UAE launches bold campaign to become the world’s startup capital

A national initiative aims to cultivate 10 unicorns, create 30,000 jobs, and set up an international entrepreneurship hub.

Ambitious Vision for Global Leadership

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a landmark campaign titled “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World”, aimed at cementing its place as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The initiative reflects the government’s strategy to attract global talent, accelerate economic diversification, and generate high-value jobs while building the region’s most dynamic startup ecosystem.

Targeting 10 Unicorns by 2031

At the heart of the program is a bold target: the creation of at least 10 unicorns—startups valued at more than US$1 billion—by 2031. Building on its proven record of nurturing successful enterprises, the UAE is positioning itself to compete with established startup hubs in Silicon Valley, London, and Singapore.

Boosting Talent and Employment

The campaign places significant emphasis on talent development. More than 10,000 Emiratis will undergo training through specialized entrepreneurship programs to develop the skills needed to build, scale, and sustain businesses. The broader economic objective is equally ambitious, with the initiative expected to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030, directly linking startup growth to employment opportunities.

Digital Platform at the Core

A new platform, StartupEmirates.ae, will serve as the nerve center of the initiative, connecting entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding networks, shared workspaces, and cross-border partnerships. Both public and private stakeholders—including accelerators, incubators, and investment funds—will play a key role in shaping the startup ecosystem.

Innovation Across Sectors

Officials stress that the initiative is not just about producing unicorns, but also about driving innovation in critical industries such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and food security. By nurturing high-impact startups in these sectors, the UAE aims to reinforce its long-term economic resilience and strengthen global competitiveness.

Challenges and Opportunities

While hurdles remain—such as access to capital and the challenge of scaling beyond the UAE’s relatively small domestic market—the campaign underlines the nation’s determination to stake a claim as a global startup leader. If successful, it could reshape the UAE’s economic identity and position the country as a magnet for entrepreneurs worldwide.