Muzn Hub71 has concluded its first cycle in Al Ain with a pitch day that highlighted the ambitions of a new generation of Emirati founders. After three months of intensive training and mentoring, 16 entrepreneurs presented their startups to investors and innovation leaders, underscoring the growing momentum behind the UAE’s startup ecosystem.
Sixteen Emirati founders introduced their emerging projects.
In Al Ain, the first edition of Muzn Hub71 reached its final pitch day on Wednesday, bringing together Emirati founders, investors, and innovation leaders for a showcase of startup ideas that have been honed over months of training. The event marked the program’s transition from development to demonstration, with 16 founders stepping forward to present projects built to address rapidly growing opportunities across technology-driven sectors.
A platform for Emirati founders
The program is the result of a strategic partnership between Hub71 and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, combining Hub71’s global startup support capabilities with the fund’s long-standing role in backing national entrepreneurship. Through Muzn Hub71, participants received hands-on guidance, mentorship, and access to a broad network of experts and partners designed to help them strengthen their businesses from the earliest stages.
Mohammed Al Khouri, Head of Marketing at Hub71, stated that the initiative aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s wider vision for a knowledge-based, innovation-led economy. He noted that the program supports Emirati founders developing solutions in sectors such as artificial intelligence, health technology, and climate technology, among other priority areas.
He added that the program drew more than 300 applications from Emirati entrepreneurs before 17 were selected to join the intensive journey. Three winners will ultimately receive tailored support from Hub71, including incentives that help them establish their companies in Abu Dhabi and access additional services through the program’s partner network, such as licensing support and specialized legal, financial, and marketing assistance.
From ideas to investable businesses
Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, stated that the collaboration was built around a clear goal: to incubate Emirati founders and help turn promising ideas into viable, scalable companies. He remarked that the final presentations demonstrated how ambitious concepts can evolve into real-world business opportunities, particularly in fields that will shape the future of the economy, including AI, fintech, and sustainability.
He expressed pride in the progress made by the participants and emphasized that the fund’s message remains focused on transforming early-stage ideas into leading Emirati companies capable of sustainable growth and meaningful contributions to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification.
During the closing day, participants presented a series of distinctive ventures and noted that Muzn Hub71 played a decisive role in accelerating their development, moving their projects from concept notes to products ready to compete in the market.
Founders share their experience
Dr. Khalid Al Samri, founder of RECTIFY, a sustainability platform that helps small and emerging businesses calculate and reduce carbon emissions, shared that his company underwent a major transformation during the program. What began as an early concept three months ago has now become a market-ready product that is already attracting customers.
He mentioned that the initiative helped remove major obstacles, particularly in accessing government entities, securing support and data, and connecting with local partners and major investors. He added that advanced discussions are now underway to attract funding. Al Samri encouraged young entrepreneurs to start early, keep trying, and take advantage of the many government-backed initiatives that provide skills and intensive training.
Ali Al Jafal, founder of BOUKI, a platform that consolidates loyalty cards and bank offers to simplify shopping, expressed gratitude to the Khalifa Fund and Hub71 for creating an opportunity that helps young Emiratis move faster. He noted that participants completed more than 20 intensive training sessions with leaders and experts from successful companies and institutions. His ambition, he added, extends beyond local and regional success, with a clear goal of taking Emirati businesses global.
In advanced technologies, Maryam Al Abbar, founder of Reach LLM, stated that the program helped her platform gain strategic visibility and precision within generative AI search responses, while also opening doors to investors and target customers. She remarked that the collaboration between Hub71, the fund, and Muzn Hub71 strengthened the company’s presence in Al Ain and beyond.
She advised entrepreneurs not to fear failure and to keep seeking incubators and accelerators that can help convert ideas into major businesses with regional and international ambitions. Muzn Hub71 now stands as a significant milestone in efforts to empower young Emiratis economically while helping build a stronger pipeline of technology startups that support the UAE’s digital leadership and innovation goals.