In its first year of operation, Dubai Next, a government-backed digital crowdfunding platform for entrepreneurs and start-ups, has 82 campaigns active with 2,044 applicants and 750 contributors.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Dubai SME), a division of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, is in charge of managing Dubai Next, which debuted in May 2021. (DET).

According to Abdul Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, "Dubai Next has provided a competitive and practical answer to the funding issues faced by individuals wanting to develop their ideas into workable ventures."

It's a crucial enabler of the emirate's aim to be a centre of entrepreneurship and a digital economy, Mr. Al Janahi said, and it's not just a valuable addition to the business startup ecosystem in Dubai.

Many international tech start-ups have landed in Dubai because to the city's business-friendly laws.

According to DET, companies, investors, and the friends and family of the campaign owners are running the campaigns that are now on the platform.

Technology, education, health, food, sports, fashion, the arts, tourism, gaming, and publishing are among the industries they cover.

Owners of the campaign include nationals of the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, and Grenada.

As part of its Project Startup programme, Dubai Next is also developing a variety of services, including mentoring, training, and licencing, to provide its target demographic with the essential entrepreneurial skills.

According to the statement, the initiative is made to help businesses gain momentum and accelerate their growth.

In accordance with its 2022–2024 road map, the platform also aims to reach up to 10,000 students through capacity building programmes, which include training workshops, consultations, and project financing.

The projects it has so far funded include Ubuntu, a platform created by students at the Gems Modern Academy Dubai, which aims to decrease food waste, and Sustainable Builder, a mobile app idea for controlling construction waste that was developed by a group of students from UAE University.

Ghaith Al Bustanli, the creator of the energy technology start-up Solaris Solutions, said that "Dubai Next allowed me the platform to present my business to my family, investors, and the community, attracting those interested."