The UAE has cemented its position as the world’s leading hub for entrepreneurs, securing the top spot globally for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025/2026 report. This sustained ranking highlights the country’s robust business environment and the effectiveness of its integrated support system for startups.
Quick Facts
- Ranked #1 globally for the 5th straight year.
- Leads the world in 8 key entrepreneurship indicators.
- Scored 7.0 points on the National Entrepreneurship Context Index.
Dissecting the Data: What Makes the UAE Stand Out
The UAE is one of only four countries globally to demonstrate advanced scores across all of GEM’s core entrepreneurship indicators. The report shows the nation leading in eight key areas, including the quality of its infrastructure, proactive government policies, available entrepreneurship programs, and R&D transfer. This is complemented by its high ranking for ease of market entry, making it a powerful magnet for global business and investment.
Further reinforcing its economic strength, the country also ranked second globally for entrepreneurial finance and ease of access to funding. This points to a mature financial system capable of fueling startup growth and expansion, solidifying the UAE’s reputation as a prime destination for both capital and talent. The nation’s high score of 7.0 on the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI) reflects strong confidence from investors and founders in the economic ecosystem.
Tech and AI Drive Future Growth
The report underscores the deep integration of technology within the UAE’s entrepreneurial fabric. A significant 66.6% of entrepreneurs rely on digital technologies to scale their operations. Looking ahead, more than half of founders expect Artificial Intelligence (AI) to play a major role in their future business activities, signaling a widespread move toward a digitally-driven economy.
This tech-forward mindset is reflected in the high levels of entrepreneurial activity, with an early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) index of 19.2% and a new business creation rate exceeding 20% among the adult population.
Global Ambitions Meet Sustainable Practices
UAE-based entrepreneurs are not just building for local markets; they have a distinctly global outlook. The report found that 73.6% of founders are aiming to create a worldwide impact with their ventures. The UAE was also ranked among the top five countries for ease of access to international markets, supported by its advanced logistics infrastructure.
Alongside this ambition is a growing commitment to sustainability. An impressive 87.7% of entrepreneurs actively consider their environmental impact, indicating a strong trend towards sustainable innovation and corporate responsibility within the startup sector.
About The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) is a large-scale international study that collects data on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world. It is considered one of the foremost indicators for measuring entrepreneurial activity and analyzing business environments across dozens of economies.
Source: Almontasaf
