News

Hub71 Refreshes Its Company Building Program

Startups may be eligible for up to $204,000 to help accelerate growth and hasten their contribution to the local economy.

Published

3 years ago

October 17, 2023

Nour Nasir

hub71 refreshes its company building program

At this year’s GITEX Global conference, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Hub71, has announced a refreshed startup incentive known as the Company Building Program, where eligible businesses can receive up to $204,000 to accelerate their growth — a 50% increase over the original funding figure.

Upon completion of the program, top-performing startups could also be selected by Hub71 for an additional cash incentive of nearly $70,000 in exchange for additional equity.

The new incentive is a “natural progression” for Hub71, expanding on its pledge to support early-stage technology companies.

hub71 abu dhabi deputy ceo ahmad ali alwan

“This impact and shift to provide greater value to our startup community solidifies our commitment to founders as we aim to enhance the growth trajectory of innovative companies with the simplicity and flexibility needed to ensure they succeed,” Deputy CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan said.

“Our dedication will go beyond financial support; we are deeply invested in the success of startups in our community and will remain engaged in ensuring their sustainable growth and development in Abu Dhabi and beyond,” he continued.

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Startups joining the Hub71 Company Building Program unlock an extensive network of corporations, government entities, and investment opportunities. The program also gives startups access to mentorship, advice, and support, which positively affects their ability to grow and contribute to the economy.

Globally, the startup sector is valued at a massive $3 trillion. By 2030, The UAE aims to create a home for 20 “unicorns” — startups with a valuation of $1 billion or more. Hub71’s new program should aid those ambitions, boosting the number of high-performing tech companies headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

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Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.