The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has retained its position as the world’s top entrepreneurship powerhouse, securing the #1 global ranking in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025 for the fourth consecutive year. The UAE outperformed 56 economies in key metrics, solidifying its reputation as the premier destination for startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Key Achievements
- Unmatched Performance: Ranked #1 among high-income nations in 11 out of 13 indicators, including entrepreneurial finance, government policy support, R&D transfer, and ease of market entry.
- National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI): Topped the NECI rankings, which assess institutional frameworks for entrepreneurship, for the fourth straight year.
- Vision 2031 Alignment: The UAE’s initiatives, including $8.7 billion allocated for SME growth under the Projects of the 50 and 100% foreign ownership policies, have bolstered its innovation-driven economy.
- Driving Factors
- Government Support: Policies like tax incentives, streamlined bureaucracy, and entrepreneurship education at all levels.
- Cultural Shift: 67% of UAE adults believe they possess entrepreneurial skills, while 70% see strong local opportunities.
- Future-Ready Focus: 78% of startups prioritize social/environmental impact, and 80% plan to adopt AI/digital tools.
Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, emphasized the country’s commitment to building a “global hub for the new economy” by 2031, driven by sectors like AI, renewable energy, and fintech25.
The UAE’s sustained leadership underscores its business-friendly ecosystem, strategic investments, and visionary policies, positioning it as a model for entrepreneurship worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- Fourth consecutive #1 ranking in GEM Report 2024/2025.
- Top performer in 11/13 indicators, including funding access and policy suppor1.
- Vision 2031 aims to establish the UAE as a global innovation hub.
