MBRIF and Dubai Future District Fund partner to expand opportunities for UAE startups
Partnership will connect MBRIF-backed innovators with DFDF’s investment network while giving eligible DFDF portfolio companies access to MBRIF programmes
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance to support the UAE’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, announced a partnership with the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), aimed at expanding opportunities for high-growth-potential startups and strengthening connectivity across the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the partnership will operate through a two-way referral mechanism. MBRIF members will be screened for introductions to DFDF’s network of fund managers, giving eligible companies a potential route to institutional capital at their next stage of growth. In parallel, DFDF portfolio companies will be referred to MBRIF, where eligible, to access relevant programmes, support instruments and federal support channels. Introductions to DFDF or its fund manager network do not constitute an investment commitment by DFDF or any fund manager in its portfolio.
Introductions do not constitute an investment commitment by DFDF or by any fund manager in its portfolio.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the UAE’s startup and innovation ecosystem by improving access to the right networks, expertise and opportunities for high-potential businesses. It also aligns with the broader ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the We the UAE 2031 vision to advance competitiveness, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Commenting on the announcement, Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry’s representative at MBRIF said: “The UAE has built a strong foundation for innovation by bringing together government, industry, investors and entrepreneurs around a shared ambition for sustainable economic growth. This partnership reflects MBRIF’s role in strengthening those connections and supporting a more integrated national innovation ecosystem. Closer collaboration between federal and emirate-level institutions will help create an environment where innovative businesses can develop, scale and contribute to the UAE’s long-term economic priorities.”
Nader Albastaki, Managing Director of the Dubai Future District Fund, said: “Founders should not have to navigate federal and Dubai-level support separately. Through this partnership, MBRIF companies gain a route into our fund manager network and to investors who can back their next stage, and our portfolio gains access to MBRIF’s support instruments. Both sides get a shorter route to what they need.”
About the MBRIF:
The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) is a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance and is operated by Emirates Development Bank. Since its launch in 2016, the MBRIF has supported innovators through its first program, the Guarantee Scheme, which offers members access to affordable funding through a government-backed guarantee and without taking equity.
The MBRIF’s second program, the MBRIF Accelerator, was launched in December 2018. Aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy, the initiative aims to enhance growth potential of innovative businesses shaping the future of UAE’s economy. The MBRIF Accelerator offers world-class services and coaching to member companies to accelerate their business, elevate capabilities, unlock value and achieve scale.
Additionally, the MBRIF partners with the public and private sector to help facilitate growth, provide support, create opportunities and pave the way to success for its member companies in the UAE. For more information, please visit: https://www.mbrif.ae/
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About Dubai Future District Fund
The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) is Dubai’s venture capital fund of funds and investments platform. It invests in funds in early to growth stages, and along-side them into ventures across the key sectors in technology that align with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. Those technology sectors include PropTech, HealthTech, LogisticsTech, DeepTech, Circular Economy and Web3.
DFDF’s founding shareholders are Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Future Foundation. It is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, with offices in the DIFC.
