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9/23/25, 5:02 PM UAE Entrepreneurship Goals: 2 Powerful Targets by 2031
Driving Diversification

The country’s entrepreneurship goals align with a long-standing mission to diversify its economy. By nurturing

new businesses and supporting SMEs, the UAE aims to reduce its reliance on oil and build an economy that
thrives on trade, tourism, finance, and knowledge-based industries.

Encouraging innovation at every level ensures that businesses are surviving and contributing to job creation, skills
development, and sustainable growth. For many young entrepreneurs, the UAE offers both opportunity and

inspiration to pursue ideas that can compete globally.

The Roadblocks Ahead

Ambition, however, does not guarantee smooth progress. Scaling a company into a unicorn requires more than just
access to capital. It demands strong talent pools, global partnerships, and the ability to expand beyond domestic

borders. While the UAE is making great strides, it will need to continue attracting international expertise and
maintaining policies that support growth at every stage.

There is also global competition to consider. Other markets such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK are all
vying to attract startups and investors. The UAE will need to continue offering unique advantages, from its
strategic location to its tax incentives, in order to stay ahead.

Current Standing

The UAE already has strong foundations in place. With more than 1.2 million firms operating across sectors and
five existing unicorns, the base is solid. The contribution of SMEs to non-oil GDP further highlights their

significance in the national economy.

By setting a clear goal of two million companies and ten unicorns, the government has outlined measurable

outcomes that allow both local and global stakeholders to track progress. This transparency reinforces investor
confidence and provides entrepreneurs with assurance that the UAE is committed to long-term growth.

Looking to 2031

As the country moves toward 2031, the UAE’s entrepreneurship goals represent more than just statistics. They
reflect a vision of becoming a true global hub where ambition meets opportunity. With strong political support,
ambitious campaigns, and the resilience of its entrepreneurial community, the country is well positioned to turn

this bold vision into reality.

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