Page 577 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/10/25, 2:52 PM UAE ranks first globally in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025 Report for fourth consecutive year

UAE ranks first globally in Global Entrepreneurship
Monitor 2024-2025 Report for fourth consecutive year

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei: The UAE has adopted a forward-looking vision to develop a comprehensive
entrepreneurial ecosystem. The strong entrepreneurship indicators achieved reflect our commitment to
fostering a competitive and attractive environment for start-ups.

Abu Dhabi, April 3, 2025 - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked number one globally for the fourth
consecutive year by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for the year 2024-2025, surpassing many
advanced economies. The UAE was also recognised as the world’s best destination for entrepreneurship and small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) among 56 economies surveyed in this year’s report.

The UAE ranked first among high-income countries in 11 out of 13 key indicators, evaluating the institutional
frameworks that support entrepreneurship, based on expert assessments. The country outperformed globally in areas
including financing for entrepreneurial projects, ease of fund access, government policies supporting entrepreneurship,
government-related tax and bureaucracy policies, government entrepreneurship programs, integration of
entrepreneurship in school and high education, research and development transfer, commercial and professional
infrastructure, ease of market entry in terms of burdens and regulatory frameworks, as well as social and cultural
standards towards entrepreneurship.

A Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
On this occasion, H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, said, “Thanks to the
support and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, our country has built a comprehensive and forward-thinking
entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving its advancement as a global leader in entrepreneurship. This is reflected in the
UAE’s top global ranking for the fourth consecutive year as the world’s best environment for entrepreneurship and the
preferred destination for start-ups.”
H.E. added, “This accomplishment highlights the UAE’s dedication to creating a dynamic and attractive environment for
entrepreneurship, aligned with global best practices. By empowering start-ups to expand into digital and advanced
economic sectors and providing innovative financing solutions, the UAE is solidifying its position as a global hub for the
new economy by the next decade, in line with the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”
Leading National Initiatives

H.E. Al Mazrouei continued, “Our national efforts continue to focus on enhancing the UAE’s position in global
entrepreneurship competitiveness indicators and increasing the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30 per cent to 50
per cent within the next decade. Aligned with the new entrepreneurship framework, these efforts foster a culture of
innovative entrepreneurship, offer comprehensive incentives for establishing business, support growth enablers of
promising SMEs, and strengthen their access to global markets from the UAE.”

$8.7 billion investment to enhance the competitiveness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem

According to the report, the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE continues to thrive and make progress globally,
driven by supportive business and economic policies, strategic government initiatives, and a competitive investment
climate. A key factor in this success is the country’s investment of $8.7 billion under the “Project of the 50” initiative,
aimed at fostering innovation and the growth of SMEs. This initiative, along with the country allowing 100 per cent
foreign ownership of businesses and record-breaking foreign direct investment inflows in 2023, continues to enhance
the UAE’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurs.

High-Level Entrepreneurship Culture
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