Page 76 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025

During the 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 also 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.

Role of Startups in Addressing Critical Challenges

Sarah Shaw emphasized that companies within the initiative were among the first to receive
the Sustainable Impact Project Seal from Majra, an accolade recognizing organizations
committed to sustainability and social impact. It demonstrates that the participating companies'
dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, enhances their resilience
when addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
She also noted a 43% increase in sustainability and environment-focused startup applications
under the Future100 initiative, reflecting the maturity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and its
alignment with the UAE Green Agenda 2030.

Cisco Digital Innovation Award

A session titled "Cisco Digital Innovation Award: Recognizing Excellence in Innovation"
showcased Cisco’s Product Innovation Lab, launched in partnership with the Ministry of
Economy to enhance the capabilities of SMEs through innovative solutions. The session
featured Bassam Shaker, General Manager of Creative Advanced Technologies.
Emerging Technologies and Accelerating the Future