SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE continues to strengthen its status as a global launchpad for startups, cross-border trade, and digital innovation, backed by robust infrastructure, strong investor appetite and a founder-friendly environment, business experts told Aletihad.
Its strategic location and dynamic ecosystem give startups a natural advantage as they scale beyond borders, said Elliot Loyd Denham, Head of Programmes for Sandbox at venture capital firm Oraseya Capital.
"Within five hours of flying from the UAE, you can reach around three billion people. The UAE is strategically located for growth and movement between East and West," he told Aletihad.
Denham added that the country's diversity and openness make it an ideal testing ground for new ideas. "The UAE is an eclectic mix of cultures, people, and backgrounds. It is a fantastic melting pot for diversity and a place where companies can experiment and grow."
A well-connected, open marketplace also makes it easier for companies to find and attract skilled talent, strengthen operations, and expand internationally, said Tarek Mounir, Founder and CEO of fitness training startup Enhance.
"One of the UAE's biggest advantages is talent. We've been able to build a very international team here," Mounir said. "From a digital infrastructure perspective, it has been straightforward to build, hire, and operate globally from here."
However, companies must be prepared to navigate the region's diversity, he added. "When you build in the UAE, you quickly realise that the GCC is not one single market… So product development has to be flexible enough to adapt to those nuances," said Mounir, whose firm has since expanded into the US.
Digital trade platforms are also tapping into the UAE's advantages. Ahmed Kadhum, Chief Investment Officer of TradeX, said companies are leveraging the country's advanced digital infrastructure to build integrated platforms that connect local businesses with global traders.
He added that the UAE's regulatory and financial frameworks help mitigate cross-border risks and provide a secure base for international trade.
Denham said access to capital and regulatory backing remain strong. Nearly half of the capital raised in MENA in 2025 came from international investors, he noted.
He added that "the level of regulatory support in the UAE is unparalleled", creating fertile ground for building, growing, and scaling businesses.
Investors remain upbeat about emerging sectors, Denham said, but continue to prioritise founder-market fit, problem-solution alignment, and scalability.