The United Arab Emirates continues to solidify its position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and technological innovation through the Future100 initiative, which aims to dramatically enhance the nation's small and medium enterprise (SME) ecosystem and drive economic diversification.
During the Investopia 2025 conference, key government officials and industry experts convened to discuss strategies for accelerating SME growth in emerging technological sectors. The initiative showcased the UAE's comprehensive approach to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, with a particular focus on leveraging emerging technologies and supporting innovative ventures.
Current statistics underscore the initiative's potential impact: SMEs currently represent 94% of all businesses in the UAE, with 25,000 new enterprises founded by Emirati youth in 2024 alone. The country has established over 50 government and private business incubators and accelerators, contributing to its recognition as the premier global destination for business and economic activities.
H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, emphasized the strategic importance of developing national entrepreneurship. The government's ambitious goal is to increase entrepreneur success rates from 30% to 50% within the next decade through targeted initiatives like the Riyada Fund and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council.
The Future100 initiative's comprehensive approach includes supporting high-potential SMEs in key future economy sectors, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and innovative investment strategies. Notably, the program also highlights the critical role of female entrepreneurs in driving societal and economic progress.
The UAE's commitment to creating a competitive legislative framework has attracted entrepreneurs and startups globally. The country's consecutive top rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, including first place in the Entrepreneurship Index for 2023-2024, demonstrate the effectiveness of its supportive ecosystem.
By focusing on sectors such as technology, innovation, and sustainable ventures, the Future100 initiative represents a forward-looking strategy to transform the UAE's economic landscape. The program's holistic approach integrates government support, private sector engagement, and academic collaboration to create a robust entrepreneurial environment.
