Page 602 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025 (International)

3/19/25, 1:54 PM Future100 initiative discusses fostering innovation in tech and sustainable ventures and enhancing UAE's entrepreneurial ecosyste…

Future100 initiative discusses fostering
innovation in tech and sustainable ventures

and enhancing UAE's entrepreneurial
ecosystem

24-7 Press Release Newswire Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 12:00pm GMT+4

The number of startup applications in the sustainability and environmental sectors grew by 43% under the
Future100 initiative

ABU DHABI, UAE, March 01, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Future100 initiative reaffirmed its commitment to
accelerating the growth of SMEs in future economy sectors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), fostering a
comprehensive investment ecosystem aligned with technological advancements, and enhancing economic growth
opportunities. This commitment aims to drive a transformative shift in the UAE's economy and solidify the
country's position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

It was highlighted during the initiative's panel sessions held recently, attended by H.E. Alia bint Abdullah Al
Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State
for Government Development and the Future; along with a diverse group of entrepreneurs, startups, investment
funds, business incubators and accelerators, and global companies specializing in technology and innovation.

These discussions took place as part of Investopia 2025, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

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

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