Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Fund launches equity-free AI startup program

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has opened NEXUS at MZN Hub Abu Dhabi, a program aimed at helping artificial-intelligence startups without charging them or taking an ownership stake. That matters because early-stage founders often give up equity in exchange for funding or accelerator support; NEXUS is positioning its help as a less dilutive alternative. The program also offers participants a route to a Silicon Valley summit, linking local startups to one of the world’s main technology networks. For Abu Dhabi, the initiative is another effort to turn AI ambition into a pipeline of companies that can develop and grow from the emirate.