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UAE Leads Global Entrepreneurship Rankings For Fourth Year Running

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 4, 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again cemented its position as the world’s premier destination for entrepreneurs, securing the top spot in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2025. For the fourth consecutive year, the UAE outperformed 56 economies, ranking first among high-income nations across 11 of 13 key indicators.

A Global Leader In Entrepreneurship

The report highlights the UAE’s unparalleled business environment, crediting its leadership in entrepreneurial finance, access to funding, pro-business government policies, and regulatory ease. Additionally, the country excelled in fostering an innovation-driven economy through government-backed entrepreneurship programs, education initiatives, and research and development (R&D) support. The nation’s commercial infrastructure and cultural support for entrepreneurship further reinforce its dominance on the global stage.

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Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, emphasized that this achievement reflects the country’s long-term vision and leadership’s commitment to nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem. “Our continued top ranking reaffirms the UAE’s position as the leading global hub for entrepreneurship and SME growth,” she stated.

Driving Innovation And Investment

The UAE’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is evident in its robust policies and financial incentives. The government has invested $8.7 billion to support innovation and SME growth under the ‘Projects of the 50’ initiative. Additionally, the introduction of 100% foreign ownership laws and a record surge in foreign direct investment in 2023 have solidified the country’s appeal to global entrepreneurs and investors.

Entrepreneurial Mindset And Ambition

Beyond policy and investment, the UAE’s entrepreneurial culture continues to thrive. According to the report, 67% of UAE adults personally know an entrepreneur or believe they have the skills to launch a business. Furthermore, 70% of Emiratis see strong business opportunities, while 78% of new entrepreneurs prioritize social and environmental impact alongside profitability.

Startups in the UAE are scaling aggressively, with 75% of early-stage entrepreneurs planning to expand their workforce to at least six employees within five years. The adoption of digital technology is also a priority, with 80% of startups integrating tech into their operations. Additionally, 55% of entrepreneurs are focused on international markets, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global business hub.

Vision 2031: A Blueprint For Growth

The UAE’s entrepreneurial success aligns with its ambitious “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to establish one million SMEs by the next decade. The country’s ranking as the world’s top entrepreneurial ecosystem under the GEM’s National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI) further underscores its commitment to fostering innovation, investment, and business growth at every level.

With its unmatched infrastructure, forward-thinking policies, and strong investor confidence, the UAE is not just a leader in entrepreneurship—it’s setting the standard for the future of global business.

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Cyprus Tourism Leaders Call For Reassessment Of U.S. Travel Advisory

Declining Bookings And Industry Concerns

Cyprus has seen a noticeable slowdown in hotel bookings in recent weeks following a U.S. travel advisory that tourism leaders consider unjustified. Industry representatives report fewer new reservations alongside cancellations affecting the key April and May travel period. According to sector officials, prolonged uncertainty could weaken the early momentum of the summer tourism season.

Government Engagement And Coordinated Response

Akis Vavlitis, president of the Association of Cyprus Tourism Enterprises (Stek), confirmed that the Cypriot government is preparing to formally challenge the advisory with the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus and the U.S. Department of State. Authorities are being urged to consider how critical the timing is, particularly with the potential for flight cancellations and the subsequent knock‐on effects on bookings from June onward.

Strategic Meetings And Industry Advocacy

Tourism stakeholders are planning an urgent meeting involving industry representatives, government officials, and ministers responsible for tourism, labor, and finance. Discussions may also take place under the coordination of the president. The goal is to consolidate proposals from across the sector and mitigate potential impacts on the tourism season during a period marked by geopolitical uncertainty.

Market Resilience And Future Outlook

Christos Angelides, general director of the Hoteliers Association (Pasyxe), reassured industry participants by highlighting that, while short-term booking adjustments are evident, the long-term outlook for the summer season remains resilient. Angelides, currently engaged in strategic discussions with partners in Berlin, noted that flexibility in reservation policies and assurances from major airlines such as British Airways and EasyJet are critical to maintaining customer confidence.

Call For Calm And Cohesive Action

Both industry groups stress the importance of measured responses rather than reactive panic. Angelides reminded stakeholders that the strength of Cyprus’s tourism history lies in its ability to navigate through crises with calm, coordinated, and swift decision-making. As questionnaires are circulated among members to gather further insights, industry experts remain optimistic that the collective action will effectively sustain the island’s appeal to global travelers.