UAE Launches National Campaign to Become Startup Capital of the World
Sheikh Mohammed launched 'The Emirates: Startup Capital of the World' campaign — targeting 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs and 30,000 new jobs by 2030.
In a landmark announcement for the UAE's entrepreneurial landscape, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched 'The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World' national campaign in September 2025, positioning the country as a premier destination for global entrepreneurs and innovators.
The campaign sets forth transformative goals including training 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, incubating 250 Emirati-owned real estate companies, and integrating startups into federal procurement processes. A cornerstone of the initiative is the launch of StartupEmirates.ae, a comprehensive platform offering mentorship, workspaces, networking events, and specialized training programs.
By 2030, the campaign targets the creation of 30,000 new jobs across the startup ecosystem, significantly contributing to the UAE's knowledge-based economy transformation. The initiative also includes the Emirates Development Bank's AED 500 million ($136 million) financing program to provide capital, credit guarantees, and co-lending opportunities to emerging entrepreneurs.
The program will provide non-financial enablement support for 500 entrepreneurs and accelerator access through national programs including AgriX, MIITE, and MBRIF. This multi-faceted approach aims to create a robust ecosystem supporting startups from ideation through scaling phases.