Page 429 - MOET PR REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2025

9/23/25, 5:02 PM UAE Entrepreneurship Goals: 2 Powerful Targets by 2031
Aiming to Double Business Activity

At present, about 94 percent of all registered firms in the UAE are owned by entrepreneurs. Small and medium-

sized enterprises already contribute around 63 percent to the non-oil GDP and make up roughly 95 percent of total
companies. The plan to increase the figure to two million companies by 2031 would nearly double current
numbers.

This expansion is not just about size but about creating fertile ground for new ventures. By simplifying business

registration, offering world-class infrastructure, and building a strong startup ecosystem UAE, the country is
shaping itself into a launchpad for both local and international entrepreneurs.

Building the Next Unicorns

Another key element of this strategy is the aim to see at least ten unicorn companies startups valued at $1 billion

or more established in the UAE within the next six years. At present, the country is home to five unicorns,
including names that have become familiar in global business circles. Reaching ten unicorn companies by 2031
will require significant investment and strong backing for high-growth firms, but the government has made it clear

that supporting scalable businesses is at the heart of its agenda.

This ambition sends a clear message to founders and investors that the UAE is ready to stand alongside Silicon

Valley, London, and Singapore as a fertile market for billion-dollar startups. It also signals a determination to make
innovation a central part of the national economy.

National Drive for Entrepreneurs

The announcement ties into a broader campaign known as “The World’s Capital of Entrepreneurs,” which was
launched under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative is
designed to give entrepreneurs a powerful platform, positioning the UAE as a destination where ideas can grow

into global businesses.

The program focuses on creating the right conditions for success, legal reforms that make it easier to operate
across sectors, investment in advanced technology, and protection of intellectual property. Alongside this, the UAE
is strengthening its role as a global trading nation through economic partnership agreements that open new markets

for startups and established businesses alike.

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