Technology is reshaping UAE's entrepreneurship landscape
Technology is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the entrepreneurship scene in the United Arab Emirates. Innovation-based startups are becoming a major driver of the national economy and a primary source of employment and sustainable solutions. This contributes to enhancing the country's global competitiveness among the most advanced economies in adopting technology.
Through its advanced initiatives, the UAE continues to strengthen its entrepreneurial ecosystem by empowering innovators and providing a supportive environment for the prosperity of tech startups. It was among the first countries in the region to foresee the potential of digital transformation in this vital sector, establishing its position as a regional hub for tech entrepreneurship, attracting high-quality investments, and accelerating the integration of technology in key sectors such as education, healthcare, financial services, and transportation.
Emirati startups are emerging as key players in the technology sector, expanding their presence in specialized fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain applications, robotics, and smart solutions for sustainable cities. These ventures have benefited from the integrated support ecosystem provided by the country, especially in climate technology sectors. The UAE offers companies access to competitive financing, advanced business incubators, and a sophisticated digital infrastructure, along with direct government support to accelerate the adoption of smart environmental solutions.
Abdulaziz Bin Redha, Founder and CEO of HyveGeo, stated to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the company has attracted investments and research grants from leading institutions in the UAE, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. It has also generated revenue from selling its proprietary soil regeneration technologies locally and carbon credits globally through partnerships with major companies like Shopify.
He pointed out that HyveGeo is developing high-quality biochar specifically designed to suit the characteristics of desert soil, enhanced with innovative biological compounds that can accelerate soil formation from five years to just one month, while being capable of storing carbon for more than a thousand years.
He explained that this technology contributes to the reclamation of desert lands and the promotion of sustainable agriculture, benefiting from the innovative environment the UAE offers. He affirmed that the UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, represent fertile grounds for green innovation and entrepreneurship.
International reports confirm that the UAE is steadily progressing toward strengthening its position as a regional and global hub for advanced technology, amid a significant expansion in digital investments, continuous government support for developing digital infrastructure, and flexible legislation that attracts talent and capital.
According to Research and Markets report, the UAE digital transformation market size is estimated at $0.99 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $2.23 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 15.09% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The UAE Fintech Report 2024, said fintech continued to dominate venture capital (VC) funding in the UAE, accounting for 32% of total funding volume in H1. This underscores the sector's prominence in the domestic tech landscape and reflects the impact of government initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and investment. This vital sector contributes 8.7% of the country's GDP.
UAE Clean Technology Market Size & Outlook, 2024-2030 by Grand View Research said the clean technology market in the UAE is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$ 9,445.8 million by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 12.2% is expected of the UAE clean technology market from 2025 to 2030.
The UAE continues to strengthen its support for startups and entrepreneurship through flexible government policies, advanced legislation, and world-class infrastructure, making it one of the most attractive destinations for investors and entrepreneurs globally.
The UAE's economic vision, centred on diversification, sustainability, and innovation, plays a key role in fostering the startup sector. The country offers a competitive environment that attracts talent and drives growth in non-oil industries such as technology, finance, and renewable energy.
With regulations encouraging foreign investment, including full ownership in many sectors, tax incentives, and specialised free zones, the UAE is a global hub for startups. Government initiatives like 'Operation 300bn' and startup incubators such as Hub71 further enhance its appeal.
Within this framework, the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award emerges as a leading initiative that strengthens quality standards and competitiveness in the business sector. It recognises companies with outstanding performance and innovation, boosting their market position and encouraging expansion.
