Page 693 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/10/25, 1:43 PM UAE Ranks 1st Globally In Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report For 4th Year | Pakistan Point
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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