Question 1

Do I need to already be located in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

No. We are seeking teams from across the MENA region. Teams in the UAE or elsewhere are all welcome to apply.

Question 2

Do I need a VISA for Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Citizens of most countries coming to the UAE will receive a VISA on arrival.  Should you need a supporting letter we will issue one to you.

Question 3

I am a citizen of a country in the region, but currently do not live there. Can I still participate?

Accepted Answer

We are looking for ventures that can grow in the region.  Teams may be global in the future, but we will give priority to ventures that will focus on the market or resources of the region.

Question 4

Will the workshops and mentoring be in English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All workshops will be in English. Mentoring will generally be in English, unless you happen to be matched with a speaker of a mutual language

Question 5

Do I need to know English to attend?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as all instruction and discussion will be in English, a good understanding of the language is required.

Question 6

Where will we stay during the workshops?

Accepted Answer

If you are not located in Dubai, discounted hotel rooms will be provided at the Radisson hotel, and several hotels and airBNBs are located in the vicinity of DSO.  The program does not cover room and board however.

Question 7

Do we need to stay in Dubai for the entire period?

Accepted Answer

Teams are required to be present for each workshop and during the month of January to work with interns.

Question 8

Do I need to be in-person for all of the workshop dates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require in-person attendance by the core co-founders of the startup.

Question 9

We are a team of 3 founders, but only 2 can take part in-person. Can we still join the program?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. We can review the possibility of the majority of co-founders attending, as long as key decisions can be made by the team.

FAQs