Page 138 - MAJRA PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025

These discussions were part of Investopia 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh
Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the
Presidential Court
The initiative featured 15 sessions with 48 speakers, including ministers, senior officials, and
industry experts. Discussions focused on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, tech-driven
entrepreneurship, the future of SMEs, innovative investment strategies, and the role of technology
in financial models. Other topics included mechanisms to support SMEs in expanding within the
new economy and the significant role of female entrepreneurs in driving positive impacts on society
and the national economy.

The opening session featured Alia Al Mazrouei and Sarah Shaw, Executive Director of the National
CSR Fund (Majra), who highlighted the initiative’s role in empowering enterprises in future economy
sectors. They explored strategies for supporting entrepreneurship and ensuring sustainability while
reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global business hub.

Alia Al Mazrouei emphasised that Future100 has become a key enabler for SME growth in the UAE’s
new economy, helping them expand into regional and global markets. She noted that the UAE’s
leadership has established a competitive legislative framework that attracts entrepreneurs and
startups worldwide, providing essential initiatives for their success.

SMEs currently account for 94 percent of all businesses in the UAE, with 25,000 founded by Emirati
youth in 2024 alone. The country is home to over 50 government and private business incubators
and accelerators, contributing to its recognition as the top global destination for business and
economic activities in 2024, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). The UAE also
ranked first globally in the GEM Entrepreneurship Index for 2023-2024 for the third consecutive year,
excelling in key indicators such as financing, market accessibility, and government support.

She stressed that developing national entrepreneurship is a strategic priority for the UAE and a core
pillar of the country’s economic agenda, led by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with
government entities, the private sector, and academic and research institutions. She outlined new
initiatives designed to enhance the country’s competitiveness and increase entrepreneurs’ success
rates from 30 percent to 50 percent over the next decade.

Key initiatives include Riyada Fund, which allocates AED300 million to support entrepreneurial
ventures, and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council, which aims to unify national efforts to accelerate
SME growth and strengthen collaboration between key stakeholders. She encouraged
entrepreneurs and startups to leverage these enablers and incentives, along with the Future100
initiative.

Sarah Shaw highlighted that companies within the initiative were among the first to receive the
Sustainable Impact Project Seal from Majra, recognising their commitment to sustainability and
social impact. She noted a 43 percent increase in sustainability and environment-focused startup
applications under Future100, reflecting the maturity of the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and
alignment with the UAE Green Agenda 2030.

The event included a session titled "Cisco Digital Innovation Award: Recognising Excellence in
Innovation," showcasing Cisco’s Product Innovation Lab, launched in partnership with the Ministry

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