Page 117 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

5/27/25, 4:50 PM Latest News
country’s flexible economic legislation that facilitates the establishment of startups across various sectors and
economic activities.

Her Excellency noted that the UAE and Italy enjoy a strong and multifaceted economic partnership,
underpinned by shared visions for the future economy, including digital and technological sectors. This

alignment presents a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation in the field of entrepreneurship, in a
manner that supports the strategic goals of both nations.

Her Excellency said: “Under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has made it a priority to enhance
women’s contribution across various economic sectors by encouraging them to launch pioneering projects

that drive economic development and support the achievement of greater gender balance. By the end of
2024, the number of commercial licenses held by Emirati women entrepreneurs in the UAE market exceeded
135,000 - reflecting a 23 per cent increase. In the first half of the year alone, nearly 2,000 new companies

were established by Emirati businesswomen, underscoring their growing presence and active role in the
national business community.”

Her Excellency added: “Small and medium-sized enterprises are a key driver of growth and sustainability of
the national economy. They play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s transition toward a knowledge- and
innovation-based economic model, while supporting the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which

aims to double the national GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade. In support of this goal, the UAE has
launched a range of initiatives and strategies designed to provide SMEs with access to financing, resources,

and capabilities that foster business development and global market entry. These efforts are further bolstered
by the UAE’s strategic geographic location, serving as a vital link between East and West, and North and

South.”
In this context, Her Excellency briefed attendees on the wide range of services and incentives offered by the

UAE’s National Program for SMEs, which includes over 25 support measures for entrepreneurs. She also
highlighted the ‘Future 100’ initiative, along with other key components of the UAE’s entrepreneurship
ecosystem, which are designed to enhance national competitiveness and raise the success rate of

entrepreneurs from 30% to 50% by 2031. Among the most prominent initiatives are the Riyada Fund and the
UAE Entrepreneurship Council.

Furthermore, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei invited Italian women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and
launch new ventures in the UAE across various economic sectors, encouraging them to seize the wide array

of opportunities available. She emphasized that the UAE has ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive
year in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025 and has been recognized as the top destination for

entrepreneurship and SMEs among 56 economies worldwide. Today, SMEs represent 95 per cent of all
companies operating in the UAE.
Her Excellency noted that the UAE Ministry of Economy is actively promoting digital transformation and the

adoption of advanced technologies by SMEs, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence. This priority
area is being advanced in collaboration with relevant ministries and authorities at both regional and global

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