How to Start a Small Business in Dubai: 2026 Guide & Entrepreneur Programs
- Amir
- Aug 29, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Thinking about how to start a small business in Dubai or UAE in 2026? You’re not alone — the UAE continues to attract ambitious entrepreneurs from around the world with its tax-free incentives, innovation-driven economy, and government-backed programs.
Whether you’re a local founder or an international entrepreneur looking to expand into the region, this guide will walk you through top opportunities, competitions, and resources that can help you, highlighting requirements and deadlines to apply.
🏁 Step 1: Learn the Basics on How to Start a Small Business in Dubai
Starting a small business in Dubai in 2026 involves several key steps including conducting market research, identifying viable business opportunities and understanding local consumer behaviour.
Next, choose a suitable business structure, such as a sole proprietorship or LLC, and secure the necessary licenses and permits from the Department of Economic Development or relevant Free Zone authority.
It's also essential to develop a business plan that outlines your objectives, target market, and financial projections, while leveraging the UAE's strategic location and diverse economy to maximize your business potential.
For full setup steps, check our comprehensive step-by-step guide 👉 Starting a BIZ — The Ultimate Guide for Newbies
🚀 Step 2: Explore Startup Programs & Competitions
Innovate for Tomorrow
Dubai Holding’s 'Innovate for Tomorrow' is a global innovation challenge that enhances businesses' sustainability. It aims at addressing challenges related to sustainability, with a particular emphasis on fostering responsible consumption and production practices in alignment with the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals.
The applicant to the sustainability competition is required to be registered as a company, non-profit organization, or social enterprise.
The applicant’s company must have the operational capability to execute a pilot program with Dubai Holding in the UAE.
The applicant’s company should strongly promote diversity and inclusion.
The applicant should represent a scale-up company with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready to enter the market or a scale-up.
The program is launched in collaboration with in5, a Dubai-based startup incubator. To apply 👉 submit an online application form here.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize
For entrepreneurs anywhere around the globe, this is a great opportunity. Since 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has been empowering global change makers, recognizing their innovative sustainability solutions and amplifying their transformative impact.
The total prize fund is US$5.9 million, distributed as follows:
Health US $1,000,000
Food US $1,000,000
Energy US $1,000,000
Water US $1,000,000
Climate Action US $1,000,000
Global High Schools US $900,000
2025 submissions closed in October. Be sure to keep an eye for the 2026 cycle👇
Step Dubai 2026
Local and global startups can participate at Step Startup Basecamp across 6 tracks to showcase their products and services. Showcasing startups have a chance to meet with regional investors and VCs, gather leads, and network with potential clients and partners.
Application for February 2026 is open. Participate to showcase your business, network, pitch to investors, and learn from others. You can fill up the form and apply for the 2026 flagship Pitch Competition below👇
PITCH 2026 – Dubai’s Global Startup & Investor Expo
To be help on 23-24 April 2026 in Expo City, Dubai, this is a global startup and SME event not to be missed. From startups to B2B platforms to global enterprises — PITCH presents businesses with connectivity. Whether you're looking to raise capital, acquire customers, expand internationally, or boost brand visibility, this event is your gateway to potential partnerships under Dubai’s D33 Agenda.
There is also an opportunity to register and exhibit your Startup for FREE!
For more on the event and to apply👇
Expand North Star
Expand North Star is a landmark event in the tech world. The fusion of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star offers a platform for showcasing innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and shaping the future of technology.
Entrepreneurs can benefit by showcasing their innovations, meeting potential investors, and networking with leaders and fellow entrepreneurs from around the world. This year Expand North Star is providing a $100,000 prize money for the competition winner.
This year cycle is on-going. Expect 2026 to be as exciting, as grandiose! Submit your application & be sure to provide comprehensive details about your venture, including your sector, funding history, and what sets you apart from the competition.
Make it in the Emirates Pitch Competition
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology invites participants to a sustainability focused startup competition, for startups committed to reducing carbon footprint.
The event brings together decision-makers, government and private sector officials, experts, entrepreneurs, financing entities, investors, startups, and SMEs – with the primary goal of showcasing investment opportunities locally. For more information on competition 👇
Green Incubator Challenge
The Green Incubator Challenge is open to entrepreneurs, startups and industry professionals worldwide. Applicants should have an innovative idea, product, or solution that aligns with the challenge’s sustainability goals and can be implemented at an event.
Submissions is assessed using a balanced scorecard, considering factors such as impact, feasibility of implementation, and level of innovation. Further evaluation will take place during the qualification process.
Aljalila Foundation
For entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, this is a great opportunity. Al Jalila Foundation is a global healthcare philanthropic organization dedicated to transforming lives, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.
Al Jalila Foundation provides scholarships to nurture a home-grown generation of medical professionals and supports research that addresses health challenges prevalent in the region. For more information on seed grants 👇
EWA Accelerator
The EWA Accelerator is a hub looking to promote innovation in tech-driven startups. With a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs, the EWA Accelerator aligns with the Ministry of Economy of the UAE aim to equip participants with essential skills in data room readiness, fundraising and building robust investment networks.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:
Include at least one female founder and showcase a tech-driven startup in areas including AI, Sustainability, or Blockchain.
Possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Have plans to raise capital within the next 6 to 9 months.
Show thoughtful preparation of initial investment documents.
For more information and to apply 👉 APPLY here
In Abu Dhabi: The Authority of Social Contribution
For entrepreneurs located in Abu Dhabi, this is a great opportunity. Ma'an empowers third sector of nonprofits, social enterprises, and volunteer groups through extensive, sustainable and innovative funding programs, aimed at addressing social priorities in Abu Dhabi.
For entrepreneurs who wish to focus on social impact and inclusion, and to build a potential partnership, learn more 👇
AIM Congress 2026
In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, startAD supports Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s goals of becoming a knowledge-based economy by equipping startups, SMEs, and young talent with the necessary tools to build innovative new products that serve a global need, collaborate across organizations, and develop entrepreneurial capacity.
StartAD programs equip global and regional startups from tech and non-tech industries with the tools, skills and frameworks to excel in the unique opportunity that the UAE market presents, including impact-driven programs with government departments and corporate leaders to help further UAE’s transition into a knowledge-based economy.
For more information and to apply to the program 👇
🧩 Step 3: Leverage Free Entrepreneur Resources
The UAE continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the world’s top destinations for entrepreneurs — with record-high startup investments, government incentives, and an innovation-friendly ecosystem.
Whether you’re building a tech startup, a sustainable venture, or a creative business, now is the time to take action. If you are just starting, be sure to grab the Free Startup Kit to kickstart your journey!
Join us for the upcoming Founder Round Table & Speed Networking event. This webinar focuses on improving your basic knowledge as an entrepreneur, with a focus on investor readiness. Join us to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and gain valuable insights.
urBIZassist believes in the power of "know-how" to transform lives and positively impact the world around us.
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