Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, established in 2019 to attract, support, and scale technology startups in the emirate. Located on Al Maryah Island alongside ADGM, Hub71 is backed by Mubadala Investment Company and supported by a consortium of Abu Dhabi government entities, corporations, and venture capital firms.
Structure
Hub71 operates as a startup ecosystem rather than a traditional incubator or accelerator. It provides a combination of subsidised housing and office space, access to venture capital, regulatory support through ADGM, corporate partnership opportunities, and a community of entrepreneurs and mentors. The ecosystem model is designed to create the critical mass of technology companies, investors, and talent that characterises successful startup hubs globally.
Incentive Packages
Hub71 offers tiered incentive packages for qualifying startups. These packages can include subsidised office space, housing allowances, health insurance, and ADGM licensing fee waivers for periods of up to three years. The subsidies reduce the cost of establishing and operating a technology business in Abu Dhabi, addressing one of the key barriers to startup formation in high-cost Gulf markets.
Funding Access
A defining feature of Hub71 is its connection to Abu Dhabi’s deep capital pools. Startups in the ecosystem have access to funding through Hub71’s own programmes, Mubadala’s venture capital activities, and a network of venture capital firms and corporate venture arms that have established a presence in or partnership with the ecosystem. Hub71 has facilitated significant venture capital deployments into Abu Dhabi-based startups.
Sector Focus
Hub71 supports startups across a range of technology verticals including fintech, healthtech, climate tech, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and deep technology. The ecosystem has attracted companies from across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and further afield.
Scale
Since its launch, Hub71 has grown to host hundreds of startups from dozens of countries. The ecosystem has expanded its physical footprint, partnerships, and programme offerings significantly from its initial configuration.
Role in Vision 2030
Hub71 supports the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030’s objectives of building a knowledge-based economy and fostering innovation-driven private sector growth. The ecosystem creates an environment where technology entrepreneurship can develop at scale in Abu Dhabi, addressing the vision’s call for a dynamic private sector that generates high-value employment and reduces dependence on hydrocarbon revenues.