Page 35 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT - JULY 2025

7/17/25, 10:03 AM Empowering SMEs is key to raising Abu Dhabi’s economic competitiveness | The National
international visibility. Abu Dhabi secured third spot in the “performance” category, which measures
startup value through exits and funding.

Abu Dhabi ranked fourth in the “knowledge” category, which measures the number of research

patents; fifth in both the “funding capacity” and “talent and experience” categories. The emirate also
finished in the top 10 in the Bang for Buck Awards.

One of Abu Dhabi’s standout achievements this year for the GSER edition is the funding success of
its Hub71 ecosystem, through which startups raised a record $2.17 billion. This capital inflow has
significantly boosted innovation and accelerated growth.

Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars of economic
development will allow SMEs to evolve into key architects of the national economy,
not just contributors

As someone who closely monitors economic developments, I see the Abu Dhabi SME Champions
programme as a key initiative driving entrepreneurial growth in the emirate. The programme not only

provides startups with access to funding but also fosters stronger engagement with government
bodies and the private sector. More than just financial support, such initiatives deliver capacity-building
tools and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the community, supporting startups in their
journey to success.

Since its launch in 2023, the programme has made a remarkable impact. In its second year, it
attracted 2,235 companies, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurial empowerment.
Significantly, more than half of these registered companies are microenterprises, highlighting Abu

Dhabi’s inclusive business environment that welcomes ventures of all sizes.

A vibrant SME sector is undeniably the backbone of a resilient and innovative economy, and the
numbers speak volumes. Last year, deal values facilitated by the programme exceeded $183 million,
reflecting strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This reinforces the importance

of integrated efforts among economic stakeholders in driving sustainable growth.

Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem benefits from several strategic advantages, including progressive visa policies

that attract global talent, extensive government support and a clear leadership position in emerging
fields like fintech, Web3 and digital assets. These factors collectively reinforce Abu Dhabi’s appeal as
a launchpad for global innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Abu Dhabi SME programme, with 20 strategic partners on board and 13 training sessions

conducted in collaboration with nine key entities, has significantly advanced SME capabilities to meet
evolving market needs. These efforts contribute to an innovation-led economy and solidify the UAE’s
status as a global hub for a knowledge-based economy.

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