Page 250 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/17/25, 1:33 PM Abu Dhabi's Startup Ecosystem Ranked 3rd in MENA Despite Global Slowdown - UPPERNEWS: UAE news, Dubai news, technolo…
Dhabi’s status as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Samantha Evans, Managing Director MENA at Startup Genome, remarked that Abu Dhabi’s rise in global
rankings demonstrates the rapid development and cohesion of its innovation ecosystem, with Hub71 playing a
central role. She noted that despite a global downturn in startup ecosystem value, Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision
is beginning to yield results, showcasing strong leadership and collaborative efforts. Evans anticipates that this
momentum will continue, positioning Abu Dhabi for faster growth than many of its global counterparts in the
coming years.

The report also lists Abu Dhabi among the top five ecosystems in MENA for key categories such as Knowledge,
Funding, and Talent & Experience. Furthermore, the emirate was recognized for providing significant “Bang for
Buck,” indicating efficient venture capital utilization and strong returns on investment.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, stated that Abu Dhabi’s rise in global rankings reflects the strength of its
startup community and the effectiveness of Hub71’s initiatives to enable the ecosystem. Over the past six years,
Hub71 has established a connected network of founders, investors, corporations, and global partners, fostering
sustainable startup growth and international scaling. Alwan emphasized that this growth is driven by Abu
Dhabi’s focus on innovation and technology, alongside an adaptable business and regulatory environment.

Key sectors driving startup growth in Abu Dhabi include FinTech, ClimateTech, and Digital Assets, which are
supported by strategic regulatory frameworks and specialized infrastructure. Developments such as the Abu
Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) expanded licensing frameworks, substantial venture funding, and partnerships
in sustainability and blockchain technology illustrate the emirate’s cohesive strategy for economic diversification
and innovation.

Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a startup destination stems from progressive policies, including streamlined
regulatory processes and targeted government support for tech-driven sectors. Initiatives like the Khalifa Fund’s
MZN HUB play a crucial role in connecting local startups with international innovation networks, further
enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global entrepreneurial presence.

The GSER is recognized as the most thorough assessment of global startup ecosystems, providing data-driven
insights vital for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Abu Dhabi’s consistent rise in
global rankings over the past three years reflects the effectiveness of its strategy and its growing startup
ecosystem, positioning the emirate as a leading hub for innovation.

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