Hub71: Abu Dhabi Will Give Your Tech Startup AED 750,000 to Build There
And most founders outside the UAE have never heard of it.
If you’re building a tech startup and you’re anywhere between pre-seed and Series A, Hub71 Abu Dhabi Startup is worth 10 minutes of your time.
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s government-backed startup ecosystem – not a co-working space, not a networking club, but a structured 12-month programme that puts real capital into selected startups in exchange for equity. It has been running since 2019, and the numbers behind it are serious: startups in the programme have collectively raised over $2.7 billion.
What you actually get
The total Hub71 package is AED 750,000 per startup, structured in three parts:
- AED 250,000 in cash — delivered via a SAFE note, meaning Hub71 takes equity in your company. This is an investment, not a grant.
- AED 250,000 in services — office space, legal support, operational infrastructure. All in-kind.
- AED 250,000 top-up — available to high performers after one year, in exchange for additional equity.
Beyond the money: 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax on qualifying ADGM free zone income, access to 200+ partners across investors, corporates, and government entities, a Techstars-powered 3-month guided track, and a 10-year UAE Golden Visa pathway for founders.
Who is Hub71 Abu Dhabi Startup for?
Hub71 is specifically for tech startups in:
- AI / Machine Learning
- FinTech & Payments
- Climate & Clean Tech
- Web3 / Digital Assets
- Health Tech & Life Sciences
- B2B SaaS
It is explicitly not for trading, retail, food, or lifestyle businesses. And at least one founder must be willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi – that’s a hard requirement.
How competitive is it, really?
Very. Cohort 18 received 2,453 applications from 112 countries and accepted 27 startups — a 1.1% acceptance rate. Worth noting: 100% of Cohort 18 were international founders. Abu Dhabi is actively looking outside the UAE.
The current deadline and how to apply
Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort 20.
- Deadline: 2 August 2026
- Programme starts: February 2027
- Application review: June – November 2026 (expect feedback within 3 months of applying)
- If you miss the deadline: your application rolls to the next cohort — applications stay open
To apply, go to hub71.com/program and submit:
- A completed application form covering your problem, solution, value proposition, business model, market size, traction, and team
- Your pitch deck in PDF format — include your plans for Abu Dhabi specifically
- Confirmation that at least one founder will relocate
The selection process runs four rounds: initial review, meeting with Hub71 team, evaluation by Hub71 partners, and final committee decision.
Is it worth applying?
If your startup fits the sectors above and you’re serious about the UAE market — yes. The GCC represents 55+ million people, and Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as the region’s tech capital with significant government intent behind it. The SAFE note structure means you’re giving up equity, so treat this like any investor conversation: know your valuation story before you apply.
Thinking about relocating your startup or setting up a company in the UAE? Soho Zone helps founders navigate business setup, visas, banking, and everything in between — so you can focus on building. Book a free consultation.
