The UAE has strengthened its position as a top hub for startups, driven by its attractive investment environment, flexible business policies, and innovation-focused legislation.
International institutions have ranked the UAE highly for its start-up ecosystem, reflecting ongoing efforts to foster innovation.
Recent data from Statista shows the UAE leads the GCC, with over 5,600 start-ups registered by the second quarter of 2024. It is also a leader in the fintech sector, with more than 550 fintech companies currently operating in the country.
A report by Startup Genome confirms the UAE’s rapid rise in global rankings, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah showing significant growth.
Abu Dhabi was noted as the fastest-growing start-up ecosystem in the MENA region, with a start-up ecosystem valued at $4.2 billion between 2021 and 2023.
Hub71 in Abu Dhabi has been central to this growth, attracting tech start-ups that contribute to tackling global challenges.
Meanwhile, Dubai continues to lead regionally, with a start-up ecosystem valued at over $23 billion by the end of 2023. Dubai's In5 initiative, a TECOM Group subsidiary, has supported over 1,000 start-ups and raised AED 7.8 billion in funding since 2013.
Sharjah, with its 60,000 small and medium-sized businesses, also contributes significantly to the UAE’s start-up scene, with a start-up ecosystem valued at $424 million by the end of 2023.
The UAE's start-up success highlights its growing global influence as a key player in fostering economic innovation and growth.
UAE's economy leads growth in Gulf region in 2025: IMF
Nakheel awards contract for Palm Crown development on Palm Jumeirah
DP World to develop strategic border facilities in Afghanistan
Maktoum bin Mohammed chairs DREC Board meeting
Meta delays release of Phoenix mixed-reality glasses to 2027, say reports
