Page 668 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025 (International)

3/19/25, 2:10 PM Future100 initiative discusses fostering innovation in tech and sustainable ventures and enhancing UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem
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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