UAE launches campaign to become world’s startup capital

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled a new national initiative titled “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World.” The strategic campaign seeks to strengthen the UAE’s global position as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation while creating a vibrant ecosystem for Emirati talent.

Supervised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in cooperation with the UAE Government Media Office and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council, the initiative brings together over 50 incubators, accelerators, and national institutions, alongside key public and private sector partners. It aims to provide Emirati youth with integrated support platforms, specialised training, and business opportunities to drive innovation and diversify the economy.

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Announcing the campaign, Sheikh Mohammed said the initiative’s goal is to nurture 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, create thousands of economic opportunities, and raise awareness about entrepreneurship’s role in economic development. He noted that small and medium-sized enterprises already contribute more than 63% of the UAE’s non-oil GDP and that the country ranks first among 56 global economies in SME support.

Among the key programmes under this initiative is StartupEmirates.ae, a digital platform launched in partnership with the New Economy Academy. The platform offers free mentorship, training sessions, shared workspaces, networking events, and cross-border partnerships, targeting 30,000 new jobs by 2030.

Other flagship initiatives include:

• Entrepreneurship Programme: Training 10,000 Emiratis through beginner and advanced tracks, from business setup to global expansion.

• Content Creator Programme: Preparing 50 Emiratis to produce specialised content in economics and entrepreneurship.

• Project Management Experts Programme: Training and licensing 500 professionals in housing project management.

• UAE Tax Agent Programme: Certifying 500 Emirati tax agents through intensive VAT and corporate tax training.

• Real Estate Incubation: Supporting the launch of 250 licensed Emirati real estate companies.

• Young Entrepreneurs & Graduate Business Expo: Nationwide expos to promote entrepreneurship among students and graduates.

• Federal Procurement Participation: Enabling startups to access and compete in government tenders under the Ministry of Finance.

Highlighting the vision, Sheikh Mohammed said: “The UAE is home to 50 business incubators. Our SMEs form the backbone of the economy and our objective is to inspire youth to establish companies, drive development, and seize the vast opportunities in our dynamic economy.”

The campaign reflects the UAE’s ambition to position itself as the global gateway for startups and an international leader in entrepreneurship.