6:52 am - February 16, 2026

**Dubai**: The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report credits the UAE as the leading entrepreneurial hub for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting its robust support for startups through favourable policies, investment in innovation, and a dynamic environment fostering business growth and sustainability.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again secured its position as the leading destination for entrepreneurs, being ranked the best place in the world for fostering entrepreneurial ventures. This accolade comes as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report for 2024/2025, where the UAE has topped the list for the fourth consecutive year, excelling among 56 assessed economies globally.

In its evaluation, the GEM report highlighted the UAE’s dominance among high-income countries, achieving the top rank in 11 out of 13 indicators assessed. These indicators included crucial areas such as entrepreneurial finance, ease of access to funding, supportive government policies on entrepreneurship, and initiatives aimed at enhancing education around entrepreneurship. Additionally, the report noted the effectiveness of the UAE’s policies regarding taxes, regulatory frameworks, and the overall commercial and professional infrastructure, demonstrating a robust environment for business entry and operation.

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, commented on this significant achievement, stating that it reflects the outcomes of the UAE’s progressive vision and leadership commitment towards establishing a comprehensive ecosystem for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She remarked, “The UAE’s continued recognition as the top environment for entrepreneurship and the leading destination for startups globally for the fourth year in a row represents the country’s regional and international progress.” Al Mazrouei emphasised the UAE’s dedication to nurturing a dynamic entrepreneurship climate aligned with global best practices, which is intended to help startups thrive in advanced and digital economic sectors.

Supporting this entrepreneurial prowess, the GEM report noted the UAE’s $8.7 billion investment aimed at bolstering innovation and SME growth as part of the Projects of the 50 initiative. The allowance for 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies has substantially contributed to attracting foreign direct investment, which has hit record levels in 2023.

The report further revealed that the entrepreneurial spirit within the UAE is marked by a high degree of awareness and ambition. Approximately 67 per cent of adults surveyed indicated either knowing an entrepreneur or feeling equipped with the necessary skills to start a business. Notably, 70 per cent of Emiratis see significant opportunities for establishing businesses locally, while 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs express a focus on social and environmental impact rather than solely profit. Furthermore, 75 per cent of early-stage entrepreneurs plan to expand their workforce, targeting the employment of at least six individuals within the next five years.

Digital integration also appears to be a priority among entrepreneurs, with 80 per cent intending to leverage digital technology in their operations. Additionally, 78 per cent aim to achieve substantial financial success, with 55 per cent of entrepreneurs seeking to cater to customers beyond the UAE’s borders, thereby reinforcing the nation’s standing as a global hub for business and investment.

In summary, the UAE not only achieved first place in the GEM’s National Entrepreneurship Context Index, which evaluates countries’ supportive environments for entrepreneurship, but it also aligns with the UAE’s ambitious goal to establish one million SMEs by the year 2031. The sustained growth and recognition of the UAE as a formidable environment for entrepreneurship and innovation highlight its strategic efforts to shape a thriving economic landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services

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Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative references the GEM Report for 2024/2025, indicating it is current. However, verifying the status of Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei and any potential changes in her role would benefit the freshness score.

Quotes check

Score:
7

Notes:
The quote from Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei appears original, but has not been found in prior sources. This suggests it may be a new statement, increasing the score due to its potential originality.

Source reliability

Score:
7

Notes:
The narrative originates from Arabian Business, which is known for business reporting in the Middle East. While reputable, it is less established compared to global giants like BBC or Reuters, hence a mid-level score.

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The claims regarding the UAE’s entrepreneurial environment align with recent trends in the region and the GEM report findings. The narrative contains plausible data about investment and entrepreneurial mindset reflective of real market trends.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary:
The narrative shows current data and developments in UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape. While the quotes and claims appear credible, the score reflects some uncertainty in source reliability and the possibility of updated roles or perspectives.

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