The UAE has become the main startup hub in the Middle East, with government-backed programs in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many of them help with company setup, visas and office space, and some include cash incentives for relocating.
Programs here are often tied to a free zone or a government initiative, so check the setup requirements as well as the investment terms before you apply.
| Program | Funding | Equity | Next deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antler | $500K to $1M initial commitment in the US; varies by location | Varies by location | Rolling admissions |
| Antler MENAP | $180,000 for 11% (SAFE), up to $320,000 follow-on | 11% | Rolling admissions |
| Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec) | None; desk packages from AED 18,000/year (about $4,900) | None | Rolling admissions |
| in5 | No direct investment; subsidised licence and workspace | No equity | Rolling admissions |
| Hub71 Access Programme | AED 250K cash + AED 250K flexible incentives | Equity via SAFE note for the AED 250K cash (percentage not published) | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Flat6Labs | $65,000 to $120,000 (varies by country program) | Minority stake, set per program | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Dubai Future Accelerators | No cash investment; travel and accommodation covered | 0% equity | Next deadline not announced yet |
30 locations including New York, San Francisco, Austin, London, Singapore, Sydney
Day-zero investor that helps founders find co-founders and build from scratch in 25+ cities. In the US it commits $500K to $1M; terms vary by location.
Alumni include Airalo.
Antler: terms, deadline and how to apply
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Antler's 10-week MENAP residency, in Dubai each spring and Riyadh each fall. Invests $180,000 for 11% via SAFE, with up to $320,000 follow-on.
Alumni include TruBuild, Gainz, Ruya AI, Pemo.
Antler MENAP: terms, deadline and how to apply
Dubai, UAE
Startup campus and free zone setup hub in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Flexi desk with company setup and 2 visas from AED 18,000 a year. Not an investor.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
TECOM Group's Dubai incubator, founded in 2013, with tech, media, design and science centres. Takes no equity. Startups pay subsidised licence and desk fees.
Alumni include Ziina, Grubtech, Eyewa, Derq.
in5: terms, deadline and how to apply
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi's tech ecosystem program for startups relocating to the UAE. AED 250K in cash plus AED 250K in incentives for housing, office space and services.
Cairo, Egypt
Seed-stage accelerator founded in Cairo in 2011. Invests $65,000 to $120,000 for minority equity, depending on the country program, across MENA and Africa.
Alumni include Instabug, MoneyFellows, Elmenus.
Flat6Labs: terms, deadline and how to apply
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Future Foundation program, since 2016, that pairs startups with Dubai government bodies on set challenges. 0% equity; flights and accommodation covered.
Get your pitch deck scored with our free AI Pitch Review, and track every deadline in one place from your SaaSOffers dashboard. Once you are accepted, claim the free startup credits most programs qualify you for.
The programs founders apply to most in Dubai and the UAE are Antler, Antler MENAP, Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), in5, Hub71 Access Programme. Each one differs in funding, equity and format, so compare them in the table above before applying.
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), in5, Dubai Future Accelerators take no equity, based on each program's published terms.
None of these programs has an open fixed deadline right now. Several accept applications on a rolling basis, and the others usually announce their next dates a few months before each cohort.
Antler offers the largest investment on this list: $500K to $1M initial commitment in the US; varies by location, for Varies by location.