Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Hub71, has hit a new milestone, with startups in its community collectively raising more than $2.7 billion (AED 9.9B) since its inception in 2019. According to its 2025 Impact Report, the ecosystem’s startups also generated a cumulative $1.5 billion (AED 5.4B) in revenue, signaling a maturing market where companies are finding commercial traction alongside capital.
Quick Facts
- Cumulative startup funding surpassed $2.7 billion.
- Total startup revenue reached $1.5 billion.
- Startup applications grew 62% in 2025.
A Year of Accelerated Growth
The report highlights significant momentum in 2025 alone. Startups within the Hub71 community secured $599 million in fresh funding and generated $175 million in revenue during the year. This growth was matched by a surge in global interest, with Hub71 receiving over 5,000 applications from founders worldwide, a 62% increase compared to 2024. The ecosystem welcomed 52 new startups in 2025, expanding its total community to 390 ventures.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), noted that the results reflect Abu Dhabi’s progress in building a competitive, innovation-led economy. He stated that startups are contributing to investment and long-term economic growth while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a location for tech companies to establish, scale, and compete internationally.
Beyond Funding: Securing Commercial Deals
A key indicator of the ecosystem’s development is the growing volume of commercial partnerships. Between 2022 and 2025, Hub71 startups signed corporate agreements worth $244 million. This focus on commercialization demonstrates that startups are moving beyond early-stage growth and successfully integrating their technologies with established industries.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, commented that the community’s growth reflects Abu Dhabi’s increasing attractiveness to entrepreneurs and the strength of the ecosystem supporting startup development.
Expanding Global Reach and Sector Focus
In 2025, Hub71 broadened its international network through strategic partnerships in key markets, including Japan, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Portugal, and the United States. To further support global founders, it launched an Immersion Program designed to help high-potential startups with market entry into Abu Dhabi.
The ecosystem also deepened its sector-specific support by launching Hub71+ Life Sciences. This new platform adds healthcare, biotechnology, and advanced life sciences to its existing specialist programs focused on AI, ClimateTech, and Digital Assets, aiming to attract specialized ventures to the emirate.
About Hub71
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that connects founders with a network of investors, corporate partners, government bodies, and talent. Launched in 2019, it provides startups with the resources and strategic opportunities needed to scale from Abu Dhabi. The ecosystem supports ventures across various stages and sectors, with specialized programs in AI, ClimateTech, Digital Assets, and Life Sciences.
Source: Waya
