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.
In 2024, the startup scene of Dubai developed considerably and increased in the Global Ecosystem Index by 8 spots.
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.
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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...
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
Funding in 2023
$622.15M
Deals in 2023
182
USD
Amount of Funding (USD)
Number of Deals
Dubai is ranked within the top 100 startup ecosystems globally.
Dubai’s startups excel particularly in Foodtech where it ranks 30 and in Fintech, and Edtech. Find out more
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.
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.
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Startup Ecosystem of Dubai | StartupBlink