We use cookies to provide the best site experience.
Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Nov 02, 2025
Startup accelerators are great for helping new companies grow. Many well-known companies like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe have participated.
Accelerators help startups fix their business models and processes, improve the team, and get funding. They also help the startup get started quickly. Experienced business experts help improve the product and make it a successful company.
Accelerators help startups fix their business models and processes, improve the team, and get funding. They also help the startup get started quickly. Experienced business experts help improve the product and make it a successful company.
The main advantages of startup accelerators
- Mentoring and support: experienced entrepreneurs and investors help startups avoid common mistakes and find the right direction.
- Networking: accelerators put you directly in touch with many entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and potential customers.
- Funding: accelerators give seed funding to help startups get their product up and running.
- Effective education programs: accelerators provide a clear path for growth that helps companies accelerate their growth.
- Free program without equity fee
- Paid program without equity fee
- Paid and equity
So, if you've already got an MVP and you want to do business in the UAE but don't know how to get started, this article is for you! We've compiled a list of popular accelerators to help take your business to the next level.
GrowValley
Location: Dubai, Sharjah
Funding: Angel Investment, Impact Investing, Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
GrowValley is a hybrid startup studio and accelerator that provides long-term support for entrepreneurs. They help create new businesses and collaborate with existing companies and government agencies.
GrowValley has in-house projects for variable business types:
Funding: Angel Investment, Impact Investing, Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
GrowValley is a hybrid startup studio and accelerator that provides long-term support for entrepreneurs. They help create new businesses and collaborate with existing companies and government agencies.
GrowValley has in-house projects for variable business types:
- ShamsValley: public-private partnership studio that works with Sharjah Media City (Shams) to create ventures that address challenges in the media industry.
- BioWellthy: wellness venture studio, in partnership with Biowell Hospital Group, a leading pioneer in wellness, is tackling some of the biggest challenges in the industry.
- BildrX: program for founders and startups created by venture builders. It's an exclusive 13-week program that will help any idea reach the market quickly.
FasterCapital
Location: Dubai
Funding: Angel Investment, Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
FasterCapital is a leading global online incubator and accelerator. To date, they supported over 721 startups in securing more than $2.2 billion in funding and have directly invested over $667 million in 267 startups. FasterCapital helps startups connect with angel investors and venture capitalists to get funding.
Funding: Angel Investment, Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
FasterCapital is a leading global online incubator and accelerator. To date, they supported over 721 startups in securing more than $2.2 billion in funding and have directly invested over $667 million in 267 startups. FasterCapital helps startups connect with angel investors and venture capitalists to get funding.
- This accelerator has tons of programs for all kinds of businesses with different packages for different stages. FasterCapital gets 5% of the investment money from VCs/angels when a deal closes. That 5% comes from the funding source, not the startup's own money.
Flat6Labs - Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi
Funding: Venture Capital, Seed
Facebook
Flat6Labs is the leading seed-stage venture capital firm in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. They invest in over 100 promising startups annually, providing up to $500K in funding and comprehensive support. Flat6Labs' proven track record and extensive network has attracted over $85 million in investments from leading institutions. They partner with entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth and build successful businesses.
Funding: Venture Capital, Seed
Flat6Labs is the leading seed-stage venture capital firm in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. They invest in over 100 promising startups annually, providing up to $500K in funding and comprehensive support. Flat6Labs' proven track record and extensive network has attracted over $85 million in investments from leading institutions. They partner with entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth and build successful businesses.
In5
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
In5 is an all-in-one ecosystem for entrepreneurs and start uppers. It provides a bunch of support, like specialized workspaces, industry-specific resources, training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and connections to investors, to help businesses grow and thrive.
500+ startups, 100+ mentors and investors, and AED 3 billion in funding raised. In5 is great for tech, media, design, and science startups.
Funding: Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
In5 is an all-in-one ecosystem for entrepreneurs and start uppers. It provides a bunch of support, like specialized workspaces, industry-specific resources, training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and connections to investors, to help businesses grow and thrive.
500+ startups, 100+ mentors and investors, and AED 3 billion in funding raised. In5 is great for tech, media, design, and science startups.
Intelak Hub
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Aviation, travel and tourism
LinkedIn
Intelak helps startups at every step, from the earliest ideas to growing businesses. They have customized programs and expert mentors to help you grow and enter the market quickly. The program gives you access to Intelak's investor breakfasts, founder summits, industry panels, and legal and licensing clinics, as well as prime exhibition space and pitching opportunities at Expo 2020 and GITEX Future Stars.
Best suited for UAE startups in aviation, travel and tourism.
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Aviation, travel and tourism
Intelak helps startups at every step, from the earliest ideas to growing businesses. They have customized programs and expert mentors to help you grow and enter the market quickly. The program gives you access to Intelak's investor breakfasts, founder summits, industry panels, and legal and licensing clinics, as well as prime exhibition space and pitching opportunities at Expo 2020 and GITEX Future Stars.
