The UAE has launched a nationwide entrepreneurship initiative to strengthen its position as a leading global startup destination.
Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has announced AED500 million (USD 136 million) in new financing and business support as part of the national campaign, “The Emirates: Startup Capital of the World,” initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The bank’s latest offering includes tailored financial solutions and assistance for startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (mSMEs), reinforcing its commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.
The campaign is designed to accelerate entrepreneurship across all seven emirates by offering founders easier access to financing, digital onboarding services, mentorship networks, and accelerator programmes.
Through EDB 360, its integrated digital platform, entrepreneurs can open business accounts within minutes, apply for financing without traditional collateral requirements, and connect with partners who can help launch or scale their ventures.
Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, stated: “Founders do not need inspiration, they need access. This campaign is about removing bottlenecks. Whether it is opening a bank account, securing working capital or finding the right partner to enter the market, we are making the process faster, clearer and more inclusive. The UAE already has the ambition to be the Startup Capital of the World. Our role is to turn that ambition into activation—one entrepreneur, one business, one success story at a time.”
In the coming months, EDB will share more details on the AED500 million (USD 136 million) in financing programmes available through credit guarantees, co-lending initiatives, and receivables-based funding in partnership with fintech providers.
The campaign will also feature non-financial empowerment programmes supporting 500 entrepreneurs, providing access to accelerator opportunities and collaborations with national initiatives such as AgriX, MIITE, and MBRIF, ensuring continued growth and innovation within the UAE’s startup ecosystem.
