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Womentum is designed to help you build the networks needed to achieve early momentum. The in-person rotations will help you to grow your networks in Europe (via Berlin) and across the Middle East (via Dubai).

Womentum Accelerator

TURN8 is an initiative launched by DP World to foster a global entrepreneurial and innovation culture

TURN8

![high rise buildings near sea during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611577810610-642f8ac05c32?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8NDR8fGR1YmFpfGVufDB8fDB8fHww&w=1000&q=80)
 The United Arab Emirates is becoming a powerful regional entrepreneurship hub, with its main startup ecosystem in Dubai leading the way. Boasting a high concentration of technological innovation, Dubai is also a hub for progress in the Arab world and a popular relocation destination for ambitious Arab entrepreneurs across the MENA region. The UAE continues to attract global investors with its stable economy and strong focus on innovation. Initiatives like the Dubai Future District Fund are fueling tech startups with essential funding and resources, while ADQ’s DisruptAD in Abu Dhabi is broadening support for ventures in Biotech, Fintech, and other high-growth sectors. 

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 Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem is also heavily investing in accelerators and incubators. Other emirates, such as Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, have strong potential to develop successful ecosystems of their own. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, and the Sharjah Economic Development Department are among the organizations actively fostering entrepreneurship through various initiatives and collaborations. The rise of the UAE’s startup ecosystems has also been supported by institutions such as the Digital Dubai Authority, Hub71, and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). 

 A standout example of the UAE's potential is Careem, which saw a successful exit when it was acquired by Uber for over US$ 3 billion—marking the first unicorn in the Middle East outside of Israel. Other UAE-headquartered startups, including Kitopi, Tabby, and G42, have since joined the unicorn club. Notably, Telegram, one of the world’s leading messaging platforms, is now headquartered in Dubai, further validating the city’s attractiveness to global tech companies. Considering the size of the Arabic-speaking market, the region’s potential is massive, and the public sector has high hopes for its digital economy. Dubai aims to produce over 20 unicorns by 2030, and Dubai-based startups are expected to be key drivers in the UAE’s ambition to grow its digital economy to US$ 140 billion by 2031, positioning the country as a competitive force in the global innovation economy. 

 In parallel, the UAE has advanced a broad set of business reforms aimed at strengthening its legal and financial infrastructure. The updated bankruptcy law marked a step in the right direction. State-issued startup licenses and flexible visa policies have positively impacted investment flows. In addition, the country’s free zones have boosted its attractiveness for foreign investment. The introduction of a 9% corporate tax in 2023 was a historic shift for the UAE, yet the rate remains highly competitive by global standards. 

 To match the appeal of other global startup hubs, the UAE has also introduced founder-friendly policies that make it easier to establish and scale businesses. The Golden Visa program grants long-term residency to investors, founders, and skilled professionals, helping to attract top talent. Business-friendly regulations—such as tax exemptions in designated zones like Dubai Internet City, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone—add to the country's appeal. Beyond its borders, the UAE has deepened regional ties through the Abraham Accords, creating opportunities for collaboration between Emirati and Israeli startups. 

 The abundance of investment and funding opportunities is another major factor in the UAE’s rise as a startup hub. Events such as [Gitex Global](https://www.gitex.com/?utm_campaign=startupblink&utm_medium=startupblink&utm_source=startupblink), [The Annual Investment Meeting](https://www.aimcongress.com/), and the [Global Entrepreneurship Congress](https://www.genglobal.org/) have put the UAE on the global stage. Gitex, once a regional tech expo, is now expanding globally. 

 Major challenges remain, such as the high cost of living and legacy business regulations. However, with continued public sector support, the UAE is well positioned to build a more supportive legal and financial framework for startups. Following its impressive achievements in the region, the next step for the UAE is to expand its influence beyond MENA and emerge as a true global startup hub.

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United Arab Emirates

Middle East

Discover the best startup accelerators in United Arab Emirates for 2025. Find the best programs to help your business grow and succeed.

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