Khalifa Fund, led by Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, has launched a programme to support Emirati startups in Al Ain. Consequently, Emirati startups gain access to mentorship, resources, and global markets, fostering sustainable growth.
The initiative, created in partnership with Hub71, was announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025. Furthermore, it aligns with the Falcon Economy vision, which emphasizes economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation.
Through the MZN Hub71 Programme, Khalifa Fund and Hub71 aim to decentralize Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem while nurturing local talent. As a result, Emirati startups in the eastern region will receive targeted support for early-stage ventures.
The MZN Hub facility in Al Ain will host the programme. Each cohort supports 10 to 15 Emirati startups. Founders will participate in an intensive three-month journey to develop minimum viable products (MVPs). By combining Khalifa Fund’s national enterprise experience with Hub71’s expertise in scaling tech companies, startups gain comprehensive guidance.
Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri stated, “We are committed to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance the capabilities of 15 Emirati startups in Al Ain.”
The programme includes three stages. First, the Academy Stage builds core business skills through workshops on financial modelling, pricing, and market strategy. Next, the Validation Stage helps founders understand customers and engage with corporate partners. Finally, the Prototyping Stage strengthens products, supports UAE legal incorporation, and refines growth strategies for market entry.
The programme concludes with Demo Day, where startups present solutions to investors, government officials, and private-sector leaders. Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, explained that this initiative creates new pathways for Emiratis to turn ideas into ventures. Moreover, it strengthens Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Applications for the first cohort are currently open. The programme will start in early 2026, offering mentorship, resources, and market access to promising Emirati startups. Therefore, this initiative aims to boost innovation and growth across the UAE.
