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The Startup Ecosystem of Dubai

Dubai has 1,032 startups in our sample database. This represents about 87% of The United Arab Emirates’s startups. Dubai is the highest-ranked startup ecosystem in The United Arab Emirates.

CITY RANKING

In 2024, the startup scene of Dubai developed considerably and increased in the Global Ecosystem Index by 8 spots.

National Ranking

1st
0
In United Arab Emirates

Regional Ranking

2nd
0
In Middle East

Global Ranking

50th
+
8
Worldwide

Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem Overview

city during day


Dubai’s startup ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth and transformation, solidifying its position as a dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Dubai owes its success to a multitude of initiatives spearheaded by local government organizations such as Dubai SME, an integrated division of the Department of Economic Development (DED). These initiatives have played a pivotal role in creating a fertile environment that nurtures the growth and success of startups.
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The implementation of Free Zones, including renowned ones such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Knowledge Park, has significantly contributed to Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. These Free Zones have introduced a range of enticing benefits for founders, including the ability to enjoy 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, freedom from currency restrictions, exemption from corporate tax, and streamlined processes for setting up companies. Furthermore, these Free Zones provide access to cutting-edge infrastructure, including state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technological resources, which further support the growth and development of startups.


In addition to creating a favorable business environment, Dubai has taken proactive measures to provide comprehensive support and assistance to entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Dubai Startup Hub. This platform offers a comprehensive range of services, including mentorship, funding advice, networking events, and connections to potential investors. Another notable program that has contributed to the ecosystem’s growth is the Dubai Future Accelerators. This pioneering program fosters collaboration between startups and government entities, enabling them to work together in developing innovative solutions across various sectors.


Recognizing the pivotal role of events and conferences in nurturing startup ecosystems, Dubai has gained a reputation for hosting the most prominent gatherings centered around entrepreneurship and startups. These include events like Dubai EXPO and Digital Dubai’s annual Global Blockchain Challenge, which provide unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and the showcasing of groundbreaking ideas.


By leveraging the strength of Dubai as a startup hotspot, the city will be able to rope in founders from across the globe.

Startups

Dubai Top Startup Industries

Foodtech icon
Foodtech
#30 worldwide

20 startups

Fintech icon
Fintech
#33 worldwide

197 startups

Edtech icon
Edtech
#36 worldwide

78 startups

Ecosystem HealthCheck

Dubai Ecosystem Health Check

The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Dubai has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...

  • Overperformance
  • Performance equal to global ranking
  • Underperformance
IndustryGlobal rankMomentum YoYNumber of Startups
Global5001032
Foodtech30-620
Fintech00.0000.0000.00
Edtech00.0000.0000.00
Transportation00.0000.0000.00
Ecommerce & Retail00.0000.0000.00
Social & Leisure00.0000.0000.00
Marketing & Sales00.0000.0000.00

ECOSYSTEM

Browse the startup ecosystem database of Dubai

Download list
Telegram startup logo
Social & Leisure | Social Media
Unranked
Altibbi startup logo
Software & Data | Apps
Unranked
iMile startup logo
Transportation | Logistics
Unranked
STARZ PLAY startup logo
Social & Leisure | Entertainment
Unranked
Vezeeta startup logo
Healthtech | Health Care
Unranked
qlub startup logo
Fintech | Financial Services
Unranked
Eyewa startup logo
Ecommerce & Retail | Ecommerce & Retail-Other
Unranked
Bayzat startup logo
Software & Data | Enterprise Technology
Unranked
Unranked
SellAnyCar.com startup logo
Transportation | Automotive
Unranked
Cartlow startup logo
Ecommerce & Retail | Ecommerce & Retail-Other
Unranked

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Startup Ecosystem Charts

Startup Funding in Dubai2017 - 2024

Startup Funding in Dubai 2017 - 2024

From 2022 to 2023, startup funding in Dubai has decreased by 80.27%. During this period, the number of deals in Dubai has decreased by 26.91%. Since 2017, total startup funding in Dubai exceeded US$ $10.99B.

Average Funding in 2023

$3.42M

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
-73.00% YoY

Funding in 2023

$622.15M

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
-80.27% YoY

Deals in 2023

182

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
-26.91% YoY

USD

Amount of Funding (USD)

Number of Deals

20172018201920202021202220232024$0.00$15.00B$30.00B$45.00B$60.00B065130195260

Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Dubai

Our startup ecosystem map for Dubai includes a sample of 1,032 tech companies. We have identified as unicorns 2 startups that have passed the USD 1 billion valuations. Get the Pro account for unrestricted insights on this ecosystem.

Global Rank

Dubai is ranked within the top 100 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Dubai’s startups excel particularly in Foodtech where it ranks 30 and in Fintech, and Edtech. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in United Arab Emirates - Ranked by StartupBlink

StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of more than 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
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2024 National Rank CityGlobal Rank
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Total Score

Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries

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Quantity Score
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Quality Score
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Business Score
1st
0
50th
+
8
15.364
00.00
00.00
00.00
2nd
0
195th
+
11
2.719
00.00
00.00
00.00
3rd
0
860th
+
96
0.162
00.00
00.00
00.00
4th
new
1032nd
new
0.106
00.00
00.00
00.00
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Startups

Notable Startups in Dubai
Telegram startup icon
Telegram
Altibbi startup icon
Altibbi
iMile startup icon
iMile

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Dubai's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Dubai there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Foodtech, Fintech, Edtech. These three industries represent about 29% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Dubai.

1st

National Rank

2nd

Regional Rank

Overview

Dubai is The United Arab Emirates' 1st best startup ecosystem and is ranked 2nd in Middle East. With a population of 2M - 10M people, Dubai is ranked 50th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including Telegram.

ECOSYSTEM
Startup Infrastructure in Dubai
With a large variety of initiatives, Dubai's startup ecosystem stands out from other cities in Middle East. Dubai offers a number of funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups. Below is a list of Dubai's most prominent support initiatives:

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