Page 667 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, attributed this
achievement to the UAE’s visionary leadership and its commitment to fostering an integrated
ecosystem for startups and SMEs. She highlighted the country’s strategic efforts in positioning itself
as a global hub for entrepreneurship, aligned with the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

The report credited the UAE’s success to business-friendly policies, robust government initiatives,
and a competitive investment climate. Key factors include the investment of $8.7 billion in SME
growth through the Projects of the 50 initiative, the allowance of 100% foreign ownership of
companies, and record-breaking foreign direct investment levels in 2023.

The UAE’s entrepreneurial culture also stands out, with 67% of adults aware of entrepreneurship
opportunities and 70% of Emiratis seeing strong prospects for starting a business locally.
Additionally, 80% of new businesses plan to integrate digital technology, and 55% already serve
international markets.

Further solidifying its status, the UAE ranked first globally in the GEM’s National Entrepreneurship
Context Index (NECI), reinforcing its ambition to reach one million SMEs by 2031.

https://focus.hidubai.com/uae-ranks-first-globally-in-entrepreneurship-for-fourth-consecutive-
year/