UAE Startups Gain Access to Institutional Investors
UAE startups will gain greater access to institutional investors, government support programs, and growth resources through a new partnership between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) and Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF).
Under the partnership, eligible startups backed by MBRIF can be introduced to DFDF’s network of fund managers, providing a potential route to institutional capital as they scale. The introductions do not represent an investment commitment from DFDF or its fund managers.
In the other direction, eligible companies in DFDF’s portfolio can be referred to MBRIF to access its programs, support instruments, and federal support channels.
What the UAE startup partnership does
The two-way referral system is designed to make it easier for startups to move between federal and Dubai-level support networks and connect with relevant investors, expertise, and resources.
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MBRIF, an initiative launched by the UAE Ministry of Finance, supports companies operating within the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. DFDF focuses on supporting technology startups and investment in Dubai.
“Founders should not have to navigate federal and Dubai-level support separately,” said Nader Albastaki, Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund. “Through this partnership, MBRIF companies gain a route into our fund manager network and to investors who can back their next stage, and our portfolio gains access to MBRIF’s support instruments. Both sides get a shorter route to what they need.”
The partnership also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and We the UAE 2031, which include strengthening innovation, economic competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
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