Best suited for UAE startups in aviation, travel and tourism.
DIFC FinTech Hive
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Fintech
Facebook, LinkedIn
The DIFC Innovation Hub is an awesome place where innovation and growth thrive. It has a great regulatory environment and world-class infrastructure, and it's located in the very heart of Dubai's finance scene. Businesses have easy access to markets, talented people, and a community of entrepreneurs who are all trying to make things happen.
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Fintech
Facebook, LinkedIn
The DIFC Innovation Hub is an awesome place where innovation and growth thrive. It has a great regulatory environment and world-class infrastructure, and it's located in the very heart of Dubai's finance scene. Businesses have easy access to markets, talented people, and a community of entrepreneurs who are all trying to make things happen.
Dubai Future Accelerators
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Middle East region only
Facebook
Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA) helps to bring together startups, businesses, and government agencies to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing every business owner in the future. They mix the creativity and energy of startups with the resources and experience of big organizations to create something really powerful. It makes Dubai a great place for startups to be, and a testing ground for new technologies that can benefit everyone.
DFA is a 0% equity program.
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Middle East region only
Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA) helps to bring together startups, businesses, and government agencies to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing every business owner in the future. They mix the creativity and energy of startups with the resources and experience of big organizations to create something really powerful. It makes Dubai a great place for startups to be, and a testing ground for new technologies that can benefit everyone.
DFA is a 0% equity program.
Charged Ventures
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Web3 projects
Twitter
Charged Ventures is the go-to Web3 accelerator and advisory network. They help out the best Web3 projects with expertise, investments, and strategic resources. They have a network of industry experts who support projects in DeFi, NFTs, blockchain infrastructure, gaming, and more.
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Web3 projects
Charged Ventures is the go-to Web3 accelerator and advisory network. They help out the best Web3 projects with expertise, investments, and strategic resources. They have a network of industry experts who support projects in DeFi, NFTs, blockchain infrastructure, gaming, and more.
Startupbootcamp Smart City Dubai
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Facebook
Startupbootcamp is a global network of accelerators that help startups grow and succeed. They connect businesses with leading partners, investors, and experienced mentors from around the world.
Realized and unrealized returns have a MOIC of 8.3. Each investment gives you access to a portfolio of startups with cutting-edge technologies and business models. 5000+ mentors, $1.7 million in average funding — this is Startupbootcamp.
The Dubai Smart City Accelerator by Startupbootcamp propels innovative startups in IoT, mobility, AI, blockchain, and sustainable urban solutions. By connecting startups with Dubai's leading corporates and government, they accelerate growth and contribute to the city's vision of becoming a global smart city leader. They offer a 3-month accelerator program that provides 10 select smart city companies with hands-on mentorship from over 100 industry experts.
Funding: Venture Capital
Startupbootcamp is a global network of accelerators that help startups grow and succeed. They connect businesses with leading partners, investors, and experienced mentors from around the world.
Realized and unrealized returns have a MOIC of 8.3. Each investment gives you access to a portfolio of startups with cutting-edge technologies and business models. 5000+ mentors, $1.7 million in average funding — this is Startupbootcamp.
The Dubai Smart City Accelerator by Startupbootcamp propels innovative startups in IoT, mobility, AI, blockchain, and sustainable urban solutions. By connecting startups with Dubai's leading corporates and government, they accelerate growth and contribute to the city's vision of becoming a global smart city leader. They offer a 3-month accelerator program that provides 10 select smart city companies with hands-on mentorship from over 100 industry experts.
INNOVEST Middle East
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Middle East only
Facebook, LinkedIn
INNOVEST Middle East is a leading investment firm dedicated to empowering exceptional Middle Eastern startups. They have a proven track record as entrepreneurs and investors, and provide strategic guidance and access to the market. INNOVEST seed funding of up to USD 250k accelerates growth across the UAE, KSA, Iraq, and Lebanon. With a massive investment portfolio of over $50 million, they're driving innovation in the space.
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: Middle East only
Facebook, LinkedIn
INNOVEST Middle East is a leading investment firm dedicated to empowering exceptional Middle Eastern startups. They have a proven track record as entrepreneurs and investors, and provide strategic guidance and access to the market. INNOVEST seed funding of up to USD 250k accelerates growth across the UAE, KSA, Iraq, and Lebanon. With a massive investment portfolio of over $50 million, they're driving innovation in the space.
hatch & boost
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital (early stage)
Specialization: Technologies
Facebook, LinkedIn
hatch & boost is an impact-driven startup that helps turn innovative ideas into scalable businesses. It focuses on technology-driven ventures with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. hatch & boost helps build startups from the ground up, working with entrepreneurs from all sectors. Their approach allows them to work with diverse businesses, providing them with the resources, expertise, and access to markets they need to grow and make a positive impact.
