funding guide
Small business funding options in the UAE
The UAE Government portal lists funding and support programmes at federal level and in several emirates, and several are aimed at UAE nationals. Here is what each one offers, from that page.
Funding programmes, federal and by emirate
| Khalifa Fund, Abu Dhabi | Enterprise funding for Emirati entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals; a membership for SMEs it does not fund, with benefits including waived government fees | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Founders HQ, Dubai | Support in the form of grants, debt and equity | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
| Ruwad, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation | Direct and indirect financing programmes | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
| National SME Programme, federal | Financing solutions through partners and financing institutions, for Emirati entrepreneurs and SME owners | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
| Emirates Development Bank, Operation 300bn | Will contribute to financing 13,500 SMEs | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
| Hub71, Abu Dhabi | Brings venture capital funds and investors to technology startups | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
The portal does not publish amounts, interest rates or repayment terms for these programmes. Read them on the programme's own site before you plan around a number.
Beyond these programmes, the portal names banks, venture capital funds and angel funds as other funding options.
Federal purchasing set aside for SMEs
| Score added to an SME bid in evaluation | An additional 10 per cent | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Share of federal procurement for SMEs each year | At least 10 per cent | UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesChecked 20 October 2026 |
To bid, an SME registers in the Federal Supplier Register. Selling to government is not a loan, but it can fund growth from revenue.
Support programmes without stated funding
- Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa): incubates start ups in Sharjah and offers services to develop their skills.
- RAK SME in Ras Al Khaimah: helps young UAE nationals turn their ideas into viable businesses.
- The Taziz Program in Ajman: aims to foster the growth of young entrepreneurs.
Programmes for UAE nationals
Several programmes on the portal name UAE nationals as the people they serve:
- Khalifa Fund: Emirati entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals.
- The National SME Programme: Emirati entrepreneurs and SME owners.
- The Reyada Program in Ajman: owners must be UAE citizens of at least 21 years, or permitted by the court to trade.
- The Fazaa Business Incubators Center: Emirati entrepreneurs and families.
The portal states no nationality condition for Dubai Founders HQ, Ruwad or Hub71. Check each programme's own terms.
What to prepare before you apply
- Work out how much you need: the setup cost, the first months of running costs and the team.
- Write a business plan with your own numbers, so a programme can see the costs, the income and the break even point.
- Pick the programme of your emirate and read its eligibility on its own site.
- Prepare your trade licence or the licence you plan to take, and your personal documents.
Funding is one way to start. Many founders begin smaller, with their own savings, and grow from revenue before they apply.
Work out your own numbers
Common questions
- Where can I get funding for a small business in the UAE?
- The UAE Government portal lists Khalifa Fund in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Founders HQ, Ruwad in Sharjah, the federal National SME Programme and Emirates Development Bank. Each has its own conditions.
- Is there government funding for non Emiratis?
- Khalifa Fund and the National SME Programme are described for Emirati entrepreneurs. The portal states no nationality condition for Dubai Founders HQ, Ruwad or Hub71, so check their own terms.
- How much funding can I get?
- The UAE Government portal does not publish amounts for these programmes. Each programme sets its own amounts and terms on its own site.
- What does Emirates Development Bank fund?
- Under Operation 300bn, the portal says Emirates Development Bank will contribute to financing 13,500 SMEs.
- What should I prepare before applying?
- A business plan with your own numbers, the setup cost and the first months of running costs, and your licence or planned licence.
Sources
Every figure in this article comes from these official pages, as of the date each page was checked. Fees and rules change, so check the source before you act.
- UAE Government portal: Small and medium enterprisesu.aeChecked 20 October 2026