UAE named the best country for entrepreneurs for the fourth year in a row

The United Arab Emirates has once again been crowned the world’s top destination for entrepreneurs, according to the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025. Ranking first globally for the fourth consecutive year, the UAE continues to lead the way in creating a thriving environment for startups and small businesses.

Among 56 economies assessed, the UAE came out on top for both entrepreneurship and SME development, driven by reforms that include 100% foreign ownership, strong government backing, and wide access to funding.

The country ranked first among high-income nations in 11 out of 13 key indicators, including:

• Entrepreneurial finance
• Access to funding
• Business-friendly government policies
• Reduced bureaucracy
• Supportive entrepreneurship programmes
• Education and R&D
• Infrastructure
• Regulatory ease
• Cultural support for entrepreneurship

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, said the results reflect the UAE’s visionary leadership and commitment to building a globally competitive entrepreneurship ecosystem. She emphasised that the country’s consistent global recognition showcases its ongoing progress as a launchpad for startups in digital and future-driven sectors.

One of the key drivers of this success is the government’s $8.7 billion investment under the Projects of the 50 initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and expanding the SME sector.

The report also pointed to record-high foreign direct investment (FDI) and the legalisation of full foreign ownership of companies as game-changing reforms that have helped position the UAE as a magnet for global business.

The entrepreneurial spirit is also deeply embedded in the population:

• 67% of adults say they know an entrepreneur or feel confident starting a business.
• 70% of Emiratis see strong opportunities to launch ventures locally.
• 78% of new founders prioritise social or environmental impact over profit.
• 75% of early-stage startups plan to employ six or more people in the next five years.
• 80% aim to integrate digital tools into operations.
• 55% already serve customers outside the UAE.

The UAE also topped the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), which evaluates how well each country’s institutions support new businesses.

This continued recognition supports the nation’s ambitious "We the UAE 2031" vision, which aims to establish one million SMEs and position the country as a global hub for the new economy in the next decade.