Page 80 - KFED PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

supported by practical programmes and initiatives, underpinned by robust data and indicators that
position the UAE as a global destination for talent, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Al Marri said, “‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ national campaign reflects the UAE
leadership’s vision to establish the nation as the premier destination for global talent, innovators
and entrepreneurs. It is a strategic step toward solidifying the UAE’s position as a global hub for
entrepreneurship.”

He pointed out that the UAE has secured the top position in the 2024-2025 Global Entrepreneurship
Monitor (GEM) report for the 4th year running. The UAE also ranked first in 11 out of 13 indicators for
high-income countries, and was named the best destination for entrepreneurship and SMEs among
56 evaluated economies.

As part of the ‘Projects of the 50’ initiative, the UAE announced investments worth AED8.7 billion
aimed at promoting innovation and supporting SMEs. The UAE is home to over 50 government and
private business incubators and accelerators, Al Marri noted.
He also pointed out that SMEs, which make up around 95% of the UAE’s active businesses, have
contributed 63.5% of its non-oil GDP as of mid-2022, and that out of the 7 Arab companies recently
gaining ‘Unicorn’ status, 5 have launched in the UAE.

The UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem blends innovation, modern technology and sustainability,
making it an ideal launchpad for global entrepreneurs. The UAE offers a comprehensive legislative
and regulatory framework that helps fast-track business setup within days, thanks to smart digital
services.

The 100% foreign ownership of companies across most sectors, as well as the nation’s world-class
infrastructure, including ports, international airports and an advanced roads network, further
enhance the UAE market’s attractiveness.

At the press conference, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism outlined key initiatives under the ‘The
Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ campaign, which include the launch of the
StartupEmirates.ae platform, which aims to attract 10,000 entrepreneurs and create 30,000 jobs
within five years. The campaign will also train 10,000 Emiratis through the Entrepreneurship
Programme, and license 500 Emiratis to manage residential construction projects under the Project
Management Experts Programme.

Other initiatives include supporting 250 Emiratis in establishing national real estate companies,
licencing 500 Emirati tax agents through a three-year training programme, and launching a national
exhibition to raise early-stage entrepreneurship awareness across educational institutions.
Additionally, the campaign will see the launch of a Graduate Business Projects Exhibition, and
improve national startups involvement in and access to federal procurement systems under the
umbrella of the Ministry of Finance.
The UAE Council for Entrepreneurship held a meeting chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The
meeting discussed strengthening the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting SME growth,
and empowering citizens to create new businesses.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/uaes-ministry-of-economy-and-tourism-announces-
details-of-the-emirates-the-startup-capital-of-the-world-national-campaign/