The UAE tops the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor rankings among 56 economies

FEATURES | May 9, 2025

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The UAE tops the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor rankings among 56 economies

The UAE ranks first in the latest GEM report, reinforcing its appeal towards entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Dubai and across the Emirates.
The nation holds the No. 1 spot in the National Entrepreneurial Context Index, exceeding countries such as Lithuania, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia.
Strong institutional support and world-class facilities make doing business in Dubai and the wider UAE ideal for entrepreneurs ready to scale up.

In the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025, the UAE has maintained its top spot for the fourth consecutive year. This achievement enriches the UAE’s already solid international standing as a major centre for enterprise, innovation, and corporate expansion.

Widely regarded as a leading global benchmark for entrepreneurship, the GEM evaluates 56 economies in its latest report. The UAE ranked first globally in the National Entrepreneurial Context Index (NECI), which evaluates key institutional conditions necessary for entrepreneurship to thrive. It exceeded countries such as Lithuania, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, its physical infrastructure has significantly improved to 7.8.

The UAE ranked first among high-income economies in 11 out of 13 framework conditions, showcasing particular strength in:

Ease of access to funding;
Entrepreneurial finance;
Government policy support;
Research and development transfer;
School-level and post-school entrepreneurship education and many more.

These standout areas contribute to a dynamic and resilient UAE business environment, bolstered by ongoing economic reforms and strategic initiatives such as the Projects of the 50 — which included an investment of US$8.7 billion to accelerate innovation and the growth of UAE SMEs.

Significantly, entrepreneurial awareness and readiness in the UAE remain high. Approximately:

67% of UAE adults know someone who has recently started a business or feel confident in their own entrepreneurial skills;
70% see strong local opportunities for launching a venture;
78% of new entrepreneurs prioritise social and environmental impact;
75% plan to grow their teams and employ six or more people within five years;
80% intend to integrate digital technologies into operations; and
55% already serve customers beyond UAE borders.

These indicators highlight a maturing entrepreneurial landscape where purpose-driven businesses, innovation, and global outreach are core to strategy. Indeed, the country’s continued achievements in various socioeconomic metrics and levels align with the We the UAE 2031 vision, which aims to make the UAE a global hub for the new economy and support the development of one million SMEs by the end of the decade. Hence, starting a business in the UAE, specifically Dubai, is increasingly viewed as a viable and strategic decision by entrepreneurs worldwide.

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The UAE tops the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor rankings among 56 economies

The UAE tops the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor rankings among 56 economies

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