Dubai startups can claim free AI credits from five major providers: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Anthropic and OpenAI. The largest published amounts are up to $350,000 from Google for AI-first startups, up to $200,000 from AWS and up to $150,000 from Microsoft. Anthropic and OpenAI give their biggest credits mainly through partner VCs. None of the five lists restrictions that exclude UAE companies, and Dubai adds its own routes, such as a $25,000 AWS credit prize at the Dubai AI Festival.
This guide compares every programme we could verify, explains which credits pay for which AI models, and shows where a Dubai founder should apply first.
By the Dubai Tech Insider Editorial Team · Published 13 October 2026 · Last updated and verified 13 October 2026. Each provider changes its offer regularly, so check its official page before you apply.
The Five Programmes Compared
| Programme | Maximum Published Credits | VC Needed? | What They Pay For | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google for Startups Cloud Program | $2,000 pre-funding; $200,000 at seed to Series A; up to $350,000 for AI-first startups | No for $2,000; funding needed for higher tiers | Google Cloud | Google's startup page |
| AWS Activate | Up to $200,000 | Not stated; open "at any stage" | AWS, including third-party models on Amazon Bedrock | AWS Startups account |
| Microsoft for Startups | Up to $150,000 | Not stated | Eligible Azure services | Microsoft for Startups portal |
| Claude for Startups (Anthropic) | Up to $100,000 through partner VCs; $1,000 offer paused | No for the programme; yes for large credits | Claude API in Claude Console only | Claude Console |
| OpenAI for Startups | Not published | Yes, through a partner VC referral | OpenAI API | Referral code from your VC |
Figures are the maximums each provider publishes. Most startups get less, especially before raising money.
Can a UAE Startup Apply?
Yes. None of the five programme pages lists country restrictions that exclude the UAE. Anthropic goes further and lists the UAE on its supported regions page for the Claude API.
What matters more than location is proof that you're a real company:
- A trade licence. Free zone and mainland licences should both work. None of these programmes distinguishes between them.
- A company website and domain email. Applying from a personal Gmail account weakens your application.
- Funding evidence for the higher tiers. Google's $200,000+ tiers are for funded startups. Anthropic's and OpenAI's biggest credits come through VCs.
Programme by Programme
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Google publishes three stages. Pre-funded startups can get $2,000 to build an MVP. Seed to Series A startups can get $200,000 in cloud credits, rising to up to $350,000 for AI-first startups. Series B and later get support but no published credit amount.
This is the biggest published amount, but it's for funded companies. The page doesn't state expiry or which Vertex AI models the credits cover, so check the terms when you apply.
AWS Activate
AWS offers up to $200,000 in credits and says it supports startups "at any stage of growth or level of funding". The detail that matters for AI startups: AWS says its credits are redeemable on third-party models on Amazon Bedrock. That includes Claude, which AWS now runs from its UAE region. For a Dubai startup building on Claude, AWS credits are often easier to get than Anthropic's own.
Microsoft for Startups
Microsoft offers up to $150,000 in credits for eligible Azure services. Its page doesn't publish tiers, eligibility rules or expiry, so you'll see the details after you sign up.
Claude for Startups (Anthropic)
Anthropic's programme is open to bootstrapped, pre-seed and venture-backed startups. But as of 13 October 2026, its page says it is over capacity on the $1,000 API credit and free Claude Team offers. New members still get higher rate limits, a software stack worth up to $45,000 from third-party tools, office hours and events. Founders backed by a VC in Anthropic's partner network can get up to $100,000 in API credits through that VC.
The credits only work on the Claude API through Claude Console, not on AWS Bedrock or Google Vertex AI. We cover this in detail in our Claude for Startups guide for Dubai founders.
OpenAI for Startups
OpenAI's startup page offers credits and dedicated support through eligible VC partners. It names Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins and Conviction Partners as examples. You need a referral code from your VC, plus a product description and funding details. No credit amount is published.
Which Credits Pay for Which AI Models?
