MBRIF and Numou Partner to Expand Financing for UAE Startups
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MBRIF and Numou Partner to Expand Financing for UAE Startups

The partnership will strengthen support for startups and high-potential companies across the country.

6/6/2026
Ghita Khalfaoui
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The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has announced a strategic partnership with Numou, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), to enhance financial support for the UAE's burgeoning startup scene. This collaboration aims to create new financing avenues for innovative businesses, reinforcing the nation's commitment to fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The agreement is set to provide high-potential companies with critical resources to scale their operations and contribute to economic diversification.


Expanding Financial Pathways for Innovators

Under the terms of the agreement, businesses supported by MBRIF will gain access to Numou’s digital financing marketplace. This platform is designed to connect innovative companies with a wider range of funding options. The partnership also includes specialized workshops and community sessions to improve financial literacy among founders, giving them practical guidance on the financing landscape.

A key feature of the collaboration is a two-way referral pathway established between the organizations. This system allows eligible startups referred by Numou to be considered for MBRIF’s prestigious Guarantee Scheme and Innovation Accelerator. This reciprocal arrangement ensures that promising ventures from both networks receive comprehensive support tailored to their growth stage and needs.

A Strategic Vision for Economic Growth

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi of the Ministry of Finance highlighted the partnership's importance for national economic goals. She emphasized that strengthening access to financing is critical for enabling innovative businesses to expand their operations and contribute meaningfully to the UAE's future. This collaboration reflects MBRIF's commitment to providing high-quality solutions that open new market opportunities for innovators.

This initiative also reflects Numou’s continued evolution in enhancing how financing is accessed and deployed. The organization is focused on linking funding more closely to verified business activity and commercial opportunities. By enabling more transparent, data-informed interactions, Numou is supporting more effective capital allocation and strengthening the foundations of the SME ecosystem.

Fostering a Resilient SME Ecosystem

Mohamed Al Binali, General Manager of Numou, stated that the partnership advances the UAE’s vision for SME financing. He noted that deeper data-driven insights enhance transparency and decision-making for both startups and financing providers. This strategy reinforces Numou's commitment to empowering innovation-led businesses to secure the right capital at the right time.

By working closely together, MBRIF and Numou are reinforcing their shared commitment to enabling small and medium-sized enterprises. The focus on innovation-led businesses ensures that companies at the forefront of technology and new market creation receive the necessary support. This targeted approach is vital for building a competitive and diversified national economy.


This strategic alliance between MBRIF and Numou marks a significant step forward in strengthening the UAE's innovation ecosystem. By combining access to capital with essential financial education, the partnership empowers startups to scale confidently and contribute to a knowledge-based economy. The collaboration is poised to foster a more resilient and growth-oriented environment for small and medium-sized enterprises across the nation.