Page 683 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

• Entrepreneurial finance

• Ease of access to funding

• Government policies supporting entrepreneurship
• Taxation and bureaucracy

• Entrepreneurship education at school and post-school levels

• Research and development transfer

• Commercial and professional infrastructure

• Ease of market entry

• Social and cultural norms related to entrepreneurship
Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, highlighted that this
achievement is a result of the UAE’s visionary leadership. The continued recognition reflects the
country’s success in creating an integrated entrepreneurship and SME ecosystem. She noted that
the UAE’s global position as the leading destination for startups shows regional and international
progress.
The UAE’s growth in the entrepreneurial environment is attributed to business-friendly policies,
government initiatives, and a competitive investment climate. The country invested $8.7 billion in
boosting innovation and SMEs as part of the Projects of the 50 initiative. The report also pointed out
the 100% foreign ownership allowance and the record levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) in
2023.
The report also highlighted the entrepreneurial culture in the UAE, where 67% of adults know an
entrepreneur or feel they possess the skills to start a business. Furthermore, 70% of Emiratis see
business opportunities locally, and 78% of new entrepreneurs prioritize social and environmental
impacts.

Additionally, 80% of entrepreneurs intend to integrate digital technology into their businesses, 78%
are motivated to generate wealth, and 55% serve customers outside the UAE, further solidifying the
country’s standing as a global hub for business and investment.

Finally, the UAE also ranked first globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI),
which measures each country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting the UAE’s goal to reach one
million SMEs by 2031.

https://thegulfobserver.com/uae-ranks-first-globally-for-entrepreneurship-for-fourth-consecutive-
year-in-gem-report-2024-25/