Page 655 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/10/25, 1:39 PM UAE ranks 1st globally in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor...
and post-school level, research and development transfer, commercial and professional
infrastructure, ease of market entry in terms of regulatory burdens, and social and cultural norms
related to entrepreneurship.

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, said the achievement reflects
the results of the UAE’s forward-looking vision, supported by the guidance of its wise leadership, to
build an integrated entrepreneurship and SME ecosystem.

She added that the UAE’s continued recognition as the top environment for entrepreneurship and the
leading destination for startups globally for the fourth year in a row represents the country's regional
and international progress.

She noted that this accomplishment demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to providing an attractive
and impactful entrepreneurship climate aligned with global best practices, enabling startups to grow
in advanced and digital economic sectors, and offering financing initiatives and solutions that support
the country’s positioning as a global hub for the new economy by the next decade, in line with the
objectives of the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

The report highlighted that the UAE’s entrepreneurial environment continues to flourish and advance
globally, supported by business-friendly policies, distinguished government initiatives and a
competitive investment climate.

One of the key contributing factors to this success was the UAE’s investment of US$8.7 billion to
boost innovation and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises as part of the Projects of the
50 initiative. The report also cited the allowance of 100 percent foreign ownership of companies and
the consistent increase in foreign direct investment, which reached record levels in 2023.

It further pointed out that the entrepreneurial culture in the UAE is marked by high awareness and
ambition among the population. Approximately 67 percent of adults know an entrepreneur or believe
they have the necessary skills to start a business.

Meanwhile, 70 percent of Emiratis see strong opportunities to launch a business locally, 78 percent of
new entrepreneurs prioritise social and environmental impact over profit, and 75 percent of early-

stage entrepreneurs plan to expand their teams and employ at least six people in the next five years.

Furthermore, 80 percent intend to integrate digital technology into their business operations, 78
percent are motivated to generate high income or wealth, and 55 percent of entrepreneurs serve

customers outside the UAE, strengthening the country’s position as a global centre for business and
investment.

The UAE was also ranked first globally in the same report under the GEM's National
Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), which assesses each country's supportive environment for
entrepreneurship based on scores derived from national experts’ evaluations. This supports the
UAE’s vision to reach one million SMEs by 2031.

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