The Dubai Future District Fund is the evergreen venture capital fund of funds of Dubai, anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) with an initial Dhs 1 billion in committed capital.
The fund aims to deploy half of its investments into venture capital funds with a local focus and the other half into startups directly or through Future District affiliated programs. The mandate of the fund is to boost startup and venture capital investing and business activity in Dubai and the region, providing a healthy return to investors while facilitating diversified GDP growth and job creation for the next generation of industries and skills.
Our goal is to make Dubai a leading global startup capital
At the second Dubai Council session, we launched the Dubai Future District, a new space dedicated to the development of the future economy, as well as an AED 1 billion fund to support new economy companies who can power Dubai’s future growth.
In January 2020, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum set the stage for the Dubai Future Fund by launching an AED 1 billion seed to growth venture fund in Dubai, to fund future of finance and future economies startups.
Local commitment and global ambitions are shaping the next chapter of Dubai and the region, and filling a crucial gap in Dubai’s ecosystem for supporting innovative startups and emerging technology companies.
The fund is mandated to support future economy companies who will operate out of the Dubai Future District, and who have the potential and foresight to drive Dubai’s economy and contribute to enhancing the emirate’s position as a preferred destination for global talent and entrepreneurship, through many initiatives and projects aimed at turning Dubai into a nexus for business and an integrated investment environment that offers exceptional facilities.
Initial Commitment: AED 1,000,000,000
“Our economy is the second biggest in the Arab world, and our country is ranked the first regionally in attracting foreign investment and facilitating business. We are leading regionally in more than 437 global indicators, and our sovereign credit rating is the highest in the region.”
– H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai
The Dubai Future District Fund’s ecosystem
Realise your true potential with Dubai Future District (DFD). A thriving startup and growth hub. A haven for venture capitalists and investors. A pool of budding entrepreneurial talent and boundless opportunities.
Three dynamic hubs buzzing with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and emerging technology solutions – our hyper-connected infrastructure comprises the largest all-in-one innovation centre in the Middle East.
By connecting Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Emirates Towers, and the Dubai World Trade Centre, DFD includes and leverages some of the world’s most technologically advanced co-working spaces, testing and experiment labs, regulatory environment, and events capabilities to produce the most modern innovation hub around.
Why the city of the future and why now?
From its ever growing tech sector, to its future-centric space program, Dubai continues to inspire and attract like-minded individuals who aspire to bring positive change to the global markets
Dubai offers a world-class infrastructure providing easy access to key international markets. With its best-in-class logistics infrastructure, Dubai is the world’s third largest re-export hub and has the world’s fourth busiest international airport. Dubai is the regional leader in ICT and telecoms, and often considered the region’s top tech hub for startups and venture capital firms.
As a highly dynamic destination that has demonstrated its ability to react quickly to market demand, Dubai is uniquely positioned to adapt and develop its legacy as a city for the global community. Forward-facing yet with strong connections to its heritage, Dubai is an eclectic host city for events that leave lasting legacies.