SEE Institute will host the inaugural edition of FounderFestDXB, co-hosted with Female Fusion, on Saturday, 14 November 2026, from 9am to 6pm at its net zero emissions building in The Sustainable City, Dubai.
The free one-day festival is open to founders, business owners, professionals, students, creators, career changers and anyone curious about what they could build. Attendees don’t need to own a business, know how to code or arrive with a developed idea.
FounderFestDXB will give participants the opportunity to use artificial intelligence and accessible technology to develop ideas, tackle practical problems and create working first versions.
The launch comes as the UAE ranks first for the fifth consecutive year in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s National Entrepreneurship Context Index, which assesses the conditions supporting new businesses across participating economies. However, the GEM 2025/2026 Global Report identifies a widening gap between startup activity and the number of ventures that develop into established businesses. It highlights entrepreneurial education and access to finance among the factors affecting long-term survival.
The report also points to an emerging AI readiness gap between entrepreneurs who can access and use artificial intelligence and those who cannot. While the UAE is among the countries where expectations around AI are highest, the findings underline the importance of turning access and interest into practical capability.
FounderFestDXB has been designed to help people move from curiosity and discussion to practical experimentation. Rather than following a traditional conference format, much of the festival will take place through hands-on Build Labs, an Open Build space, short challenges and one-to-one Expert Clinics.
“The UAE has created one of the world’s strongest environments for entrepreneurship, but a supportive ecosystem is only part of the picture,” said Walid Faza, COO of Tangents, the AI-native venture builder and incubator based at SEE Institute. “People also need the confidence, practical skills and opportunity to test an idea before investing significant time or money in it. FounderFestDXB is designed to give them a place to start building, with experienced people beside them.”
Through the Build Labs, participants will be able to work on practical projects such as creating a website, launching a no-code app, developing an AI assistant, building the foundations of a brand or turning an early idea into a 30-day action plan.
The Open Build area will run throughout the day, giving attendees a place to continue working, use available tools and ask for help without following a fixed session. Quick Build Challenges and Partner Build Challenges will offer shorter ways to participate, including opportunities to work on real problems presented by participating organisations.
FounderFestDXB will also include Big Ideas, a programme of short talks, founder stories and live builds. Rather than traditional hour-long keynote presentations, the stage will focus on practical experiences, candid lessons and ideas people can use.
One-to-one Expert Clinics will connect attendees with lawyers, accountants, marketers, technologists and business setup specialists. The Future Market will give visitors an opportunity to explore useful products, technology and services, while curated introductions will help people meet potential collaborators, mentors and co-founders.
“Many people have an idea they’ve been discussing for months, or a problem at work that everyone has learned to live with,” said Jen Blandos, founder of Female Fusion. “FounderFestDXB gives them a day to stop talking about it and begin building. It isn’t only for people who want to launch a company. It is for anyone who wants to make something work better.”
FounderFestDXB will take place at SEE Institute, a net zero emissions building in The Sustainable City, Dubai.
General admission is free. A limited number of paid VIP passes will also be available, offering additional access including front-row seating, closed-door talks and fireside conversations, a dedicated lounge and a guaranteed Expert Clinic appointment.
Advance registration is required.
For event information and free registration, visit founderfestdxb.com.
