Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Momentum is building around the UAE's ambition to become a global hub for entrepreneurship. With a supportive regulatory framework, accessible funding, a robust innovation ecosystem, and a future-focused national strategy, the country offers an ideal environment for startups to grow and succeed, experts say.
The "The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World" national campaign has been a major push to inspire homegrown innovation, attract talent, and position the UAE at the forefront of the international startup landscape.
Led by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in partnership with over 50 incubators, accelerators, and strategic partners, the initiative aims to train 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, create thousands of opportunities, and further boost SMEs.
In the country's evolving startup ecosystem, value is increasingly measured by long-term impact rather than short-term financial returns, said Mansoor Jafar, Head of Operations at ADGM Academy.
"For me, our DNA is impact. First, we will develop our national workforce. Second, we want to create intellectual property that can be showcased to the world. Third, we are not just signing on the dotted line; we value partnerships because they focus on creating solutions through innovative ideas," he told Aletihad.
The goal is to create impact by turning big ideas into thriving ventures, Jafar said.
"You will see that we will be producing national talent - organically trained and grown from here. That would be our contribution to our country. We also want to stage products to the world as a centre of excellence, support Make it in the Emirates, and engage local universities to create a knowledge hub," he added.
From AI to Agriculture
A flourishing AI sector stands as a prime example of the UAE's momentum in the global startup arena. The focus on emerging technologies is also evident at ADGM Academy, where innovation is central to strategy.
"Any solution, programme, product, or service we do should have AI at its centre of excellence," Jafar said.
"The beauty of that impact is that these technologies - AI, fintech, blockchain, cybersecurity - are designed to work together. We are giving a one-stop solution through this centre of excellence."
Beyond AI, agriculture is another sector that also builds talent, fosters entrepreneurship, and opens diverse economic opportunities, according to Hamed Al Hamed, founder of Gracia Group and Chairman of the Emirates Agricultural Pioneers Association.
Al Hamed said the industry stands to benefit from the "The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World" campaign, particularly its focus on nurturing Emirati entrepreneurs.
"We need innovative entrepreneurial cadres working in the agricultural sector. Building such cadres will yield accurate readings of production quantities, which, in turn, will lead us to food security," he said.
Al Hamed noted that such national campaigns create real impact "because they bring government entities, the private sector, and community efforts together".
Jafar urged those considering the startup journey to take the leap - "take the first step, whether it's big or small".
"We will literally hold your hand and guide you through the whole process, supported by the ecosystem of this country and sincere partners who want to create impact."
