To enhance its readiness for the future, the UAE has introduced a program to assist 100 startups in sectors such as space, renewable energy, and emerging technology to help build its future economy.

The Future 100 program will have an impact over the next 50 years to promote a new, futuristic economic model in line with developing global economic trends, said Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, the UAE.

“The Ministry of Economy continues to support innovative future projects that promote the UAE’s global leading position on competitiveness indicators and supports it as an attractive destination for future projects from all over the world. It further enhances its position as a permanent hub for creativity and innovation, securing sustainable growth for the UAE’s national economy and creating new jobs, especially in sectors pertaining to the new economic fields, such as space, renewable energy, fintech, and AI,” Al Marri added.

According to Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and The Future, the UAE government’s methodology emphasizes improving future preparedness. She emphasized that launching the Future 100 initiative symbolizes the future orientations of the UAE leadership, which is focused on growing the economy of the UAE, raising GDP, and fostering the performance of new economic sectors.

The top 100 future-ready companies will be honored annually, based on objectives and aspects, and would also help define new parameters for the future economy, added bin Touq.

Over the past few years, UAE has launched several initiatives to achieve the goals of the future economy, including the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence 2031, the Energy Strategy 2050, the Emirates Blockchain Strategy, the Green Growth Strategy, the Circular Economy Policy, and the Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.