Funding directory
Public funding and support, in one place.
Government funds, development banks, SME programmes and accelerators, each linked to an official source. Funding is optional: many good businesses stay customer-funded.
Government fund · GCC/UAE · Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
Several financing programmes (e.g. working capital, small and revolving loans), capability building and market access. Applications via the TAMM platform.
Who: Eligible Emirati entrepreneurs and Abu Dhabi-based SMEs.
Government SME programme · GCC/UAE · Dubai
Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (Dubai SME)
Training, trade licences, funding and investment support, promotion and government procurement programmes; Dubai Next crowdfunding platform.
Who: SMEs and entrepreneurs in Dubai.
Development bank · GCC/UAE · Federal
Emirates Development Bank (EDB)
SME financing including working capital, expansion and asset-backed finance, plus credit guarantees through partner banks and advisory services.
Who: SMEs, with priority sectors including advanced technology, healthcare, manufacturing, renewables and food security.
Government fund · GCC/UAE · Federal
Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund
Listed by the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism as an entrepreneurship support entity. See the official listing for services.
Who: Check eligibility directly with the entity.
Government SME programme · GCC/UAE · Sharjah
Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD)
Listed by the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism as an entrepreneurship support entity. See the official listing for services.
Who: Check eligibility directly with the entity.
Government SME programme · GCC/UAE · Ras Al Khaimah
Saud Bin Saqr Establishment for Youth Enterprise Development
Listed by the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism as an entrepreneurship support entity. See the official listing for services.
Who: Check eligibility directly with the entity.
Accelerator · GCC/UAE · Sharjah
Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa)
Listed by the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism as an entrepreneurship support entity. See the official listing for services.
Who: Check eligibility directly with the entity.
Accelerator · GCC/UAE · Abu Dhabi
Hub71 Access Programme
Abu Dhabi tech ecosystem programme for startups; see our Opportunities listing for cohort details.
Who: Tech startups meeting Hub71 criteria.
Accelerator · Global
Y Combinator
Global accelerator; see Opportunities for the current batch deadline.
Who: Early-stage startups worldwide.
Grant · Global
Emergent Ventures
Grants and fellowships for ambitious individual projects; see Opportunities.
Who: Individuals with ambitious projects.
Accelerator · GCC/UAE · Dubai
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec)
Startup hub at Dubai Silicon Oasis offering co-working space, incubation and funding support.
Who: Tech startups setting up or growing in Dubai.
Government SME programme · GCC/UAE · Sharjah
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park)
Programmes, partnerships and facilities for research-led and technology businesses.
Who: Technology and innovation businesses considering Sharjah.
Government SME programme · GCC/UAE · Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Government investment office with support programmes structured around each project (including its Innovation Programme), plus setup guidance and aftercare.
Who: Companies investing in or relocating to Abu Dhabi, especially in priority sectors.
Grant · GCC/UAE · UAE (federal)
Sandooq Al Watan
Non-profit under Erth Zayed Philanthropies that funds and supports initiatives, including ones that develop innovation and entrepreneurship.
Who: Check each initiative on the official site for eligibility; many target UAE nationals.
Accelerator · GCC/UAE · Abu Dhabi
Plug and Play Abu Dhabi
Innovation platform at ADGM Square connecting startups with corporate and government partners; focus areas include enterprise and AI, fintech, health and logistics.
Who: Startups with products ready for corporate pilots.
Accelerator · GCC/UAE · Regional (MEA)
Flat6Labs
Seed and early-stage programmes for startups across the Middle East and Africa.
Who: Early-stage founders in the region; see each programme for terms.
Accelerator · Global · Global (includes UAE)
Antler
Invests at pre-seed, before founders have a product, co-founder or customers.
Who: Individuals and very early founders, including those still looking for a co-founder.
Accelerator · Global · Global
Techstars Accelerators
Accelerator programmes offering mentorship, a global network and capital.
Who: Early-stage startups; programmes vary by city and sector.
Accelerator · Global · Global
500 Global founder programmes
Venture capital firm (formerly 500 Startups) running bootcamps, scale-up and accelerator programmes.
Who: Founders building fast-growing technology companies.
Accelerator · Global · Global (emerging markets)
Seedstars
Entrepreneurship capacity building, programme management and impact investment across emerging markets.
Who: Tech-enabled startups in emerging markets.
Checked 12 October 2026. Listing is not a partnership or endorsement. Eligibility and terms are set by each body; check the official source. Startup Roof does not give investment advice, arrange finance or handle money. Funding is never guaranteed.