11:58 pm - February 15, 2026
Dubai: The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, has unveiled the UAE Future 50 initiative highlighting 50 pioneering Emirati startups across 15 sectors, aligning with the We the UAE 2031 vision to drive sustainable economic growth and position the UAE as a global innovation hub.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched the ‘UAE Future 50’ initiative, a bold endeavour aimed at highlighting 50 innovative Emirati startups that are pivotal in driving the nation’s economic diversification and innovation landscape. This initiative, developed by the Government Development and the Future Office in tandem with the Ministry of Economy, is strategically aligned with the Riyada entrepreneurship ecosystem. It showcases initiatives spanning 15 critical sectors, including fintech, healthtech, edtech, space, sustainability, smart mobility, and the creative industries. These sectors are not just emerging trends but are seen as vital for the UAE’s long-term economic strategy.
During the launch event, Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed the UAE leadership’s dedication to nurturing national entrepreneurs and fostering a conducive environment for startups. He underscored the vital role of Emirati innovators in not only shaping the future of the nation’s industries but also enhancing the UAE’s competitive positioning on the global stage, in alignment with the overarching ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. This vision represents a collective ambition to secure a sustainable, diverse, and resilient economy for the future.
The event brought together a range of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, highlighting the community’s support for the selected startups and their significant contributions to the economy. Faisal Belhoul, an esteemed Emirati entrepreneur, delivered a keynote address emphasising the necessity of ambition, resilience, and innovation within the realm of entrepreneurship. His reflections resonate with a growing sentiment that now more than ever, adaptability and forward-thinking are essential traits in a rapidly changing business environment.
Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, viewed the initiative as a testament to the UAE’s stature as a global leader in future preparedness. She articulated its importance in placing national talent at the forefront of transformative sectors, further reinforcing the UAE’s goals for economic evolution. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, echoed this sentiment, stating that the initiative is set to accelerate sustainable economic growth by empowering local talent and nurturing high-potential ventures.
Building on the achievements of the Future 100 programme, the UAE Future 50 aims to cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem that not only inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs but also reinforces the nation’s vision of a diversified and future-ready economy. As the UAE positions itself as a frontrunner in various sectors, the emphasis on entrepreneurship aligns with broader government commitments to integrate private sector contributions. In accordance with this, Sheikh Hamdan has previously highlighted the vital partnership between the public and private sectors as a critical element in the UAE’s developmental narrative, which is poised to shape the next 50 years.
In this dynamic context, initiatives like ‘UAE Future 50’ stand as significant milestones in a journey toward creating a robust entrepreneurial landscape that promises to unlock a range of possibilities for local talent while ushering in a new era of economic growth and innovation. The UAE’s commitment to fostering such environments reflects a broader understanding that the future of the economy is inherently entwined with the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of its people.
With these strategic measures in place, there is an expectation that the UAE will continue to not only harness its existing strengths but also attract global interest and participation in its economic ecosystem, paving the way for an even more sustainable and prosperous future.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://focus.hidubai.com/uae-launches-future-50-initiative-to-boost-innovation-and-economic-growth/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://focus.hidubai.com/uae-launches-future-50-initiative-to-boost-innovation-and-economic-growth/ – H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched the ‘UAE Future 50’ initiative, spotlighting 50 cutting-edge Emirati startups driving the country’s innovation and economic diversification efforts. The initiative, developed by the Government Development and the Future Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, is part of the broader Riyada entrepreneurship ecosystem. It highlights ventures across 15 strategic sectors including fintech, healthtech, edtech, space, sustainability, smart mobility, and the creative industries. Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed the UAE leadership’s commitment to supporting national entrepreneurs and fostering a startup-friendly environment. He emphasized the role of Emirati innovators in shaping future industries and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness, aligning with the long-term ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. The launch event gathered government officials, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, showcasing the selected startups and their contributions to the future economy. Emirati entrepreneur Faisal Belhoul delivered a keynote speech, underlining the importance of ambition, resilience, and innovation in entrepreneurship. Minister of State for Government Development and the Future Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi called the initiative a testament to the UAE’s global leadership in future readiness. She highlighted its role in positioning national talent at the forefront of transformative sectors. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy Abdullah Al Saleh added that the initiative will accelerate sustainable economic growth by empowering local talent and supporting ventures with high potential. Building on the success of the Future 100 programme, UAE Future 50 aims to nurture a thriving innovation ecosystem and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, reinforcing the nation’s vision for a diversified and future-ready economy.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/sheikh-hamdan-launches-dubai-global-initiative-to-open-50-commercial-offices-across-5-continents – Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, launched the ‘Dubai Global’ initiative, aiming to establish 50 integrated commercial representative offices for Dubai across five continents. The initiative seeks to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global business hub and support Dubai-based companies in expanding their operations into more than 30 promising markets. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the primary driver behind Dubai’s emergence as an international trade hub. He highlighted Dubai’s advanced infrastructure, flexible legislative framework, and world-class services that ensure sustainability and growth for all companies operating in the emirate. The initiative aims to globalize national companies, attract global investments, and open new markets to Dubai’s business lines. The network of 50 commercial offices will operate as part of Dubai Chambers and in partnership with several government and semi-government entities in Dubai. The offices will provide specialized services, including market research and logistical support, to help companies expand successfully into new markets.
