By Staff Reporter
The UAE has launched a landmark initiative to position itself as a premier destination for entrepreneurs worldwide.
The national campaign, “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,” was unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, aiming to strengthen the country’s global entrepreneurship standing.
The campaign is led by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in partnership with the UAE Government Media Office, the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship, and over 50 government and private entities, business incubators, accelerators, and academic institutions.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and business-friendly policies.
“This campaign reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to establish the nation as the premier destination for global talent, innovators, and entrepreneurs,”
he said.
The UAE recently topped the 2024-2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for the fourth consecutive year, leading 11 out of 13 high-income country indicators and earning recognition as the best destination for SMEs among 56 economies. SMEs represent 95% of active businesses and contributed 63.5% of the nation’s non-oil GDP by mid-2022, with five out of seven newly minted Arab unicorns based in the UAE.
Key initiatives under the campaign include the StartupEmirates.ae platform targeting 10,000 entrepreneurs and 30,000 jobs within five years, the Entrepreneurship Programme training 10,000 Emiratis, and projects supporting Emirati-led real estate, tax, and construction ventures. A national exhibition and graduate business projects showcase will promote early-stage entrepreneurship.
The UAE Council for Entrepreneurship emphasized coordination between federal and local entities, financial institutions, and academic institutions to empower youth, support SMEs, and boost national economic competitiveness. The campaign underscores the UAE’s comprehensive infrastructure, legislative framework, and strategic incentives as a launchpad for global startups.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
