UAE Tops GEM for 5th Year, Ranks in StartupBlink’s Global Top 5
Updated
Updated · Gulf News · May 18
UAE Tops GEM for 5th Year, Ranks in StartupBlink’s Global Top 5
1 articles · Updated · Gulf News · May 18
The UAE led the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2025-2026 for a fifth straight year and placed among StartupBlink’s top five global startup environments, reinforcing its standing as a premier base for company formation.
That performance was driven by flexible regulation, advanced digital and logistics infrastructure, full foreign ownership in most sectors, tax breaks for eligible small businesses and investor-focused residency policies.
Executives said those advantages are helping startups scale internationally, with the UAE also ranking among the top five countries for access to global markets and benefiting from connectivity across Europe, Asia and Africa.
Government-backed platforms including Hub71, Khalifa Fund, the Emirates Growth Fund and the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund are supplying financing, partnerships and accelerator support to turn startups into export-ready businesses.
The latest rankings add to evidence that the UAE’s state-backed entrepreneurship model is broadening beyond local company creation toward building a globally connected innovation hub.
Can government funds and golden visas create a real innovation hub, or just an expensive illusion for foreign talent?
With regional conflict slashing funding, is the UAE's glittering startup hub built on a foundation of sand?
For Americans, does the UAE's promise of zero income tax vanish under the shadow of US tax obligations?
UAE Leads the World in Entrepreneurship 2025/2026: Inside the Policies, Investments, and AI Ambitions Fueling Its Rise
Overview
The UAE has established itself as a global leader in entrepreneurship by building a comprehensive business environment that supports the creation, growth, and international expansion of new ventures. This success is driven by a strategic focus on innovation, stable free-zone frameworks, and predictable federal tax rules aligned with international standards. The UAE’s high performance in global indices, such as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, is underpinned by strong government support, targeted financing, and programs that empower innovators. Together, these elements create a dynamic ecosystem that attracts talent and investment, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in fostering entrepreneurship.