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When Cities Go Full Startup.. Dubai Edition
Labs, visas, capital and zero taxes. If a city could raise a Series A...
Sebastian Vidal
December 03, 2025
When I notice a startup location mentioned a few times in my network within a week, it's a good time to talk about it.
A month ago, I met an old friend and one of the founders of Deepbio, a foodtech startup that is doing incredible things in global nutrition innovation. They share their latest move into Dubai and how open and helpful the organizations were in attracting startups.
Weeks later, I read this: Nik Storonsky, co‑founder of Revolut and one of Europe’s most high‑profile fintech entrepreneurs, has officially moved his tax residency from London to the UAE. Wait, what?
That’s not just a wealthy guy changing zip codes, it’s a signal. Top founders are voting with their feet. And where they land matters.
Enter Dubai, a city that, if it were a startup, would already be in that elite “hockey‑stick growth” club. In a few decades, it went from desert sand to a global startup skyline. From MVP to unicorn.
That shift isn’t built on “sand”. Dubai is stacking incentives, infrastructure, and ambition, especially for founders building real tech (not just another consumer app).
Dubai has moved fast. Really fast. Suddenly, it’s not just a place tourists visit. The ecosystem is valued at over USD 21B, with 90+ accelerators (a little too many, IMHO) and nine exits of over USD 1 B. Not too bad at all
Reasons Why is Becoming a Startup Magnet
Many countries or regions require a local partner to access their juicy benefits, but the emirate lets foreign founders own 100% of their company. No local partner needed.
There are 40+ free zones, giving options on taxes, licensing, residency, and a more straightforward business setup.
Visa‑friendly policies, easy global connectivity, and tax benefits are elements of a real international hub for founders + investors.
Deep Tech Just Got Real: Dubai’s RDI Grants Program
If your startup deals with big ideas, think quantum, biotech, advanced materials, smart‑city infrastructure, clean energy, Dubai just changed the game.
The Dubai RDI Grant Initiative backs projects with non‑dilutive capital (no equity asked).
Grants range from AED 500,000 to 1.5 million (~ USD 135K–410K) per project. Enough to move from prototype to real‑world test.
Focus areas include smart cities, life sciences, robotics, AI, and materials, with a lab, market, and cash stack in one location.
If you build “hard tech,” Dubai just turned from a curiosity to a serious option.
Built‑in Startup Infrastructure & Perks
What Dubai Offers | Why It Matters to Founders & Investors |
|---|---|
100 % foreign ownership + over 40 free zones | Full control over your company from day one |
Business‑friendly legal & tax framework | Lower overhead: More runway for growth |
RDI grants + non‑dilutive funding | Fund development without diluting equity |
Access to Middle East, Africa & Asia markets | Gateway to high-growth, under‑penetrated regions |
Labs, regulatory sandboxes & “smart city” infrastructure | Ideal for deep‑tech, climate‑tech, mobility, biotech, etc. |
What Founders Should Do Today
Check whether your project meets the RDI grant criteria: deep tech, hardware, or domain‑intensive.
Build a lean pitch: lab + proof‑of-concept + roadmap. Grants favor concrete, high‑impact, scalable ideas.
Think regional: Dubai gives access to MENA, Africa, and Asia. Great to globalize.
Use incentives as leverage: non‑dilutive capital + low tax = stronger negotiation power.
This was just our first Dubai newsletter. Soon, we'll be diving into the top accelerators, spotlighting investors, showcasing startups, and introducing you to the key players who could be your ticket to the future. Stay tuned!
Sebastián Vidal
Founder · Off the Radar