WAM
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
35 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
Sharjah Ruler chairs meeting on higher education strategy
17 June 2025 19:36 SHARJAH (WAM)His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, chaired the second meeting of the permanent executive committee of the Sharjah Higher Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research on Tuesday at the University Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi welcomed the committee members and emphasised the council's role in the coming years, following his directives to correct administrative concepts, improve university governance, and implement strategic committee discussed various topics and future plans, including the council's work report, organisational structure, strategy, subcommittees, academic staff promotion and evaluation criteria, as well as research and innovation committee also reviewed university admission conditions, the diversity of academic programmes, and main and specialised fields to ensure they meet labour market demands and students' Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi approved the preliminary budget for the remaining period of the year, amounting to Dh 18 million, alongside endorsing the council's new logo and headquarters at the University Highness directed the committee to oversee scholarship affairs in Sharjah's higher education institutions, adopting governance frameworks and coordinating between universities and scholarship providers—governmental, semi-governmental, and scholarship standards for postgraduate studies were approved, similar to those for bachelor's degrees. Sharjah students registered with the emirate and with a monthly income below Dh50,000 will receive full scholarships, while those with higher incomes will benefit from 50% fee scholarships will continue for groups such as children of imams and students with disabilities, funded by the Emiri Diwan. Universities and academies will offer special discounts to other categories like high achievers in academics, sports, research, and other fields. The meeting was attended by Dr Mansour bin Nasar, Head of the Sharjah Government Legal Department and committee rapporteur; Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority; Professor Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and Director of Sharjah Academy for Space Sciences and Astronomy; and Dr Mohammed Yousuf Baniyas, Adviser for Higher Education at Sharjah Private Education Authority.
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
UAE strengthens its position as a hub for advanced manufacturing
The Ministry of Investment hosted the signing of a landmark joint venture agreement to establish Tellus Power Mena, a new UAE-based electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure manufacturer and technology partner. The Ministry played a pivotal role in facilitating this greenfield investment, reiterating its commitment to attracting future-enabling investment into the UAE while also supporting and promoting the growth of family businesses in the UAE's markets and strengthening the country's position as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies, two priority sectors under the National Investment Strategy. The Ministry of Investment was involved from the deal's inception to its conclusion. Its role included introducing business partners, conducting thorough due diligence, and actively supporting the joint venture negotiations. Furthermore, the ministry provided strategic investment guidance and served as a crucial connector, linking the involved parties with relevant government entities and free zones to ensure a smooth and efficient setup. The agreement was signed at the Ministry's headquarters by Mike Calise, CEO of Tellus Power Globe Holding Limited (Tellus Power), and Marius Ciavola, CEO of Sing Family Enterprise Middle East. The event was witnessed by Hessa Al Ghurair, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, Hamdan Zakaria Doleh, Chairman of China Innovation Centre in UAE, Yansong Li, Co-Founder of Tellus Power, and Mohammad BinHendi, Group CEO of BinHendi Holding. The newly formed entity brings together BinHendi Holding, a forward-looking Emirati investment company, focused on enabling national capabilities across mobility energy, and industrial innovation; Sing Family Enterprise Group, a China-based family office and entrepreneurial conglomerate; and Tellus Power, an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure manufacturer headquartered in California with a focus on charging stations, serving clients across the US, Europe, India, China, South America, and the GCC countries. The joint venture will enable the enhancement of local manufacturing of advanced EV charging solutions in the UAE, supporting regional demand and accelerating the adoption of bidirectional vehicle-to-grid technologies across the GCC. Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Investment, said, 'This agreement showcases the Ministry of Investment's ongoing dedication to being a strategic partner for international investors, local investors, and family businesses. It directly aligns with our mission to strengthen the UAE's position in attracting future-focused investments that match our national priorities. By supporting partnerships like this, the Ministry continues to drive high-value investment into high-growth sectors, fostering innovation and sustainable economic prosperity.' Mike Calise, Chief Executive Officer of Tellus Power, said, 'We're honoured to join this strategic alliance, which we believe marks a significant milestone in expanding Tellus Power's global footprint. The UAE is rapidly emerging as a hub for clean tech and smart mobility, and we anticipate that this joint venture, supported by the Ministry of Investment, positions us to meet growing demand across the GCC.' Marius Ciavola, Chief Executive Officer of Sing Family Enterprise Middle East, stated, 'Through this collaboration, we aim to make the UAE a centre of excellence for EV charging - not only producing the most advanced chargers in the UAE, but exporting them to the world. We thank the Ministry of Investment for its leadership and continued support. