The UAE has launched the “UAE, The World’s Capital of Entrepreneurs” national campaign, a major strategic initiative designed to solidify the nation’s standing as the premier global destination for entrepreneurs and startups. Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign integrates a comprehensive suite of programs to empower founders, stimulate innovation, and diversify the national economy. The initiative is supervised by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with a broad coalition of over 50 public and private sector partners.
A Top-Ranked Ecosystem
The campaign builds upon the UAE’s proven success in fostering a world-class business environment. The nation was ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for 2024/2025, distinguishing it as the best place to start a business among 56 economies. This achievement is underpinned by the significant economic contribution of the SME sector, which accounted for 63.5% of the country’s non-oil GDP as of mid-2022. The strong entrepreneurial culture is evident, with 70% of the UAE population seeing strong local business opportunities and 75% of early-stage entrepreneurs expecting to expand their teams.
Strategic Investments and Key Initiatives
The UAE is backing its entrepreneurial ambitions with substantial investment and targeted programs. As part of the “Projects of the 50” initiative, the government has allocated AED 8.7 billion to boost innovation and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. This is complemented by flagship initiatives such as “100 Companies of the Future” and “Investopia,” which are designed to attract and nurture innovative startups in new and sustainable economic sectors. With 16 government entities dedicated to supporting SMEs, the UAE is actively helping local ventures gain expertise and access global markets, solidifying its position as the 17th-ranked country globally for nurturing unicorn companies.
Pro-Business Policies And Infrastructure
The nation’s appeal to entrepreneurs is rooted in a robust framework of pro-business policies and world-class infrastructure. Key advantages include 100% foreign ownership of companies across more than 2,000 economic activities, simplified government procedures, and a competitive corporate tax environment. The establishment of numerous economic free zones, a powerful banking system, and the availability of the 10-year Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and talented professionals further enhance the UAE’s investment climate. This supportive legal and logistical foundation allows founders to establish and scale their businesses with efficiency and confidence.
About The UAE National Entrepreneurship Campaign
“UAE, The World’s Capital of Entrepreneurs” is a national campaign designed to reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship. Led by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and supported by over 50 partners from government, the private sector, and academia, the initiative provides a comprehensive ecosystem of support, funding, and mentorship to empower local and international founders to launch and scale their ventures from the UAE.
Source: Zawya
