The Dubai International Financial Centre Innovation Hub has partnered with Slemani-based The Foundation Hub to develop a structured innovation corridor connecting Kurdistan-based founders with investors, corporations and ecosystem partners in Dubai. The initiative will initially prioritize FinTech and artificial intelligence businesses while remaining open to high-potential companies in other sectors. The program will begin with two workshops in Kurdistan to assess and shortlist start-ups. Selected founders will receive structured mentorship, introductions to venture capital funds and institutional investors, and opportunities to participate in the Dubai FinTech Summit, Dubai AI Festival and DIFC Innovation Hub Investor Day. Over the longer term, the corridor is intended to give UAE and DIFC investors, companies and scale-ups greater access to opportunities in Kurdistan.
2026-09-04Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre partners with The Foundation Hub to develop Dubai-Slemani innovation corridor
The Dubai International Financial Centre Innovation Hub and The Foundation Hub are developing an innovation corridor between Dubai and Slemani, initially focused on FinTech and artificial intelligence. Selected Kurdistan-based founders will receive mentorship, investor and corporate introductions, and access to major DIFC events and Dubai ecosystem visits.