Reinforcing Dubai’s status as a premier global destination for tech and innovation, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has announced significant progress in cultivating the emirate’s startup landscape. In the first nine months of 2025, the entity successfully supported the establishment and expansion of 582 digital startups, a testament to its strategic efforts to build a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem.
AI Leads The Charge As Global Talent Flocks To Dubai
An analysis of the newly supported companies reveals a strong focus on cutting-edge technologies. The Artificial Intelligence sector was the most active, accounting for 21% of the startups. This was closely followed by HealthTech, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and FinTech, which collectively represented 17% of the cohort.
A key indicator of Dubai’s international appeal is that approximately 70% of these startups were founded by entrepreneurs from outside the UAE, highlighting the city’s magnetic pull for global talent and investment.
A Vision For A Global Digital Hub
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, commented on the achievement.
“In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we remain committed to consolidating the emirate’s position as a central hub in the global digital economy. We are building an advanced business environment defined by agility, readiness, and innovation to keep pace with rapid technological change, while enabling digital companies to grow and expand from Dubai into global markets.”
Strategic Support And Global Outreach
The Chamber’s “Business in Dubai” platform has been instrumental in this growth, acting as a crucial bridge connecting startups with investors, potential clients, and strategic partners. The support was comprehensive, with nearly 47% of companies receiving setup and incubation assistance, while 32% leveraged the Chamber’s diverse business services.
To further bolster these initiatives, the Chamber published four key industry reports, including The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook, and executed a robust engagement strategy. This included 15 local events and 16 international roadshows spanning 17 cities, which successfully connected with over 2,140 digital startups and investors.
About Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
Operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is dedicated to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global leader in the digital economy. It focuses on attracting leading tech companies, supporting digital startups, and creating a world-class infrastructure for entrepreneurship and innovation to thrive.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
