The United Arab Emirates has once again been crowned the best place in the world for entrepreneurs, topping the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025 for the fourth year running.

Outperforming 56 economies, the UAE has cemented its status as the ultimate hub for startups and small businesses, thanks to pro-business policies, easy access to funding, and a thriving investment scene.

UAE Leads in Business-Friendly Policies

The report reveals that the UAE ranks No.1 among high-income countries in 11 out of 13 key areas, including:

• Access to finance – Securing business funding has never been easier.
• Government backing – Tax benefits, reduced red tape, and strong policies to support startups.
• Education & training – Top-tier entrepreneurial learning from school to university.
• Market access – Fewer regulatory hurdles mean faster business growth.
• Tech & innovation – Cutting-edge research and development support.

Leadership’s Vision for a Global Business Hub

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, hailed the UAE’s achievement, calling it proof of the country’s bold vision and leadership’s commitment to making it the best place for businesses to start, scale, and succeed.

She highlighted that the UAE is not just leading the region but making waves on the global stage, with ambitious plans under the “We the UAE 2031” vision to become the world’s premier destination for SMEs and the new digital economy.

What’s Driving the UAE’s Success?

The report credits several game-changing policies and investments, including:

$8.7 billion poured into innovation and SME growth under the Projects of the 50 initiative.
100% foreign ownership of businesses – making the UAE a magnet for global entrepreneurs.
Record-breaking foreign investment in 2023, proving confidence in the UAE’s economy.

Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking:

• 67% of adults know an entrepreneur or believe they have the skills to start a business.
• 70% of Emiratis see strong opportunities for launching their own ventures.
• 78% of new entrepreneurs prioritise social and environmental impact.
• 75% of startup founders plan to hire at least six employees in the next five years.
• 80% aim to go digital, keeping up with the latest business trends.
• 55% of UAE entrepreneurs already serve international customers, strengthening the UAE’s status as a global business powerhouse.

UAE Officially the Best Business Environment

On top of ranking first in the GEM report, the UAE also topped the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), proving it has the most supportive environment for startups and businesses.

(Source: Wam)

Abu Dhabi bourse ended lower on Wednesday after the holidays, taking its cue from the global equity markets, as investors awaited details of US President Donald Trump’s tariff plans.

The Abu Dhabi stock market index fell by 0.4% ahead of President Trump’s announcement on reciprocal tariffs, reflecting investor concerns over a potential global trade war. Conversely, Dubai’s main share index experienced a slight gain of 0.3% on the same day.

The White House is set to reveal new reciprocal tariffs at 2000 GMT on Wednesday. These tariffs are expected to take effect immediately after Trump’s announcement, leaving investors fretting over the risks of an intensifying global trade war.

While the tariffs pose challenges, particularly for the aluminium sector, the UAE’s proactive measures, including boosting exports ahead of tariff implementations and making substantial investments in the US, demonstrate its strategic approach to navigating the complexities of international trade policies.

(Source: Reuters)

A 15-year-old chess prodigy from the UAE has made history by becoming the first Emirati and Gulf player to be awarded the prestigious Women Grandmaster (WGM) title by the International Chess Federation.

Rouda Al Serkal, a rising star in the sport and a member of the national team and Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games, secured the title after dominating the Arab Women’s Championship at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club last November.

The announcement, made by the UAE Chess Federation, has been hailed as a game-changing moment for Emirati women in competitive chess.

Kholood Al Zarouni, Chair of the Federation’s Women’s Committee, credited the nation’s sports institutions for their role in developing chess talent, highlighting the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club as a key factor in Al Serkal’s success.

A New Era for Emirati Chess

Describing Al Serkal as a “model player”, Al Zarouni emphasised that the teenager’s groundbreaking achievement would inspire more young Emirati women to pursue chess at an international level.

For Al Serkal, the WGM title is just the beginning. She has her sights set on even bigger victories, with upcoming appearances at the Asian Individual Chess Championship in Al Ain this May, followed by the World Youth and Women’s Championships in July 2025.

With a strong backing from the UAE Chess Federation, elite coaching programmes, and the dedication of her family and school, Al Serkal is poised to make even greater strides in the world of chess.