Page 644 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025 (International)

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 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.

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