Page 664 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/10/25, 1:40 PM UAE ranks 1st globally in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for 4th year
The UAE secured the top position among high-income countries in 11 out of 13 key indicators based on
expert assessments of institutional frameworks supporting the entrepreneurial environment.

The areas in which the UAE excelled globally included: entrepreneurial finance, ease of access to
funding, government policies supporting entrepreneurship, government policies on taxes and

bureaucracy, government entrepreneurship programmes, entrepreneurship education at school level
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.

https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/gcc/uae-ranks-1st-globally-in-global-entrepreneurship-monitor-report-for-4th-year-tu8ux41y 2/3