Page 242 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/17/25, 1:32 PM Abu Dhabi Startup Ecosystem Ranks 3rd in MENA for Performance Amid Global Slowdown - Middle East Business News and Infor…
“Abu Dhabi’s rise in the global rankings is a testament to the exceptional pace and cohesion of
its innovation ecosystem, with Hub71 at the heart of this transformation. Amid a global

downturn in startup ecosystem value, Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision is beginning to pay off –
demonstrating bold leadership and collaborative strength. We expect this momentum to

continue, with Abu Dhabi poised to grow at a faster rate than many global peers in the years
ahead.” says Samantha Evans, Managing Director MENA, Startup Genome.

The report also places Abu Dhabi among the top five ecosystems in MENA across several core

categories, including Knowledge, Funding, and Talent & Experience. Additionally, the emirate
was recognized among the region’s best for “Bang for Buck,” reflecting efficient use of venture
capital and a strong return on investment.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: “Abu Dhabi’s rise in global rankings reflects the strength

of our startup community and the impact of Hub71’s ecosystem-enabling initiatives. Over the
past six years, Hub71 has built a connected network of founders, investors, corporates, and

global partners, enabling sustainable startup growth, international scaling, and the evolution of
Abu Dhabi’s early-stage technology landscape. This progress is driven by Abu Dhabi’s

deliberate focus on innovation and technology, alongside an increasingly agile business and
regulatory environment. Hub71 and its startups continue to benefit from a compelling Abu
Dhabi value proposition, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the emirate’s economic

and technological ambitions.”

Sectoral drivers of startup growth in Abu Dhabi: FinTech, ClimateTech, and Digital Assets are
key strengths of Abu Dhabi’s innovation landscape, supported extensively by strategic

regulatory frameworks, and sector-specific infrastructure. Key developments including ADGM’s
expanded licensing frameworks, substantial venture funding, and strategic partnerships

in sustainability-focused enterprises, and strategic alliances in blockchain technology, exemplify
the emirate’s deliberate and cohesive strategy for long-term economic diversification and
innovation.

Why startups choose Abu Dhabi: The emirate’s appeal lies in forward-thinking policies, such as

streamlined regulatory procedures and targeted government support for technology-driven
sectors. Initiatives such as Khalifa Fund’s MZN HUB are pivotal in bridging local startups with

international innovation networks, further amplifying Abu Dhabi’s global entrepreneurial
influence.

https://mid-east.info/abu-dhabi-startup-ecosystem-ranks-3rd-in-mena-for-performance-amid-global-slowdown/ 2/3