Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Backs 485 Startups in First Half of 2026

Startup Support and Growth

The report was published on Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 05:59 AM.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy said it supported 485 digital startups during the first half of 2026, with international companies accounting for 51 per cent of the total, according to its vice president, Saeed Al Gergawi.

He added that artificial intelligence companies made up 23 per cent of the startups assisted and that the overall figure grew 57.5 per cent year-on-year.

Engagement with Chinese Tech Firms

Speaking at a panel session of the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, China, Al Gergawi stated that Dubai is encouraging Chinese technology companies to use the emirate as a base to expand into regional and international markets.

Al Gergawi said Dubai could help these firms reach new customers, build regional partnerships, attract investment and extend operations beyond their home market.

He also urged Chinese companies and entrepreneurs to take part in the ‘Create AI Agents Championship’, which aims to develop and test AI‑agent solutions for priority challenges and to explore their potential as scalable products and businesses.

Dubai is encouraging Chinese technology companies to use the emirate to scale established solutions and enter new markets, with opportunities spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, smart hardware, cloud services, industrial automation, e‑commerce and financial technology.

Resources and Partnerships

The chamber assists digital businesses at every stage of growth, from setting up in Dubai to linking with investors, customers and potential strategic partners.

Al Gergawi noted that access to customers, investment and distribution networks is as vital to a startup’s success as its technology, adding that a major customer or strategic investor can shift a company’s growth trajectory.

Dubai Chambers’ Business in Dubai platform connects firms seeking to establish or expand operations in the emirate with relevant services and business partners.

The chamber has also partnered with Canva to provide eligible small and medium‑sized enterprises with a free one‑year Canva Business subscription, granting them access to AI‑powered design and visual communication tools.

Al Gergawi pointed out that Dubai’s access to investors, talent, infrastructure and international markets, together with its network of free zones, accelerators, universities and technology companies, offers several routes for expansion.

Initiatives such as Dubai Founders HQ are part of the emirate’s wider support system for entrepreneurs and startups.