UAE Launches Global Startup Campaign to Empower Entrepreneurs by 2031

The United Arab Emirates has taken another bold step to shape its future economy. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a landmark campaign titled “The UAE: The Startup Capital of the World.”

The campaign, unveiled by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, aims to make the UAE the top destination for entrepreneurship. It is built to support Emirati youth, empower startups, and expand the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving non-oil growth.

With this initiative, the UAE is not only investing in its people but also creating a global platform where businesses can grow and thrive.

A Vision for the Future

At its heart, the campaign is about building a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The UAE wants to give its young people the tools and confidence they need to build successful companies.

To achieve this, the government has joined hands with over 50 partners. These include accelerators, incubators, and both public and private organizations. Together, they will create an ecosystem where new ideas can be tested, scaled, and taken to global markets.

The vision focuses on:

• Encouraging innovation in every sector of the economy.
• Growing SMEs to boost GDP and job creation.
• Attracting global investors and startups to the UAE.
• Empowering Emirati youth to lead the next growth phase.

This campaign shows how the UAE is shifting from an oil-based economy to a knowledge-based economy powered by entrepreneurship.

The Power of SMEs in the UAE

Small and medium-sized enterprises already play a major role in the UAE economy. They make up 95% of active businesses and contribute more than 63% of non-oil GDP.

By strengthening SMEs, the campaign is not just supporting business owners. It is helping create jobs, inspire innovation, and build industries of the future. This means young entrepreneurs will have greater chances to succeed, and the country will continue to attract talent and investment from across the globe.

Key Programmes and Initiatives

The UAE’s new campaign is packed with programmes that are practical, future-focused, and designed to help entrepreneurs succeed.

1. StartupEmirates.ae Digital Platform

This new platform will be the central hub for entrepreneurs. It will provide:

• Mentorship and expert advice
• Networking opportunities
• Shared workspaces
• Cross-border partnerships

The platform aims to attract 10,000 entrepreneurs and create 30,000 jobs by 2030.

2. Entrepreneurship Training Programme

The programme will train 10,000 Emiratis through beginner and advanced courses. These will cover everything from starting a business to expanding globally. The goal is to make Emirati entrepreneurs competitive on the world stage.

3. Specialised Training Schemes

Several specialized training tracks have been launched:

• 500 Emiratis trained as certified tax agents with the Federal Tax Authority.
• 500 Emiratis certified as construction project managers.
• 250 Emiratis supported to launch their own real estate companies.
• 50 Emiratis trained as content creators in economics and entrepreneurship.

These tracks are designed to build skills in high-demand industries and create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

4. Youth and Graduate Business Expos

These expos will give school and university students a stage to present their projects. They will also help connect young innovators with investors and industry experts.

5. Access to Government Contracts

For the first time, government tenders will be open to startups. Rules will be simplified, making it easier for small businesses to win contracts and grow faster

Why the Campaign Matters

This initiative is important not only for the UAE but also for the wider region. For four years in a row, the UAE has ranked first in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report. It leads in 11 of 13 indicators among high-income economies.

In addition, the UAE has produced five of the seven Arab unicorns—startups valued at over $1 billion. This shows the country’s strong track record as a launch pad for successful ventures.

By building on these strengths, the new campaign aims to:

• Boost non-oil GDP by growing the SME sector.
• Create high-quality jobs in new and emerging industries.
• Strengthen the UAE’s global position as an entrepreneurship hub.
• Provide Emirati youth with world-class skills and confidence.

A Call to Action from Leaders

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described the campaign as a national call to action. He explained that it brings together over 50 partners to create opportunities for 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs.

“Our goal is to build thousands of opportunities, train young people, and create a culture where entrepreneurship is central to our economy,” he said.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, added that the initiative is part of a comprehensive national vision. It reflects the UAE’s determination to build a globally competitive economy based on innovation, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

Why the UAE Is the Ideal Startup Hub

The UAE already offers one of the best business environments in the world. Entrepreneurs and investors benefit from:

• 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.
• World-class digital services for business set-up and operations.
• Advanced infrastructure that connects East and West.
• Tax benefits and free zones that attract international companies.

With this new campaign, the government is taking these advantages further. It provides a clear roadmap for Emirati entrepreneurs while also welcoming international startups to be part of the UAE’s growth story.

Looking Ahead to 2031

The campaign is not a short-term project. It is a long-term roadmap that runs until 2031. By then, the UAE aims to:

• Be recognized as the startup capital of the world.
• Build a strong, knowledge-driven economy beyond oil.
• Create tens of thousands of jobs in high-value sectors.
• Attract global investors, innovators, and startups.

This vision reflects the UAE’s ability to combine bold leadership, modern infrastructure, and youth empowerment into a single growth strategy.