Page 64 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (Part 1)_Neat

Press Release

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, participated in a session on
enhancing the leadership role of SMEs on the global stage. She stated: “The UAE and Italy share
a common vision for business and startup development. SMEs currently account for 95 per cent
of all businesses operating in the UAE, while in Italy, small and family-owned enterprises
represent a significant portion of the industrial sector. This highlights our shared belief in the vital
role SMEs play in driving sustainable economic development.”

Investopia Europe: A new platform supporting entrepreneurs

Her Excellency continued: "The UAE prioritizes the development of a comprehensive national
entrepreneurship ecosystem based on global best practices, recognizing its importance in
diversifying the national economy and fostering innovation across various vital sectors. Thanks to
these efforts, our country ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the 2024/2025
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report, which recognized it as the world’s best
environment for entrepreneurship and SMEs, out of 56 economies. The UAE is currently home to
more than 50 public and private business incubators and accelerators."

Her Excellency added that Investopia Europe dialogues is a powerful new platform for
engagement, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries to
shape future visions and strategies for SME growth.
14 panel sessions at Investopia Europe

The latest edition of Investopia Europe dialogues, organized in partnership with strategic partner
EFG Consulting, featured 14 sessions on the UAE's vision for building an economic model that
combines innovation and competitiveness. The sessions highlighted the UAE's efforts to diversify
its economy, its geographic advantages, and its role as an economic hub that attracts foreign direct
investment while supporting sustainable economic development at regional and global levels. The
discussions addressed challenges facing the global economy and potential economic scenarios
amid geopolitical shifts, exploring how these challenges could be transformed into opportunities
to support SME growth.

Business environment enablers in the UAE and Italy

The sessions explored the shared vision of the UAE and Italy to foster a more dynamic investment
environment and outlined strategies to boost bilateral investment flows in line with the goals of
both countries' business communities. Discussions highlighted the economic strength of Italian
tourism and its key role in Italy's development, as well as the global impact of scientific research.
The advantages offered by the UAE and Italian business ecosystems for entrepreneurs and startups
were also emphasized, particularly in fostering innovation and creativity across vital economic
sectors.

Localization of technology in creative industries