Funding: Venture Capital (early stage)
Specialization: Technologies
Facebook, LinkedIn
hatch & boost is an impact-driven startup that helps turn innovative ideas into scalable businesses. It focuses on technology-driven ventures with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. hatch & boost helps build startups from the ground up, working with entrepreneurs from all sectors. Their approach allows them to work with diverse businesses, providing them with the resources, expertise, and access to markets they need to grow and make a positive impact.
GrowthX Accelerator by Microsoft
Location: Abu Dhabi
Funding: Venture Capital, Seed
Specialization: B2B startups only
LinkedIn
GrowthX is the dedicated accelerator for B2B tech startups. They supports startups across 4 pillars:
The accelerator offers a specialized program for AI startups, providing mentorship, technical support, and funding opportunities.
Funding: Venture Capital, Seed
Specialization: B2B startups only
GrowthX is the dedicated accelerator for B2B tech startups. They supports startups across 4 pillars:
- Tech Enablement
- Corporate Readiness
- Financial Readiness
- Investor Readiness
The accelerator offers a specialized program for AI startups, providing mentorship, technical support, and funding opportunities.
SANDBOX by Oraseya Capital (link 2)
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
LinkedIn
SANDBOX is a groundbreaking startup accelerator program from Oraseya Capital that's designed for tech entrepreneurs in the pre-seed to seed stage. For 5 intense months, founders will have unparalleled access to venture capitalists, guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, and tons of hands-on help from some of the best mentors in the region.
The program is built around 9 main areas to cover everything: product development, investor relations, growth, scaling, financial analysis, legal support, commercial viability, marketing, and wellness. $150K investment from Oraseya Capital through a SAFE note agreement ($110K cash + $40K program fee).
Funding: Venture Capital
SANDBOX is a groundbreaking startup accelerator program from Oraseya Capital that's designed for tech entrepreneurs in the pre-seed to seed stage. For 5 intense months, founders will have unparalleled access to venture capitalists, guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, and tons of hands-on help from some of the best mentors in the region.
The program is built around 9 main areas to cover everything: product development, investor relations, growth, scaling, financial analysis, legal support, commercial viability, marketing, and wellness. $150K investment from Oraseya Capital through a SAFE note agreement ($110K cash + $40K program fee).
MBRIF Accelerator
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) is an initiative from the Ministry of Finance, started by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He's the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and the ruler of Dubai. The fund's goal is to support innovators and help them create a positive impact in the UAE's transition to a more knowledge-based economy. This will lead to prosperity and sustainability for the country.
The MBRIF Accelerator is a government program that helps exceptional innovators grow. They provide personalized support to help promising startups succeed. You don’t need to pay for this program. Suitable for startups in these sectors: Technology, Education, Clean Energy, Water, Transportation, Health, Space.
Funding: Venture Capital
Facebook, LinkedIn
The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) is an initiative from the Ministry of Finance, started by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He's the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and the ruler of Dubai. The fund's goal is to support innovators and help them create a positive impact in the UAE's transition to a more knowledge-based economy. This will lead to prosperity and sustainability for the country.
The MBRIF Accelerator is a government program that helps exceptional innovators grow. They provide personalized support to help promising startups succeed. You don’t need to pay for this program. Suitable for startups in these sectors: Technology, Education, Clean Energy, Water, Transportation, Health, Space.
Bedayat
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital, Angel Investment
Facebook, LinkedIn
Bedayat is a Dubai-based business incubator and accelerator for innovative startups that focus on social, environmental, and economic sustainability. They offer training sessions and chances to meet with business professionals, while also giving aspiring entrepreneurs access to resources to conduct research and test their products and services before launching them to the market.
Funding: Venture Capital, Angel Investment
Facebook, LinkedIn
Bedayat is a Dubai-based business incubator and accelerator for innovative startups that focus on social, environmental, and economic sustainability. They offer training sessions and chances to meet with business professionals, while also giving aspiring entrepreneurs access to resources to conduct research and test their products and services before launching them to the market.
Ztartup Accelerator
Location: Dubai
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: GCC and MENA only
Facebook, LinkedIn
Ztartup.com is the UAE's first private sector "Multi-Sector Tech Business Incubator". It focuses on technology, trade, services, films, music, art, and sports. Their programs are great for startups that want to operate in Dubai or the UAE, or that are looking to expand into the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) markets.
Funding: Venture Capital
Specialization: GCC and MENA only
Facebook, LinkedIn
Ztartup.com is the UAE's first private sector "Multi-Sector Tech Business Incubator". It focuses on technology, trade, services, films, music, art, and sports. Their programs are great for startups that want to operate in Dubai or the UAE, or that are looking to expand into the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) markets.
