Page 675 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/10/25, 1:41 PM UAE ranks 1st globally in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for 4th year – UAE BARQ
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.

https://www.uaebarq.ae/en/2025/04/02/uae-ranks-1st-globally-in-global-entrepreneurship-monitor-report-for-4th-year/ 2/2