Last week, Arabian Business announced the shortlist for their second annual Startup awards, honoring entrepreneurs, SMEs, start ups and accelerators in the United Arab Emirates.
Editor of Arabian Business StartUp magazine, Neil King, said: “It was an almost impossible task to limit each category to a shortlist of five. In fact, we had to extend two of the categories to six people, such was the strength of the competition."
For entrepreneurial-minded folks out there, we pulled the best accelerators and incubators from the list. Check them out below.
What: This brand new incubator just set up shop, aiming to "let youths articulate their concept, incubate, launch and grow as a business." Located in the Business Village in Deira, Dubai, their program includes an idea lab, an incubator and a seed fund.
What: After launching virtual operations in 2012, Impact Hub's Middle East branch officially kicked off in early 2014 in Dubai, located near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. This is the first Impact Hub in the Middle East, after bids in Cairo and Istanbul failed to get off the ground. With over 200 people signed up to use the space, the Dubai hub claims to be connecting an online community of 6,000 - 7,000 people via social media and mailing lists. They offer a campus, a pre-incubator and a global network of support.
What: Although this space does not offer funding, they work to help get early-stage start ups on their feet by offering low-cost offices as well as a network of other like-minded companies in Dubai. Located in Dubai Internet City, it is the only incubation center that accepts foreigners. In5 went on to win the whole category, so they are definitely worth checking out.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Founders (DSOA)
What: With up to $80,000 in funding, this accelerator has a lot to offer interested start ups. They have a strong mentorship program, offering help with pitches, as well as legal, marketing and accounting support.
What: Founded by DP World, this early stage accelerator program recently selected 10 start ups to take part in round three of its program. They accept applicants from all over the world for the 120-day program. It is in its second year.