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Tellus and all of our partners to deliver on this exciting vision.' Mohammad BinHendi, Group Chief Executive Officer of BinHendi Holding, commented, 'This venture reflects our commitment to investing in long-term industrial transformation. By bringing advanced manufacturing to the UAE and broader region, we're building a foundation for scalable innovation in the region's energy and mobility future.' The deal supports the objectives of the National Investment Strategy, which aims to boost foreign direct investment in priority sectors such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. It also aligns with the UAE's National Electric Vehicles Policy, which targets a 50 per cent EV adoption rate by 2050. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Siemens Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on driving the future of green and clean energy in the UAE. The two sides will collaborate on mitigating future challenges related to grid infrastructure, enhancing sustainable development and climate action, and exploring potential tech opportunities for robust energy transition and reliable grid operation. WAM
Tourism Breaking News
3 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Ministry of Economy launches Summer Hospitality Camp 2025 to build national capabilities in the hospitality sector
Post Views: 45 Ministry of Economy UAE launched a summer hospitality camp to build national capabilities in the hospitality sector. H.E. added: 'The Summer Hospitality Camp is an investment in our young Emiratis, designed to equip them with the skills and training needed to thrive in the tourism sector. It reflects our commitment to increasing local participation in this vital industry and aligns with our vision for a dynamic tourism future led by capable Emirati talent. Through this initiative, we are preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators who will enrich the visitor experience in the UAE and serve as true ambassadors of our authentic Emirati identity and globally recognized hospitality.' In the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, the Ministry of Economy launched the 'Summer Hospitality Camp 2025'. The comprehensive training program places students in real-world hospitality settings such as hotels and tourism facilities to enhance national tourism capabilities, supporting broader efforts to develop human capital in the UAE's tourism and hospitality sectors. The initiative aligns with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and is being implemented in strategic partnership with academic institutions, tourism and hospitality companies, and leading hospitality providers across the country. The launch event was attended by H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization for the 2026–2029 term, it was also attended by nearly 100 people representing the country's hospitality sector, along with student leaders, and industry professionals. Speaking at the event, H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that tourism has become a key driver of sustainable development and economic competitiveness, thanks to the vision and support of the UAE's wise leadership. Pointing out the sector's outstanding performance, he highlighted the importance of preparing leaders and developing national capabilities across tourism-related activities to ensure sustainable growth and enhance the sector's contribution to economic and social development. The Ministry of Economy works closely with government and private sector partners to achieve this strategic objective. H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais emphasized that the camp marks a significant step forward in building national capacity within the tourism sector. She noted that the program plays a vital role in developing human capital and cultivating world-class expertise through hands-on experience across various tourism and hospitality fields in the UAE. This model, she explained, aligns with global trends that position tourism as a key driver of economic and social development, advancing progress by building capabilities, attracting talent, and fostering innovation and sustainability. The Summer Hospitality Camp enhances Emiratization in the tourism sector by empowering country's youth and bridging the gap between university degrees and the labor market. It equips participants with practical experience and personal skills prior to entering the workforce. The program also focuses on building leadership qualities, teamwork spirit, and a culture of service excellence, while offering specialized hands-on training. The initiative will enable students to explore sustainable, long-term career pathways that align with global tourism growth and adhere to the highest international standards, further empowering youth to play an active and influential role in shaping the future economy. Organized in partnership with 35 hotel and tourism establishments across the UAE, the camp targets UAE nationals and residents aged 15 to 22, including high school and university students. It offers five specialized tracks: Hotels, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food Services, and Event Management. Programs will run from two to four weeks depending on the track, and include field training, mentorship sessions, site visits, and interactive workshops. Participants will receive accredited participation certificates. Students interested in joining can register at: The application period for the program will close at the end of June 2025.
