UAE Launches Startup Campaign to Create 10 Unicorns by 2031
“The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign will unite over 50 incubators, accelerators, and strategic partners across public and private sectors.
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[Image source: Chetan Jha/MITSMR Middle East]
The UAE has launched its ambitious national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World”, aimed at fostering the entrepreneurship and innovation culture of the country.
Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative—overseen by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in association with the UAE Government Media Office and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council—unites over 50 incubators, accelerators, and strategic partners across public and private sectors.
“Our goal is to train and nurture 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, create thousands of new economic opportunities, and raise community awareness on the importance of entrepreneurship as a driver of the future economy,” said H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in an official statement.
The program goal is to touch two million companies and create at least 10 unicorns by 2031.
Notably, StartupEmirates.ae, a dedicated digital platform, will be at the epicenter of the ecosystem, offering mentorship, funding connections, shared workspaces, and cross-border networking opportunities. Through this platform, the campaign will aim to attract 10,000 entrepreneurs and create 30,000 jobs by 2030.
Meanwhile, with the Entrepreneurship Training Programme, the campaign will work towards training 10,000 Emiratis through beginner and advanced tracks covering everything from business set-up to global expansion.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, affirmed that startups and entrepreneurs remained critical to the country’s economic growth strategy.
Other major initiatives include Specialised Training Schemes, through which 500 Emiratis will be licensed as certified tax agents in collaboration with the Federal Tax Authority, another 500 will be trained and certified as construction project managers, and 250 will receive support to establish their own real estate companies.
Moreover, a Content Creator Initiative will train 50 Emiratis to produce specialized content in economics and entrepreneurship. Youth and Graduate Business Expos will provide school and university students with platforms to showcase entrepreneurial projects and engage with investors. Additionally, under Federal Procurement Access, government tenders will be opened to start-ups, with streamlined procedures aimed at enabling national entrepreneurs to play a larger role in public contracts.
