The UAE has retained its position as the world’s top entrepreneurial ecosystem for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025/2026 report, further cementing its status as the best global environment for launching and operating new businesses.

The report places the UAE ahead of numerous advanced economies, underscoring the country’s continued success in creating a highly competitive, innovation-driven business landscape supported by strong policy frameworks, digital readiness, and infrastructure.

Among high-income economies, the UAE ranked first across eight major indicators, including physical infrastructure, government support and policy relevance, tax and bureaucracy frameworks, entrepreneurship programmes, research and development transfer, market entry ease, regulatory efficiency, and entrepreneurial education.

The country also secured second place globally in entrepreneurial finance and access to funding, highlighting the flexibility and maturity of its financial system in supporting startups and enabling business expansion.

Notably, the UAE is one of only four countries worldwide to achieve or exceed sufficiency levels across all entrepreneurship framework conditions, reflecting the strength of its integrated ecosystem and policy environment.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the achievement reflects the UAE leadership’s strategic vision to position entrepreneurship and SMEs at the core of a competitive, knowledge-based economy.

He emphasized that the ranking reinforces the UAE’s status as the most supportive economy for entrepreneurs and a leading global destination for innovators, investors, and business founders.

According to the report, the UAE’s National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI) score reached 7.0 in 2025, demonstrating strong confidence in the country’s entrepreneurial climate among investors and business leaders.

The findings also align with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to position the country as a global hub for the new economy by prioritizing high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, financial technology, space, and advanced technology.

Artificial intelligence emerged as a critical priority, with the UAE ranking among only six countries where entrepreneurs unanimously recognize AI’s strategic importance over the next three years.

Alongside Taiwan, Norway, and Sweden, the UAE also received an “excellent” rating in sustainability priorities and AI awareness, showcasing its balanced approach toward digital innovation and sustainable economic development.

In terms of international market access, the UAE ranked among the world’s top five countries, driven by advanced logistics infrastructure and exceptional connectivity that allows startups to expand beyond domestic markets with ease.

The report further revealed that more than 20 percent of UAE adults are actively engaged in launching new businesses, reflecting a highly dynamic startup culture supported by strong incentives, government initiatives, and accessible funding.

The UAE’s Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate reached 19.2 percent, indicating a strong pipeline of new ventures and reinforcing entrepreneurship as an increasingly attractive career path.

Entrepreneurial participation remains robust across demographics, with activity rates reaching 19.6 percent among citizens and 22.4 percent among residents, highlighting the country’s continued ability to attract and retain talent.

Female entrepreneurship also continues to gain momentum, supported by access to resources, policy support, and opportunities within the UAE’s broader business ecosystem.

The report noted that more than half of UAE entrepreneurs cite family traditions as a major driver for business creation, reflecting a deeply embedded entrepreneurial culture across society.

Education also remains a priority, with the UAE ranking among the top five globally in entrepreneurship education at school level, emphasizing creative thinking, problem-solving, opportunity recognition, and innovation among younger generations.

A diverse funding ecosystem—including government initiatives, venture capital, and investment funds—continues to strengthen entrepreneurial confidence and scalability for startups across sectors.

With streamlined regulations, strong governance, and sustained investment in innovation, the UAE continues to position itself at the forefront of global entrepreneurship, setting a benchmark for future-focused economies worldwide.