Dubai Internet City's Commitment to Start-ups: More Specialized Incubators

20 Oct, 2023

Dubai Internet City's Commitment to Start-ups: More Specialized Incubators

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is exploring the development of additional specialized incubators as part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing the growing start-up community in the emirate. Ammar Al Malik, a top executive at DIC, has revealed that these potential additions will expand the offerings of DIC's in5 incubator program, providing valuable market access opportunities for emerging companies.

DIC, which operates under the Tecom Group, the organization overseeing various business districts in Dubai, currently hosts four innovation centers as part of its in5 incubator program. These incubators are strategically located in corresponding districts across Dubai, namely in5 Tech at DIC, in5 Media at Dubai Production City, in5 Design at Dubai Design District, and in5 Science at Dubai Science Park.

The most recent addition, in5 Science, was introduced in June and is dedicated to life, energy, and environmental sciences, aligning with Dubai's sustainability efforts ahead of the Cop28 climate

change conference scheduled to be hosted by the emirate in the coming month.

DIC is actively considering the expansion of its incubator program to include specialized incubators focusing on areas such as e-commerce, the metaverse, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, Mr. Al Malik disclosed during the Gitex Global technology conference in Dubai.

Many of the companies associated with DIC already prioritize sustainability in their business plans, pursuing relevant certifications and engaging in activities that contribute to sustainability. DIC also collaborates with numerous start-ups attracted to the field of sustainability.

The in5 platform currently supports more than 850 start-ups and has successfully raised over AED 3 billion ($817 million) in funding since its launch in 2013, according to DIC data. Ammar Al Malik emphasized the organization's dedication to growing and supporting start-ups, with the overarching goal of solidifying Dubai as a leading hub for both large corporations and a thriving ecosystem for start-ups.

At the Gitex event, DIC formalized a partnership agreement with German Entrepreneurship, which is expected to bolster DIC's capabilities in enhancing the start-up and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE and beyond. The agreement facilitates the entry of German start-ups into the UAE and the broader Middle East, offering them the opportunity to establish their bases at DIC.

DIC is committed to attracting major companies from both the global and regional landscapes to establish a presence in Dubai.

Start-ups have become instrumental in advancing the UAE's digital economy, supporting the government's aim to double the country's gross domestic product by 2031. The Ministry of Economy unveiled the Entrepreneurial Nation program last year, which seeks to nurture more than 8,000 SMEs and start-ups by 2030. The UAE also aspires to become home to 20 unicorns, i.e

DIC is committed to attracting major companies from both the global and regional landscapes to establish a presence in Dubai.

Ammar Al Malik emphasized that DIC continually adapts to embrace emerging technologies and attract diverse innovations in various sectors.

In summary, Dubai Internet City remains committed to fostering the growth of the start-up community through specialized incubators, further solidifying Dubai's position as a global hub for businesses and entrepreneurship. The organization's collaborations and initiatives reflect its dedication to driving the digital economy and supporting the advancement of the UAE's entrepreneurial landscape.