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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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Mortgage And Business Loan Rate Dynamics Among Cyprus Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 17, 2026

Stable Mortgage Loan Rates Post-Mergers

Recent consolidations in the Cyprus banking sector have led to a striking uniformity in mortgage loan interest rates. For example, data from November 2025 reveal that Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, and Ancoria Bank are all offering an average rate of 2.98%. Alpha Bank even offers a marginally lower rate of 2.81% for home purchases, whereas smaller market players continue to provide loans at higher costs.

Differentiated Business Loan Offerings

In contrast, business loan interest rates demonstrate greater variability. For loans up to €1 million, Alpha Bank offers the most competitive rate at 3.31%, followed by the National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) at 3.78% (NBG Cyprus). Eurobank Ltd, Kyprian Bank of Development, and Bank of Cyprus post higher averages at 4.00%, 4.46%, and 4.47% respectively, while Societe Generale Bank Cyprus and Banque SBA register even steeper rates at 6.05% and 6.54%.

For loans exceeding €1 million, the trend remains similar: Alpha Bank leads with 3.64%, trailed by National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) at 3.99% and Bank of Cyprus at 4.18%. Eurobank Ltd and Kyprian Bank of Development follow with rates of 4.54% and 4.30%, whereas Societe Generale Bank Cyprus stands out with an average rate of 6.23%.

Competitive Deposit Rates Reflect High Liquidity

Deposits in Cyprus are offered at some of the lowest interest rates in the Eurozone, a situation that reflects the exceptionally high liquidity across the local banking systems. With a Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) recorded at 319% in November 2025, well above the Eurozone median of 191%, major institutions such as Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, and Alpha Bank feature household deposit averages of 0.67%, 1.11%, and 1.36% respectively.

Meanwhile, smaller banks including Ancoria Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), and Kyprian Bank of Development report higher deposit rates of 1.47%, 1.49%, and 1.25% respectively. For business term deposits (up to one year), Ancoria Bank offers the highest average rate at 1.51%, closely followed by Alpha Bank at 1.43%. Other institutions maintain averages between 1.12% and 1.42%, underscoring a competitive yet stratified market landscape.