Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
Entrepreneurs in the UAE are growing more confident and globally engaged, with a majority planning to grow their businesses beyond local borders, according to the Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025 released by HSBC.
The annual report, which surveyed 2,939 business owners across 15 global markets, explores the strategic priorities and expectations of entrepreneurs, including those based in the UAE.
Approximately 98% of surveyed entrepreneurs in the UAE expressed confidence in the future performance of their businesses—one of the highest confidence levels globally—while 96% expect their personal wealth to increase over the coming years. This optimism is linked to strong investment performance, technological adoption, and a vibrant economic landscape that maintains strong appeal for both local and global investors.
Building on this confidence, the report highlights that many UAE entrepreneurs view international expansion as a top priority. About 60% of business owners in the UAE say they are actively considering entering markets abroad, with Europe, Asia, and North America emerging as priority destinations for growth. This international push aligns with a broader shift toward global market access, foreign partnerships, and a diversified revenue base.
Another defining characteristic of UAE business owners is their global mobility. A majority split their time across more than one country, reflecting a dynamic lifestyle and diversified business interests with international reach.
The report identifies four asset categories as the most widely held among the global entrepreneurial cohort: life insurance, non-primary real estate, private equity, and cash or cash equivalents. These allocations indicate a preference for diversification, liquidity, and long-term wealth preservation—themes that remained consistent among UAE respondents.
Collectively, HSBC’s findings present the UAE as a market characterised by high entrepreneurial confidence, strong wealth expectations, and rising international engagement. The report suggests that UAE business owners are transitioning from domestic operations to a more global phase defined by international expansion, mobility, and sophisticated wealth strategies.
