Yasin, NaveedKhansari, ZeinabTirmizi, Kaiser2021-06-172021-06-1720212021Yasin, N., Khansari, Z., & Tirmizi, K. (2021). Exploring the challenges for entrepreneurship business incubator hubs in the United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 12(2), 190-212. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJGSB.2021.11457514793059https://doi.org/10.1504/IJGSB.2021.114575http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12519/396This article is not available at CUD collection. The version of scholarly record of this article is published in International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business (2021), available online at: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJGSB.2021.114575There is a dearth of studies that explore the challenges and experiences among business incubators (BIs), as providers, for their effective performance and operations. An exploratory research design model has been adopted by developing multiple case studies to explore the challenges for BI providers in Dubai (UAE). This study adopts qualitative methods of inquiry through 25 semi-structured interviews with executive members of seven UAE-based BIs. The data were analysed using NVIVO to perform a qualitative thematic analysis (template analysis approach). The findings resulted in the identification of five key thematic areas of challenges, which comprised: 1) financial challenges; 2) market barriers; 3) entrepreneurial infrastructure challenges; 4) socio-cultural barriers; 5) restrictive legislation. The motive-related overlaps between financial challenges and sociocultural barriers were also identified. The results of this research provide initial empirical insights for academics and recommendations for policymakers. © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.. All rights reserved.enPermission to reuse abstract has been secured from Inderscience PublishersBusiness incubatorDubaiEnterprising ecosystemEntrepreneurshipSmall and medium-sized enterprisesSmesStart-upUaeUnited Arab EmiratesArticleCopyright : © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.. All rights reserved.