This is where founders lose money. Credits are tied to platforms, not to models.
| If You Build on… | Credits That Can Pay for It | Credits That Can't |
|---|---|---|
| Claude | Anthropic credits (Claude Console); AWS credits (via Bedrock) | Anthropic credits on Bedrock or Vertex AI |
| GPT models | OpenAI credits; check Microsoft's terms for Azure-hosted OpenAI models | Anthropic or AWS credits |
| Gemini | Google Cloud credits (check the terms for Vertex AI) | AWS, Microsoft, Anthropic or OpenAI credits |
| Open-source models you host | AWS, Google or Microsoft cloud credits | Anthropic or OpenAI credits |
Dubai-Only Routes to AI Credits
These aren't available to startups everywhere, which is an advantage for founders here:
| Route | What You Get | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| FutureTech World Cup at the Dubai AI Festival 2026 | $25,000 in AWS credits and a Dubai AI Licence for the winner; free pods for finalists | AI startups with under $250,000 in revenue; final pitch in Dubai on 26–27 October |
| in5 incubator | Cloud credits and hosting offers from IBM, Microsoft, Amazon and Rackspace (in5 FAQ) | Startups accepted into in5 |
| DIFC AI licence | A complimentary Ignyte subscription with perks and investor access (DIFC) | Companies licensed at DIFC |
| Dubai Founders HQ | Introductions to investors and corporate partners | Tech startups based in or moving to Dubai |
The incubator route also unlocks the bigger cloud tiers indirectly. Accelerators and investors are often how startups qualify for the higher amounts.
Which Programmes to Apply for, by Stage
- Bootstrapped or pre-revenue: Start with AWS Activate and Google's $2,000 pre-funded tier. Apply to Claude for Startups for rate limits and the software stack. Enter the FutureTech World Cup if you're building AI and can pitch in Dubai.
- Licensed and in an incubator: Use your incubator's perks first. in5 members get cloud offers from four providers. Then apply to Microsoft for Startups.
- Seed to Series A, VC-backed: Ask your VC which AI providers it partners with. That's how you unlock Anthropic's up to $100,000 and OpenAI's partner credits. Then apply to Google's 200,000–350,000 tier.
Can You Combine Programmes?
Yes, in practice most founders do. None of these programmes says you can only belong to one. A common mix: AWS credits to run Claude on Bedrock, plus Google credits for other workloads. Each programme has its own terms, so check that a second award doesn't affect the first.
Common Mistakes
- Collecting credits for the wrong platform. Choose your model first, then the credits that pay for it.
- Trusting tracker sites. Several still list Anthropic's paused $1,000 offer or OpenAI amounts that aren't on OpenAI's page. Check the provider's own page.
- Applying before you're licensed. A trade licence, domain email and website make every application stronger.
- Ignoring expiry. Most programmes don't publish expiry on their main page. Check your account as soon as you're approved and plan your usage around the deadline.
- Not asking your investors. The largest Anthropic and OpenAI credits only come through partner VCs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which AI companies give free credits to startups?
AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Anthropic and OpenAI all run startup programmes. AWS, Google and Microsoft publish the largest amounts.
Can UAE startups get free AI credits?
Yes. None of the five programmes publishes restrictions that exclude UAE companies, and Anthropic lists the UAE as a supported region.
Do I need VC funding to get AI credits?
Not for AWS Activate, Google's $2,000 pre-funded tier or the Claude for Startups programme. You do need a partner VC for Anthropic's large credits and for OpenAI's startup credits.
How much are Google Cloud credits for AI startups?
Up to $350,000 for AI-first startups at seed to Series A stage, or $200,000 for other early-stage startups.
Does OpenAI still give startup credits?
Yes, through eligible VC partners, according to OpenAI's startup page. You need a referral code from your VC.
Can AWS credits pay for Claude?
Yes. AWS says its credits can be used on third-party models on Amazon Bedrock, and Claude is available on Bedrock.
Can I combine AI credit programmes?
Yes. None of the programmes says you can only join one, but check each programme's terms.
What AI credits can Dubai startups get locally?
The winner of the FutureTech World Cup at Dubai AI Festival gets $25,000 in AWS credits, and in5 members get cloud offers from IBM, Microsoft, Amazon and Rackspace.
Your Next Step
Decide which model you're building on, then apply to the two programmes that pay for it this week. If you have investors, email them today to ask which AI providers they partner with. For funding beyond credits, see our guides to Oraseya Capital and the Dtec SANDBOX programme.
