Technology is reshaping UAE’s entrepreneurship landscape

Technology is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the entrepreneurship scene in the United Arab Emirates. Innovation-based startups are becoming a major driver of the national economy and a primary source of employment and sustainable solutions. This contributes to enhancing the country’s global competitiveness among the most advanced economies in adopting technology.

Through its advanced initiatives, the UAE continues to strengthen its entrepreneurial ecosystem by empowering innovators and providing a supportive environment for the prosperity of tech startups. It was among the first countries in the region to foresee the potential of digital transformation in this vital sector, establishing its position as a regional hub for tech entrepreneurship, attracting high-quality investments, and accelerating the integration of technology in key sectors such as education, healthcare, financial services, and transportation.

Emirati startups are emerging as key players in the technology sector, expanding their presence in specialized fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain applications, robotics, and smart solutions for sustainable cities. These ventures have benefited from the integrated support ecosystem provided by the country, especially in climate technology sectors. The UAE offers companies access to competitive financing, advanced business incubators, and a sophisticated digital infrastructure, along with direct government support to accelerate the adoption of smart environmental solutions.

He pointed out that HyveGeo is developing high-quality biochar specifically designed to suit the characteristics of desert soil, enhanced with innovative biological compounds that can accelerate soil formation from five years to just one month, while being capable of storing carbon for more than a thousand years.

He explained that this technology contributes to the reclamation of desert lands and the promotion of sustainable agriculture, benefiting from the innovative environment the UAE offers. He affirmed that the UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, represent fertile grounds for green innovation and entrepreneurship.

International reports confirm that the UAE is steadily progressing toward strengthening its position as a regional and global hub for advanced technology, amid a significant expansion in digital investments, continuous government support for developing digital infrastructure, and flexible legislation that attracts talent and capital.

According to Research and Markets report, the UAE digital transformation market size is estimated at $0.99 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $2.23 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 15.09% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The UAE Fintech Report 2024, said fintech continued to dominate venture capital (VC) funding in the UAE, accounting for 32% of total funding volume in H1. This underscores the sector’s prominence in the domestic tech landscape and reflects the impact of government initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and investment. This vital sector contributes 8.7% of the country’s GDP.

UAE Clean Technology Market Size & Outlook, 2024-2030 by Grand View Research said the clean technology market in the UAE is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$ 9,445.8 million by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 12.2% is expected of the UAE clean technology market from 2025 to 2030.

The UAE continues to strengthen its support for startups and entrepreneurship through flexible government policies, advanced legislation, and world-class infrastructure, making it one of the most attractive destinations for investors and entrepreneurs globally.

The UAE’s economic vision, centred on diversification, sustainability, and innovation, plays a key role in fostering the startup sector. The country offers a competitive environment that attracts talent and drives growth in non-oil industries such as technology, finance, and renewable energy.

With regulations encouraging foreign investment, including full ownership in many sectors, tax incentives, and specialised free zones, the UAE is a global hub for startups. Government initiatives like “Operation 300bn” and startup incubators such as Hub71 further enhance its appeal.

Within this framework, the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award emerges as a leading initiative that strengthens quality standards and competitiveness in the business sector. It recognises companies with outstanding performance and innovation, boosting their market position and encouraging expansion.