Business

UAE named world’s best place for entrepreneurs

Published

3 months ago

April 3, 2025

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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)

Related Topics:Business businesshub education entreprenuer Finance gem neci tax taxbenefit teck uae

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

Sheikh Mohammed announces new UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and renames Ministry of Economy

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2025

Michael Gomes

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In a major UAE government move, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade and renamed the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Taking to the social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed said the decisions were made in consultation with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

“Brothers and sisters, after consultation with my brother, the President of the State, may God protect him, and with his approval, we announce today several changes in the UAE government as follows: The Ministry of Foreign Trade was established in the UAE government and the name of the Ministry of Economy is changed to Ministry of Economy and Tourism,” the Dubai Ruler wrote in his post.

Key announcements include:

The establishment of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade, with Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi appointed as the minister.
The Ministry of Economy is now renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, to reflect its broader scope. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri will continue to lead it.
The National Artificial Intelligence System will become an advisory member of the Cabinet, starting January 2026. It will also join the Ministerial Council for Development and the boards of all federal entities and government-owned companies.

The integration of AI into key decision-making bodies aims to enhance policy efficiency, provide real-time technical advice, and support future-focused governance across sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the move aligns with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to innovation, agility, and strategic leadership at all levels of government.

Real estate

Abu Dhabi launches smart platform to boost real estate investment and speed up construction approvals

Published

2 days ago

June 19, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Real estate investors in Abu Dhabi have a new reason to celebrate. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched Binaa, an AI-powered digital platform that promises to slash building permit approval times by up to 70 per cent and reduce unnecessary construction costs, making the emirate even more attractive for real estate development and investment.

Unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, the goal of Binaa is to dramatically reduce red tape, speed up approvals, and modernise how building projects are reviewed and managed.

What Binaa Means for You:

Up to 70 per cent faster permit approvals
Simplified process for private villa construction
Real-time tracking for architects, contractors, and homeowners
Minimises the cost and environmental impact of over-designed plans
Supports full coordination across 15 plus government entities

Smarter Construction, Powered by AI

Binaa uses AI, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and virtual/augmented reality to help spot design inefficiencies and ensure buildings meet safety and sustainability codes. It can also simulate site inspections using 3D overlays, making it easier to spot errors before they become costly construction issues.

During Phase 1, the platform will focus on private villas, which account for around 20,000 applications annually. Future phases will expand to larger developments.

One Platform, Endless Possibilities

Binaa offers a single digital window for managing the entire building process. It allows instant collaboration between consultants, project owners, and government agencies.

Business

UAE Central Bank keeps interest rate steady at 4.40%

Published

2 days ago

June 19, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced that it will maintain its Base Rate at 4.40%, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to leave its Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB) unchanged.

The Base Rate is applied to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) and serves as a key benchmark for short-term interest rates in the country’s financial system.

In line with this, the CBUAE also confirmed that the borrowing rate for short-term liquidity from the central bank will remain 50 basis points above the Base Rate, applicable across all standing credit facilities.

What does this mean?
Anchored to the US Fed’s IORB, the UAE’s Base Rate reflects the overall monetary policy stance and helps set the floor for overnight money market interest rates, ensuring stability in the financial sector.