In a recent meeting led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and the Chairman of the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship, significant advancements in the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem were discussed. The council focused on the development and sustainability of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector, which is crucial for the UAE’s economic diversification and growth.
National Initiative Outcomes
The council reviewed the remarkable results of the national entrepreneurship campaign, “The UAE: Capital of Entrepreneurs Worldwide,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in September 2025. This initiative has resulted in qualitative outcomes, including the training and qualification of over 400 Emiratis, with 214 participants benefiting from the “Riyada” programme, achieving a satisfaction rate of 97%. Additionally, 41 government initiatives were launched across nine sectors in collaboration with ten partner entities in five emirates.
Financial Investments and Support for Entrepreneurs
The campaign also facilitated government purchases reaching a total value of AED 202 million, with AED 78.6 million stemming from 55 contracts with seven government entities and AED 123.4 million at a federal level. Furthermore, the initiative saw the registration of 405 suppliers, supported 30 real estate companies, registered 46 tax agents, and licensed 40 project management experts. In addition, the programme empowered 49 Emirati families and supported 100 student projects.
Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Al Marri affirmed that the UAE’s leadership has shown a strong commitment to enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape by supporting SMEs, acknowledged as a primary driver of economic growth and competitiveness. He underscored that this approach has fostered a comprehensive framework of support tools and programmes tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs, facilitating the growth and expansion of their ventures.
He stated, “The UAE Council for Entrepreneurship serves as a national platform to unify efforts and develop initiatives that back the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, which constitute 95% of the total companies operating in the country and provide 85% of private sector jobs.” The success of the national campaign illustrates the impact of this ecosystem, showcasing a range of qualitative programmes and initiatives that enhance the UAE’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and startups.
Future Collaboration and Initiatives
The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration between federal and local entities to develop a national entrepreneurship strategy. Discussions revolved around the phased implementation principles of this strategy and mechanisms for coordinating roles among federal and local agencies to ensure clear responsibilities and flexible execution. Additionally, governance mechanisms and the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of implemented initiatives were discussed.
Moreover, updates on the “Mobile Accelerators in Villages” initiative, aimed at expanding access for entrepreneurs in targeted rural areas to necessary resources and services for project development, were shared.
Global Entrepreneurial Rankings
The UAE continues to excel in global entrepreneurship indicators, maintaining its position as the world’s top nation for the fifth consecutive year in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report for 2025-2026. The UAE also ranked second globally in the “Venture Financing” and “Ease of Access to Venture Financing” categories within the same report. Notably, the number of active licenses for SMEs in the UAE has grown by over 140% over the past five years, compared to 2020, and by an impressive 900% over the last 20 years since 2000.