The UAE has secured the top position worldwide in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for the fourth consecutive year.

April 3, 2025 515

UAE Tops Global Entrepreneurship Rankings for the Fourth Consecutive Year

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again secured the #1 global ranking in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025, marking its fourth consecutive year as the best country for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Among 56 economies assessed, the UAE ranked first in 11 out of 13 key indicators, reaffirming its position as a leading global hub for startups and innovation.

Key Areas Where the UAE Leads

The GEM report highlights several areas where the UAE excels in fostering entrepreneurship, including:
✅ Entrepreneurial finance – Ease of access to funding.
✅ Government policies – Strong support for startups, including tax incentives and simplified bureaucracy.
✅ Education & training – Entrepreneurship education at school and post-school levels.
✅ Research & development (R&D) transfer – Advanced innovation frameworks.
✅ Infrastructure & market entry – Business-friendly regulations and commercial infrastructure.
✅ Cultural and social norms – High awareness and ambition towards entrepreneurship.

Visionary Leadership and Entrepreneurial Growth

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, emphasized that this achievement reflects the UAE’s proactive economic vision, driven by its leadership’s commitment to:

  • Building a world-class startup ecosystem
  • Strengthening the digital and new economy
  • Providing accessible funding solutions for SMEs
  • Positioning the UAE as a global entrepreneurship hub by 2031

Key Factors Behind the UAE’s Entrepreneurial Success

  1. US$8.7 billion investment in SME growth and innovation as part of the Projects of the 50 initiative.
  2. 100% foreign ownership of businesses, attracting global entrepreneurs.
  3. Record-high Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2023.
  4. A thriving startup culture, with:
  • 67% of adults confident in their ability to start a business.
  • 70% of Emiratis seeing strong local business opportunities.
  • 75% of early-stage entrepreneurs planning to employ at least six people in the next five years.
  • 80% of startups integrating digital technologies.
  • 55% of businesses serving customers outside the UAE.

UAE’s Entrepreneurial Future: The Road to 2031

The UAE’s dominance in the GEM National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI) further underscores its commitment to reaching one million SMEs by 2031. With continued government support, foreign investments, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, the UAE is set to maintain its position as a top global destination for entrepreneurs.