UAE Launches National Campaign to Become the Startup Capital of the World
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Ambitious National Vision
The United Arab Emirates has launched an unprecedented national campaign aiming to establish itself as the Startup Capital of the World. This bold initiative reflects a strategic shift from participation to leadership in the global startup ecosystem.
2. Extensive Entrepreneurial Training
A key pillar of the campaign is the commitment to train 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs by 2030. This investment in human capital is designed to cultivate innovative minds equipped to drive future economic growth.
3. Job Creation at Scale
Beyond education, the campaign aims to unlock 30,000 new jobs over the next decade. This demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to fostering a thriving startup environment that generates substantial employment opportunities.
4. Comprehensive Support Ecosystem
The campaign will integrate various resources, including funding, mentorship, and infrastructure, to create an end-to-end support system that enables startups to flourish on both regional and international stages.
5. Strategic Positioning and Global Leadership
By championing innovation and entrepreneurship, the UAE is positioning itself as a global hub for startups, attracting investors and talent worldwide while setting a benchmark for economic diversification and sustainability.
The UAE is no longer just joining the startup race, it’s leading it.
The country has just unveiled a bold national campaign to become the Startup Capital of the World, and if you’re waiting for the right time with a bank of business ideas, this is your front-row invitation.
The scale of this campaign is unprecedented, set to train 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs and unlock 30,000 new jobs by 2030.
And the momentum is already here. In just the first half of this year, UAE startups pulled in over $541 million in funding, a clear sign of investor confidence in the Emirates’ startup future.
At Meydan Free Zone, we’re ready to help founders ride this wave from idea to global scale with a full ecosystem including digital setup and flexible licensing, tailored for different needs.
Understanding The UAE’s National Startup Campaign
The UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched a landmark national campaign to cement its place as the “Startup Capital of the World”.
Backed by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the campaign is designed to put young entrepreneurs at the centre of the country’s next growth story while reinforcing the UAE’s global reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship.
At its core, the campaign means:
- 50+ incubators and accelerators mentoring, funding, and guiding founders.
- 10,000 young Emirati entrepreneurs trained and equipped with the skills to launch.
- 30,000 new jobs unlocked across emerging industries.
- A strong push to grow SMEs which are already making up 95% of UAE businesses and 63% of non-oil GDP growth
- A cultural shift toward innovation, creativity, and diversification beyond oil-trade
This campaign isn’t just about startups, it’s about shaping the UAE’s next chapter of growth, powered by youth and innovation.
UAE’s Key Initiatives to Turn Ideas into Enterprises
Here’s how the UAE is giving founders the real tools they need through this campaign:
The UAE’s Blueprint for a Globally Competitive Startup Ecosystem
From infrastructure to leadership, the UAE is mapping out a startup ecosystem built to compete globally.
Here’s how:
Infrastructure built to scale:
The UAE already has the ideal groundwork locked in: 100% foreign ownership in Free Zones, digital-first government services, quick company setup powered by entities like Meydan Free Zone, plus a strong network of incubators and accelerators. Plus, the UAE ranks first in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) for four years running, with five of seven Arab unicorns calling it home, and CEPAs opening doors to markets.
Strong leadership vision:
This UAE National Campaign is backed by leadership that sees youth entrepreneurship as the engine of growth. H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Minister Abdulla bin Touq call it a national mission with 50+ entities training 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs and creating 30,000 jobs.
Completing the bigger picture:
All of this builds on what the UAE already does best: strong infrastructure, investor-friendly laws, and a culture of innovation. Ranked among the top 20 globally for ease of doing business, UAE’s National Campaign now takes these unique strengths further, building not just startups, but a globally competitive ecosystem.
In Conclusion
This campaign isn’t just about startups, it’s about creating a culture where ideas can grow. For Emirati youth, it’s a chance to step up as job creators rather than job seekers. For global founders, it’s an open invitation to scale in a market where capital, talent, and opportunity come together.
As the UAE positions itself as the Startup Capital of the World, Meydan Free Zone makes that journey easier and faster, giving you the speed, freedom, and credibility to be part of that story, from day one.
FAQs
1. What is the UAE’s national startup campaign?
It is a government initiative to position the UAE as the “Startup Capital of the World,” training 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs and creating 30,000 jobs by 2030.
2. Why is the UAE becoming the Startup Capital of the World?
The UAE already ranks first in global entrepreneurship and is investing in training, incubators, and policies to build a competitive startup ecosystem.
3. What support do Emirati entrepreneurs get from the campaign?
They receive access to 50+ incubators, StartupEmirates.ae, specialised training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and exposure at national expos.
4. Does the UAE campaign benefit international entrepreneurs?
Yes, it strengthens the wider ecosystem with more talent, funding, and investor activity, while Free Zones like Meydan offer 100% foreign ownership.
5. Which industries will benefit most from the UAE’s startup push?
Tech, fintech, real estate, creative industries, and advanced services are key growth sectors supported by training and policy initiatives.
