UAE Launches Ambitious Campaign to Become Global Startup Hub
In a bold move to position the United Arab Emirates as a leading global destination for entrepreneurship, the UAE government has launched a national campaign titled “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World.” Announced on September 21, 2025, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative aims to empower Emirati youth and foster a thriving startup ecosystem.
Empowering Emirati Youth Through Entrepreneurship
Central to the campaign is the establishment of StartupEmirates.ae, a comprehensive digital platform designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs. The platform offers a range of resources, including mentorship, training programs, co-working spaces, and funding opportunities, to help young Emiratis turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses. The initiative seeks to train 10,000 Emiratis and create 30,000 new job opportunities by 2030.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that the campaign reflects the UAE leadership's vision to establish the nation as the premier destination for global talent, innovators, and entrepreneurs. He highlighted that the UAE has secured the top position in global entrepreneurship rankings for several consecutive years, excelling in multiple indicators for high-income countries.
A Collaborative Effort Across Sectors
The campaign brings together over 50 entities from both the public and private sectors, including government agencies, academic institutions, and business incubators. This collaborative approach aims to create an inclusive environment that nurtures entrepreneurial talent and unlocks economic potential.
As part of the initiative, the UAE government has announced investments worth AED 8.7 billion to promote innovation and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs currently make up around 95% of the UAE's active businesses and contribute 63.5% of the non-oil GDP, making their growth a key pillar of economic development.
Key Programs Under the Campaign
The “Emirates: The Start-up Capital of the World” campaign encompasses several key programs:
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Entrepreneurship Programme: Aimed at training 10,000 Emiratis to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to launch and manage successful start-ups.
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Project Management Experts Programme: Designed to license 500 Emiratis to manage residential construction projects, providing them with expertise to oversee the full lifecycle of housing developments.
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StartupEmirates.ae Platform: A digital hub offering mentorship, training, co-working spaces, and funding opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs.
These programs provide comprehensive support to Emirati youth, enabling them to benefit from the UAE’s unique economic environment through an integrated ecosystem of initiatives, platforms, and specialized programs.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of this national campaign marks a significant step toward solidifying the UAE's position as a global hub for entrepreneurship. By empowering Emirati youth and fostering a supportive ecosystem for start-ups, the UAE aims to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on oil, and create sustainable job opportunities for its citizens.
As the world continues to evolve, initiatives like “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” demonstrate the UAE's commitment to innovation, economic growth, and the development of a vibrant entrepreneurial community.