Page 448 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025 (International)

The initiative featured 15 sessions with 48 distinguished speakers including ministers,
senior officials, and industry experts. Discussions revolved around key topics such as
artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, tech-driven entrepreneurship, the future of

SMEs, innovative investment strategies, the role of innovation and technology in financial
models, and mechanisms to support SMEs in expanding within the new economy.
Additionally, the sessions highlighted the critical role of female entrepreneurs in generating
tangible positive impacts on society and the national economy.

Speaking at the opening session, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized that the Future100
initiative has become a key enabler for the growth of the UAE's new economy. The initiative
aims to accelerate the growth of high-potential SMEs in key future economy sectors and
support their expansion into regional and global markets.

She highlighted that thanks to the UAE's visionary leadership, the country has successfully
established a competitive legislative framework that attracts entrepreneurs and startups
worldwide, providing the necessary initiatives and enablers for their success. SMEs
currently account for 94% of all businesses in the UAE, with 25,000 SMEs founded by
Emirati youth in 2024 alone. The UAE is home to over 50 government and private business
incubators and accelerators, contributing to its recognition as the best global destination
for business and economic activities in 2024, according to the Global Entrepreneurship

Monitor (GEM). The UAE also ranked first globally in the GEM Entrepreneurship Index for
2023-2024 for the third consecutive year, excelling in key indicators such as financing,
market accessibility, and government support.

H.E. Al Mazrouei underscored that developing national entrepreneurship is a strategic
priority for the UAE. It forms a core pillar of the country's economic agenda, led by the
Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with federal and local government entities, the
private sector, and academic and research institutions.

She outlined the UAE's new entrepreneurship ecosystem initiatives, designed to enhance
the country's competitiveness and increase the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30% to
50% by the next decade. Notable initiatives include Riyada Fund, which allocates AED 300
million to support entrepreneurial ventures and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council, which
aims to unify national efforts to accelerate SME growth and strengthen collaboration
between key stakeholders. In this context, she encouraged entrepreneurs and startups to
leverage these enablers and incentives, along with the Future100 initiative.

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