- https://gulfnews.com/business/private-sector-a-key-partner-in-uaes-development-for-the-next-50-years-sheikh-hamdan-1.1638793945309 – Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, met with 300 UAE nationals recently recruited by Majid Al Futtaim as part of the NAFIS programme and lauded the role played by the UAE private sector in supporting the country’s development. He highlighted the partnership between the public and private sectors over the last five decades as a major driver of the UAE’s efforts to enhance excellence in various fields. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the UAE considers the private sector a major partner in the country’s development in the next 50 years. He praised the private sector for its role in enhancing the employment of Emiratis in various fields and stressed the importance of equipping UAE nationals with the skills required to succeed in the labour market. Sheikh Hamdan congratulated the newly recruited UAE nationals and wished them the very best in their new roles.
- https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2024/december/22-12/hamdan-bin-mohammed-approves-formation-of-board-of-young-arab-leaders – H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved the formation of the Board of Directors of the ‘Young Arab Leaders’ initiative, naming 11 leading and influential Arab figures from diverse fields to propel it forward. These leaders will oversee the expansion of the initiative, lead its projects to fruition, grow the number of members and affiliates in this network, attract the best of emerging Arab talent, and support them to contribute more significantly to shaping the future of Arab societies. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the ‘Young Arab Leaders’ initiative embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness’s unwavering belief in the capability of Arab youth to shape the region’s future. The initiative aims to prepare young leaders to sustain the Arab world’s development aspirations and safeguard its civilisational legacies.
- https://www.dubaifuture.ae/latest-news/hamdan-bin-mohammed-launches-dubai-future-fellowship/ – H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced the launch of the Dubai Future Fellowship programme. The programme aims to engage current and future economic leaders to contribute towards shaping Dubai’s policies, regulations, and business practices, further enhancing the city’s leading regional and global role as an incubator for the most promising innovators of the future. The programme has identified leading experts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and representatives of international organisations and institutions to join the programme aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in designing the future of vital sectors. Sheikh Hamdan stated that by establishing the Dubai Future Fellowship, overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, the initiative aims to provide a platform for impactful dialogue on creating a better future for all. The initiative is another significant step in Dubai’s journey to become a leading city of the future by fostering strong partnerships.
- https://gdf.gov.ae/en/news-details/hamdan-bin-mohammed-launches-71-challenge-to-empower-young-government-leaders – H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, unveiled the ’71 Challenge for Young Government Leaders’ at a meeting with young government officials during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The challenge seeks to empower and engage young government leaders, unlocking their potential while fostering a community of future leaders. By cultivating exceptional young talent, the challenge prepares them for leadership roles, directly contributing to the UAE’s future vision. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the launch of the ’71 Challenge for Young Government Leaders’ aligns with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, underscoring the need to prepare and empower an exceptional generation of young government leaders while honing their leadership readiness. Sheikh Hamdan remarked that young people are the driving force behind the nation’s progress, fueling its development and innovation.
