Organization · Government VC
Dubai SME
Dubai SME, officially the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, supports small and medium enterprises in Dubai, focusing on Emirati entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Overview
What Dubai SME does
What Dubai SME is
Dubai SME, officially the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, supports small and medium enterprises in Dubai, focusing on Emirati entrepreneurship and economic growth.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Government VC
- Founded
- Founded in 2002
- Approximate age
- About 24 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
Official channels
Find Dubai SME elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Dubai SME as a funder
Investment thesis
Dubai SME aims to build a sustainable Emirati SME ecosystem that supports founders from idea to launch, local market traction, and global scale, prioritizing UAE national talent and entrepreneurship training.
Focus narrative
Dubai SME offers a range of services aimed at supporting startups and SMEs, including funding options, business setup assistance, and entrepreneurial training. The organization emphasizes its commitment to Emirati entrepreneurs, providing tailored support through programs like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SMEs and the Antler Residency Programme.
Value beyond capital
Dubai SME adds value to its portfolio companies by providing access to funding, business setup support, and market exposure. It facilitates connections to procurement opportunities and offers incubation services to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $272,000–$81,600
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Growth Equity
- Regions
- Asia · Global
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 6
Portfolio context
Digital Insights: A cyber-security and digital forensics firm established with support from Dubai SME. Hayat Institute: A medical training and consulting institute that received seed finance from The Fund. Sky River Systems: A company developing fog-to-water devices, supported through Intelaq licensing. Packman: An e-commerce service platform for entrepreneurs, aided by Dubai SME's trade licensing and guidance. Innovation Floor: A software and robotics company supported through the Hamdan Innovation Incubator. Al Musanada Drones: A drone training and retail business that began through a virtual office at Hamdan Innovation Incubator.
Common questions
What to know about Dubai SME
Upseed classifies Dubai SME under the Government VC organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.