Mastercard Lighthouse and Hub71 open UAE AI startup program

The first Mastercard Lighthouse chapter in the United Arab Emirates will select six startups for a four-month program focused on AI-led fintech, commerce, risk, trust, resilience, and MSME solutions.

Mastercard Lighthouse UAE is launching as part of the Mastercard UAE AI Center of Excellence, in collaboration with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office

Mastercard Lighthouse and Hub71 have opened applications for Mastercard Lighthouse UAE 2026, a four-month program for startups using artificial intelligence across financial services, commerce, risk, trust, resilience, and MSME solutions.

The program is the first Mastercard Lighthouse chapter in the United Arab Emirates and forms part of the Mastercard UAE AI Center of Excellence. It is being delivered in collaboration with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office.

The 2026 cohort will include six startups. Eligible startups must be at early seed stage or above, have a commercially live product ready for partnership, operate in the UAE or plan to expand into the UAE market, and have dedicated structured teams.

Hub71 said the program will connect high-potential startups with financial institutions, ecosystem partners, and industry experts. Participants will also gain access to strategic partnerships, opportunities to explore proofs of concept, and Mastercard’s global network and expertise.

Applications are now open, with the program flow including application collection, an information webinar, Mastercard shortlisting, jury presentations at Mastercard’s office, a class announcement, Connect Day, customer and investor touchpoints, mentoring, workshops, Demo Day, and completion of the Mastercard Lighthouse curriculum.

Program targets AI-led fintech and commerce

Mastercard Lighthouse UAE is targeting startups working in financial services and ready for partnership.

The verticals include AI-led risk, trust, and resilience; agentic commerce and personalization; emerging fintech using AI; and AI-led MSME and credit propositions.

The program will provide access to Mastercard expertise and advisory, training and workshops, executive exposure, expert mentors, investor touchpoints, potential customer and business partner touchpoints, program support partners, and Mastercard global assets and channels.

Mastercard Lighthouse describes the initiative as a global program designed to create strategic connections between startups and the wider business ecosystem. Existing Mastercard Lighthouse programs operate in the Nordics and Baltics region, and Türkiye.

Hub71 adds Abu Dhabi startup network

Hub71 is supporting the UAE program through its Abu Dhabi startup ecosystem, which brings together startups, investors, corporates, mentors, regulators, government partners, and market access opportunities.

Hub71 describes itself as a global technology ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi that supports startup growth across sectors and stages. Its stated role is to connect founders with investors, partners, mentors, and commercial opportunities.

The UAE program adds Mastercard Lighthouse to Hub71’s wider startup network in Abu Dhabi, where the focus is on helping companies scale from the UAE capital into regional and international markets. Mastercard Lighthouse said the UAE chapter will bring together startups with figures from the entrepreneurial, business, and innovation ecosystem as part of the Mastercard UAE AI Center of Excellence.

Participants will receive mentoring, training, workshop sessions, investor touchpoints, potential customer touchpoints, and opportunities to explore strategic partnerships and proofs of concept.

The program is designed for startups with live products rather than early concepts. Mastercard Lighthouse UAE lists the required product phase as a commercially live, partnership-ready product.

Startups operating in the UAE or planning to expand into the UAE market can apply. Mastercard Lighthouse UAE is also inviting organizations interested in partnering with the program to contact its team.