Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Startups in Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem Hub71 have collectively raised more than $2.7 billion (Dh9.9 billion) in funding and generated $1.5 billion (Dh5.4 billion) in revenue since the platform's launch in 2019.
The figures were released on Monday in Hub71's 2025 Impact Report, which points to a period of sustained growth across the ecosystem supported by Abu Dhabi's international appeal.
In 2025 alone, Hub71 startups raised $599 million (Dh2.2 billion) and generated $175 million (Dh645 million) in revenue. Hub71's startups have also signed corporate contracts worth $244 million (Dh897 million) between 2022 and 2025, including $37 million (Dh137 million) in deals secured last year.
Momentum across the ecosystem was further mirrored in startup applications, which totalled 5,092, up 62% from the previous year.
"Hub71's performance reflects the sustained progress Abu Dhabi is achieving in building a more competitive, innovation-led economy. Startups are contributing to investment and long-term growth, while strengthening the emirate's position as a place where ambitious technology companies can build, scale, and compete globally," said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
The ecosystem welcomed 52 startups last year, expanding its community to more than 390 companies representing 69 nationalities. Of those, 295 have been onboarded through Hub71 programmes that connect founders with investors, corporates, regulators and strategic partners.
"We set a mission in 2019 to build a globally competitive ecosystem that would help startups grow and scale out of Abu Dhabi," Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, said during a media roundtable on Monday. The latest figures show that the ecosystem is delivering on that promise.
"The growth of our community reflects the increasing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a destination for founders, the calibre, and ambition of the entrepreneurs at Hub71, and the strength of the ecosystem partners supporting them."
As part of its specialist ecosystem strategy which aligns with Abu Dhabi's long-term economic priorities, Hub71 also launched Hub71+ Life Sciences in 2025, joining Hub71+ AI, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Digital Assets.
An Era of AI
Peter Abou Hachem, Head of Growth and Strategy at Hub71, said artificial intelligence remains the largest source of applications, with the ecosystem currently supporting 57 AI startups.
Hub71's 2025 progress was also marked by increased engagement with investors and partners across key markets - including Hong Kong, Japan, Portugal, India, Ireland, and the United States - to create new growth startups building from Abu Dhabi.
The ecosystem launched its Immersion Programme in 2025 to help high-growth international startups establish a base in Abu Dhabi for regional and global expansion.
It welcomed cohorts from Hong Kong and Japan last year through partnerships with HSITP, Cyberport, MTR Lab, and JETRO.
Hub71 executives said Abu Dhabi's ability to bring together investors, regulators, government entities and corporates within a single ecosystem continues to differentiate it from competing startup hubs.
Expansion Plans Steady
Asked about the impact of recent regional developments on the ecosystem, Hub71 officials told Aletihad that startup expansion plans have remained steady, with little evidence of disruptions.
Mohammed Alkhoori, Head of Marketing and Communications at Hub71, noted that all 27 companies selected for the ecosystem's latest cohort were international startups that had proceeded with plans to relocate or expand into Abu Dhabi.
"We've seen in the last two months several of our startups raise funds from international investors," said Divya Nair, Startup Journey Lead at Hub71. Notably, startup RemotePass, recently secured $17.4 million in funding to support global expansion.
