The United Arab Emirates has retained its position as the world’s leading hub for entrepreneurship for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025/2026 report.
- Leadership Vision Drives Entrepreneurial Growth
- UAE Leads High-Income Economies Across Key Indicators
- Strong Policy Framework and “We the UAE 2031” Vision
- AI Readiness and Sustainability Take Centre Stage
- High Startup Activity Signals a Thriving Ecosystem
- Global Market Access Strengthens UAE’s Position
- Education and Female Entrepreneurship on the Rise
- Funding Ecosystem Powers Startup Growth
- A Global Benchmark for Entrepreneurship
Notably, the UAE outperformed several advanced economies, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most business-friendly environments globally.
Leadership Vision Drives Entrepreneurial Growth
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said the achievement reflects the country’s long-term vision to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
He emphasised that entrepreneurship and SMEs remain central to national growth. Moreover, the UAE continues to show resilience and adaptability amid global and regional shifts.
UAE Leads High-Income Economies Across Key Indicators
The UAE ranked first among high-income economies in eight critical areas. These include:
- Physical infrastructure
- Government policy support and relevance
- Tax and bureaucracy frameworks
- Entrepreneurship programmes
- Research and development transfer
- Ease of market entry
- Regulatory simplicity
- Entrepreneurship education
In addition, the country secured second place globally for access to finance, highlighting strong funding systems and investor confidence.
Strong Policy Framework and “We the UAE 2031” Vision
The UAE’s performance aligns closely with its national roadmap, We the UAE 2031.
This strategy focuses on building a future-ready economy driven by:
- Artificial intelligence
- Financial technology
- Renewable energy
- Space innovation
Furthermore, initiatives like the “UAE: Global Entrepreneurship Capital” campaign continue to attract global talent and investors.
AI Readiness and Sustainability Take Centre Stage
The report highlights the UAE as one of only six countries where entrepreneurs unanimously recognise the importance of artificial intelligence over the next three years.
Additionally, the UAE—alongside countries like Taiwan, Norway, and Sweden—earned “excellent” ratings for both AI awareness and sustainability priorities. As a result, it demonstrates a balanced approach to innovation and long-term development.
High Startup Activity Signals a Thriving Ecosystem
Entrepreneurial activity in the UAE remains strong. More than one in five adults are actively starting new businesses.
- Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA): 19.2%
- Citizen participation: 19.6%
- Resident participation: 22.4%
This growth reflects strong incentives, streamlined processes, and access to capital. Moreover, a culture that values entrepreneurship continues to expand across society.
Global Market Access Strengthens UAE’s Position
The UAE ranks among the top five countries globally for startups’ ability to access international markets.
This advantage stems from world-class infrastructure and logistics networks. Consequently, entrepreneurs can connect easily with global consumers and scale faster.
Education and Female Entrepreneurship on the Rise
The UAE also ranks among the top five globally in entrepreneurship education at the school level. Schools now focus on:
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Risk assessment
At the same time, the country continues to support female entrepreneurs through better access to funding, mentorship, and resources. This inclusive approach strengthens the overall ecosystem.
Funding Ecosystem Powers Startup Growth
A diverse funding landscape remains a key strength. Entrepreneurs benefit from:
- Government-backed initiatives
- Venture capital firms
- Private investment funds
As a result, startups can scale efficiently and compete globally. This financial flexibility further boosts confidence among founders.
A Global Benchmark for Entrepreneurship
The GEM report, which covers 53 economies and represents a significant share of global GDP, confirms the UAE’s position as a benchmark for entrepreneurial excellence.
Overall, the country’s integrated policies, strong infrastructure, and forward-looking vision continue to make it a preferred destination for startups and innovators worldwide.
