Page 649 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/10/25, 1:38 PM UAE tops global entrepreneurship rankings for fourth consecutive year
$8.7 billion investment boosts UAE’s entrepreneurial competitiveness

The UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to thrive on the global stage, supported by pro-business policies, visionary government initiatives, and
a highly competitive investment climate, according to the latest report.

A key driver of this success is the UAE’s strategic investment of $8.7 billion to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of small and medium
enterprises (SMEs). This investment falls under the "Projects of the 50" initiatives, which are designed to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurship
landscape.

The report also highlighted the UAE’s policy allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies, a move that has significantly boosted investor
confidence. Additionally, the country recorded a historic increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023, further cementing its position as a global
hub for business, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Thriving and ambitious entrepreneurial culture

The UAE’s entrepreneurial culture is marked by high levels of awareness, ambition, and innovation, with a strong societal embrace of business
creation, according to the latest GEM report.

The report revealed that 67 per cent of adults in the UAE either know an entrepreneur or believe they have the skills to start their own business, while
70 per cent of the population sees strong opportunities for launching a business locally. Furthermore, 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs prioritise social
and environmental impact alongside profitability, reflecting a forward-thinking business mindset.
Growth expectations remain strong, with 75 per cent of early-stage entrepreneurs planning to expand their teams and hire at least six employees over
the next five years. Additionally, 80 per cent of entrepreneurs aim to integrate digital technologies into their business operations, reinforcing the UAE’s
position as a leader in digital transformation.

The report also highlighted that 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs are motivated by the prospect of building significant wealth or high income, while 55
per cent of UAE-based entrepreneurs serve international clients, underscoring the nation’s status as a global hub for business, investment, and
innovation.

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