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6/17/25, 1:33 PM Abu Dhabi Startup Ecosystem Ranks 3rd In MENA Amid Global Slowdown - OneArabia

This year's GSER places Abu Dhabi in the #51-60 tier among emerging global ecosystems, marking a significant climb

from its previous #61-70 slot. This progress is particularly noteworthy given a 14% global decline in startup ecosystem
values. Between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, Abu Dhabi's ecosystem value surged to $4.4 billion (or roughly

AED 16.2 billion), with an annual growth rate of 6%.

In the MENA region, Abu Dhabi has earned the third spot for Performance, assessing startup successes via valuations and
exit activities. This accolade underscores Abu Dhabi's efficacy as a hub for entrepreneurial ventures and innovation.

Samantha Evans, Managing Director MENA at Startup Genome, praised Abu Dhabi's upward trajectory, attributing it to the

innovative ecosystem fostered by Hub71. "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."

Abu Dhabi also excels in several core categories, including Knowledge, Funding, and Talent & Experience, ranking among
the top five ecosystems in MENA. Its efficient venture capital usage and high return on investment have placed it among

the region's best for "Bang for Buck".

FinTech, ClimateTech, and Digital Assets stand as the primary sectors propelling startup growth in Abu Dhabi. The

emirate's strategic regulatory frameworks and sector-specific infrastructure have been crucial in supporting these areas.

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