UAE tops global entrepreneurship rankings for fifth consecutive year

The UAE has once again strengthened its position as a global hub for business innovation, securing the top spot worldwide in the entrepreneurship ecosystem for the fifth year in a row, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2025/2026 Report.

The country outperformed several advanced economies, reaffirming its status as the world’s most supportive environment for launching and scaling new businesses. The ranking highlights the UAE’s continued success in building a dynamic, innovation-driven economy.

In the latest report, the UAE ranked first among high-income economies across eight key pillars, including physical infrastructure, supportive government policies, taxation and bureaucracy efficiency, entrepreneurship programmes, research and development transfer, market entry conditions, regulatory ease, and entrepreneurship education. Together, these strengths reflect a highly integrated ecosystem designed to support startups and innovative enterprises.

The nation also secured second place globally in entrepreneurial finance and access to funding, underscoring the strength of its financial sector and its ability to empower startups with capital for growth and expansion.

Notably, the UAE is among only four countries worldwide to meet or exceed the “sufficiency” threshold across all entrepreneurship framework conditions, further cementing its reputation as one of the most advanced startup ecosystems globally. This achievement is supported by strong digital infrastructure, forward-looking policies, and a highly competitive business environment.

Commenting on the milestone, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the ranking reflects the success of national strategies aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and supporting small and medium enterprises as a key driver of economic growth.

He highlighted that the achievement aligns with the UAE’s leadership vision of building a competitive, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, while also reflecting the resilience and adaptability of the national economy in responding to global changes.

Al Marri also pointed to initiatives such as “UAE: The Global Capital of Entrepreneurs,” which aim to attract talent, innovators, and investors, further enhancing the country’s global appeal as a business destination.

The results also support the objectives of the We the UAE 2031 Vision, which seeks to position the country as a global hub for the new economy by promoting high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, space, and financial technology.