36Kr Going Global · Middle East | Dubai IFZA Free Zone Launches Scale360 Accelerator: Empowering Global Entrepreneurs with an Innovative Ecosystem and Opening a New Gateway to the Middle East for Chinese Outbound Enterprises

After the UAE government announced its national vision of "making the UAE the global capital for startups", the Dubai IFZA Free Zone once again responded to the trend of the times with practical actions by launching a new startup acceleration program called "Scale360". This project is jointly initiated by IFZA and the international innovation platform Plug and Play. Its aim is to provide global entrepreneurs with access, resources, and mentor support to enter the UAE market, and to promote the establishment, growth, and expansion of a new generation of technology companies in the Middle East.

Creating a "Zero-Threshold Acceleration Channel" to the UAE's Innovation Economy

The first phase of the Scale360 program attracted 136 companies from around the world to apply, covering fields such as fintech, sustainable technology, AI, and enterprise services. After a rigorous selection process, 15 companies were finally selected to form the first batch of startup acceleration teams, and they were officially unveiled during the GITEX GLOBAL exhibition in Dubai in October 2025. These companies come from cutting - edge fields such as artificial intelligence, green technology, and cybersecurity, including Groundup.ai, 913.ai, RELAYTO AI, etc. Their participation marks the further internationalization of the innovation ecosystem in the Dubai Free Zone.

Different from traditional business incubators, Scale360 operates in a form of zero cost and high support. IFZA provides one - stop services such as company registration, visas, and office space, and combines Plug and Play's professional resources in the global startup incubation field to offer companies mentor coaching, financing connections, and market links. This unique combination not only helps entrepreneurs quickly enter the UAE market but also allows them to directly access a multi - level innovation network that includes investment institutions, corporate clients, and government departments.

Julia Timms, the Chief Commercial Officer of IFZA, said at the project launch ceremony: "The mission of Scale360 is to help international startups confidently establish and grow in the UAE. We hope that through a substantial support system, they can truly understand the local business environment, connect with investors, and find a path for long - term development here."

She pointed out that the ecosystem built by IFZA through Scale360 is not only a bridge but also a booster, enabling global entrepreneurs to resonate with the UAE's innovation strategy, sustainable vision, and AI development direction.

Shaping a New Growth Engine for the Free Zone with AI and Sustainability at the Core

The launch of Scale360 coincides with the rapid growth of the UAE's diversified economy. In the first quarter of 2025, the financing of technology startups in the UAE increased by 865% year - on - year, and 96% of the investment flowed into Dubai. Against this background, IFZA focuses on two core directions, artificial intelligence and sustainable development, through the accelerator project, which echoes the UAE's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the Net - Zero Emissions Target 2050.

During GITEX, Scale360 jointly organized an innovation networking event with Shorooq Partners, a well - known venture capital firm in the Middle East, attracting more than 300 investors and ecosystem partners, including global leading companies such as NVIDIA, Taylor Wessing, and ElevenLabs. A panel discussion titled "Opportunities and Challenges for Overseas Startups Entering the UAE" was also held on - site, sharing the practical experience and policy interpretations of foreign entrepreneurs establishing businesses in the UAE, which reflects IFZA's determination to promote international innovation exchanges with an open attitude.

Sinead O’Keeffe, the person in charge of Scale360, summarized at the event: "Our goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs not only have ambition but also obtain a real pass to enter the UAE market. IFZA hopes to become their trusted partner and help them grow together with the local ecosystem."

"Full - Link Acceleration" from Registration to Ecosystem

The launch of Scale360 is of far - reaching significance for Chinese innovative enterprises seeking global layout.

Dubai is not only an important node connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Europe but also has advantages such as high policy openness, strong capital activity, and flexible tax systems, making it an important bridgehead for Chinese enterprises' overseas layout. Through the IFZA free - zone platform, Chinese enterprises can complete overseas establishment and expansion in a highly efficient and cost - effective manner. With the Scale360 project, they can further obtain soft - landing support to enter the UAE and even the Middle East market, including mentor coaching, local resource connections, and investment and financing channel links, and other systematic services.

For Chinese enterprises hoping to bring technologies in fields such as AI, intelligent manufacturing, and green energy to the world, Scale360 provides not only a registration channel but also an ecological entrance deeply embedded in the Middle East innovation system. It enables enterprises to build brand influence in the UAE, attract international capital, and explore new market opportunities with local governments and industrial partners.

From institutional innovation in the free zone to the systematic construction of the startup ecosystem, IFZA is using Scale360 as a carrier to promote the "Dubai Model" towards a more open and collaborative future.

The IFZA Free Zone has many unique advantages:

• The registration fees are transparent and relatively low, especially suitable for small, medium, and micro - enterprises in fields such as trade, consulting, and services.
• The registration process is simple, and remote company registration is supported. A company can be registered within 5 - 7 working days.
• The business license scope is broad. In the IFZA Free Zone, each business license can cover 3 cross - industry business activities without additional fees.
• Professional consulting services are provided, covering essential knowledge such as bank account opening, license types, finance, taxation, and legal affairs.
• There is no requirement to lease a physical office for up to three visas, and virtual offices can be provided free of charge to startup companies.
• There are professional Chinese staff to provide comprehensive support for Chinese enterprises.

If you are interested in entering the Dubai market, please scan the QR code below orclick "here" to fill out the form and contact IFZA's professional partners. They will guide you through the process of setting up a company in Dubai!

Image | Unsplash

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