UAE government
funding programs.
Every major federal and emirate-level program. Eligibility, amounts, timelines — the details setup consultants don't share.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund
Federal interest-free loans up to AED 2M for innovation-stage startups, plus a non-equity accelerator with mentorship and partner access.
UAE R&D Tax Credit
New for January 2026: a 30–50% refundable tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure. The closest UAE equivalent to Canada's SR&ED program.
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
Interest-free loans up to AED 1M for Emirati entrepreneurs across multiple sectors. Sub-programs include Bedaya, Tasnea, Zeyada, and Ibtikari.
Dubai SME — The Fund
Up to AED 1M interest-free with 7-year repayment and grace period of 1–24 months. For 100% Emirati-owned Dubai businesses.
Abu Dhabi Investment Office — Innovation Programme
Custom-negotiated innovation grants for businesses establishing or expanding operations in Abu Dhabi. Amounts vary by deal — typically AED 500K to AED 50M+.
Hub71 Incentive Program
Incentive package worth AED 250K–500K including housing, office space, and health insurance for tech founders building from Abu Dhabi.
Sheraa Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center
Sharjah's flagship startup hub. Programs include S3 Incubator, Access Sharjah Challenge, and the Sheraa Founders Office for early-stage builders.
DIFC FinTech Hive
The largest FinTech accelerator in MEASA. Connects FinTech, RegTech, and InsurTech startups with banks, regulators, and the AED 367M DIFC FinTech Fund.