The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance to support the UAE's innovation ecosystem, announced on 24 September 2026 a strategic partnership with the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF). The collaboration is designed to expand opportunities for high-growth-potential startups and strengthen connectivity across the UAE's innovation landscape. Through this agreement, both institutions aim to create more efficient pathways between entrepreneurs, investors, and government support programmes.
A Two-Way Referral Mechanism
Under the memorandum of understanding, the partnership will operate through a structured 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 to access relevant programmes, support instruments and federal support channels where they qualify.
No Guaranteed Investment Commitment
The announcement makes clear that introductions to DFDF or its fund manager network do not constitute an investment commitment by DFDF or any fund manager in its portfolio. Such referrals are intended to open conversations and connect founders with the right people rather than guarantee funding outcomes. The focus remains on improving access to networks, expertise and opportunities for high-potential businesses across the country.
Leadership Perspectives
Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry's representative at MBRIF, welcomed the partnership as a move toward a more integrated national innovation ecosystem. She noted that the UAE has built a strong innovation foundation by connecting government, industry, investors and entrepreneurs around shared ambitions. Closer collaboration between federal and emirate-level institutions, she added, will help innovative businesses develop and scale.
A Shorter Route for Founders
Nader Albastaki, Managing Director of the Dubai Future District Fund, stressed that founders should not need to navigate federal and Dubai-level support separately. He said MBRIF companies gain a route into the fund manager network and to investors who can support their next stage of growth. He also noted that DFDF's portfolio gains access to MBRIF's support instruments, creating a shorter route to the resources they need.
Alignment with National Agendas
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the UAE's startup and innovation ecosystem by improving access to the right networks and expertise. It aligns with the broader ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the We the UAE 2031 vision. Those frameworks seek to advance competitiveness, innovation and sustainable economic growth across the emirate and the wider country.
Institutional Background
MBRIF is a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance and operated by Emirates Development Bank. Since its launch in 2016, it has supported innovators through the Guarantee Scheme and the MBRIF Accelerator, both aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy. DFDF is Dubai's venture capital fund of funds and investments platform, headquartered in the DIFC and backed by the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai Future Foundation.
By linking federal innovation support with Dubai's venture capital ecosystem, the agreement offers a more coordinated path for ambitious startups. Eligible companies can now access a broader set of resources without managing separate federal and emirate-level processes. This partnership reinforces the UAE's reputation as a connected and competitive environment for entrepreneurs aiming to scale and contribute to sustainable economic growth.