning the emirate as a leading hub for entrepreneurship in the region.

As funding continues to rise and programs expand, Dubai SME is playing a central role in shaping the next generation of startups and reinforcing the UAE’s global competitiveness.