Latest news with #AliaBintAbdullaAlMazrouei
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei briefs Italian women entrepreneurs on UAE's supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship & SME growth
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship participates in a panel discussion hosted by Chair of Milan Stock Exchange Her Excellency Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, participated in a panel discussion titled ' Entrepreneurship Without Borders ,' hosted by Claudia Parzani, Chair of the Milan Stock Exchange. The session, held as part of the third edition of Investopia Europe in Milan, brought together over 100 Italian women entrepreneurs. Discussions focused on developments in the business landscapes of the UAE and Italy and highlighted the importance of empowering women in economic and commercial sectors. During the session, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE's supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship and SME growth, and its role in attracting entrepreneurs from around the world. She also emphasized the country's flexible economic legislation that facilitates the establishment of startups across various sectors and economic activities. Her Excellency noted that the UAE and Italy enjoy a strong and multifaceted economic partnership, underpinned by shared visions for the future economy, including digital and technological sectors. This alignment presents a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation in the field of entrepreneurship, in a manner that supports the strategic goals of both nations. Her Excellency said: 'Under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has made it a priority to enhance women's contribution across various economic sectors by encouraging them to launch pioneering projects that drive economic development and support the achievement of greater gender balance. By the end of 2024, the number of commercial licenses held by Emirati women entrepreneurs in the UAE market exceeded 135,000 – reflecting a 23 per cent increase. In the first half of the year alone, nearly 2,000 new companies were established by Emirati businesswomen, underscoring their growing presence and active role in the national business community.' Her Excellency added: 'Small and medium-sized enterprises are a key driver of growth and sustainability of the national economy. They play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE's transition toward a knowledge- and innovation-based economic model, while supporting the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which aims to double the national GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade. In support of this goal, the UAE has launched a range of initiatives and strategies designed to provide SMEs with access to financing, resources, and capabilities that foster business development and global market entry. These efforts are further bolstered by the UAE's strategic geographic location, serving as a vital link between East and West, and North and South.' In this context, Her Excellency briefed attendees on the wide range of services and incentives offered by the UAE's National Program for SMEs, which includes over 25 support measures for entrepreneurs. She also highlighted the 'Future 100' initiative, along with other key components of the UAE's entrepreneurship ecosystem, which are designed to enhance national competitiveness and raise the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30% to 50% by 2031. Among the most prominent initiatives are the Riyada Fund and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council. Furthermore, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei invited Italian women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and launch new ventures in the UAE across various economic sectors, encouraging them to seize the wide array of opportunities available. She emphasized that the UAE has ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025 and has been recognized as the top destination for entrepreneurship and SMEs among 56 economies worldwide. Today, SMEs represent 95 per cent of all companies operating in the UAE. Her Excellency noted that the UAE Ministry of Economy is actively promoting digital transformation and the adoption of advanced technologies by SMEs, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence. This priority area is being advanced in collaboration with relevant ministries and authorities at both regional and global levels, reflecting the central role of technology and innovation as key pillars of the UAE's future economy.
Web Release
04-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
UAE ranks first globally in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025 Report for fourth consecutive year
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked number one globally for the fourth consecutive year by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for the year 2024-2025, surpassing many advanced economies. The UAE was also recognised as the world's best destination for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) among 56 economies surveyed in this year's report. The UAE ranked first among high-income countries in 11 out of 13 key indicators, evaluating the institutional frameworks that support entrepreneurship, based on expert assessments. The country outperformed globally in areas including financing for entrepreneurial projects, ease of fund access, government policies supporting entrepreneurship, government-related tax and bureaucracy policies, government entrepreneurship programs, integration of entrepreneurship in school and high education, research and development transfer, commercial and professional infrastructure, ease of market entry in terms of burdens and regulatory frameworks, as well as social and cultural standards towards entrepreneurship. A Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Ecosystem On this occasion, H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, said, 'Thanks to the support and directives of the UAE's wise leadership, our country has built a comprehensive and forward-thinking entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving its advancement as a global leader in entrepreneurship. This is reflected in the UAE's top global ranking for the fourth consecutive year as the world's best environment for entrepreneurship and the preferred destination for start-ups.' H.E. added, 'This accomplishment highlights the UAE's dedication to creating a dynamic and attractive environment for entrepreneurship, aligned with global best practices. By empowering start-ups to expand into digital and advanced economic sectors and providing innovative financing solutions, the UAE is solidifying its position as a global hub for the new economy by the next decade, in line with the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' Leading National Initiatives H.E. Al Mazrouei continued, 'Our national efforts continue to focus on enhancing the UAE's position in global entrepreneurship competitiveness indicators and increasing the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30 per cent to 50 per cent within the next decade. Aligned with the new entrepreneurship framework, these efforts foster a culture of innovative entrepreneurship, offer comprehensive incentives for establishing business, support growth enablers of promising SMEs, and strengthen their access to global markets from the UAE.' $8.7 billion investment to enhance the competitiveness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem According to the report, the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE continues to thrive and make progress globally, driven by supportive business and economic policies, strategic government initiatives, and a competitive investment climate. A key factor in this success is the country's investment of $8.7 billion under the 'Project of the 50' initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and the growth of SMEs. This initiative, along with the country allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of businesses and record-breaking foreign direct investment inflows in 2023, continues to enhance the UAE's position as a global hub for entrepreneurs. High-Level Entrepreneurship Culture The report highlighted that the entrepreneurship culture in the UAE is marked by a high level of awareness and ambition among its people. Around 67 per cent of adults either know an entrepreneur or believe they have the necessary skills to start a business. Additionally, 70 per cent of the UAE population sees strong opportunities for launching a business locally, while 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs prioritise social and environmental impact over profitability. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of early-stage entrepreneurs plan to expand their teams, intending to hire at least six employees in the next five years. The report also revealed that 80 per cent of entrepreneurs plan to integrate technology into their business operations, and 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs are eager to build significant wealth or earn a high income. Moreover, 55 per cent of UAE entrepreneurs cater to clients outside the UAE market, reinforcing the country's position as a global business and investment hub. UAE ranks first globally in the 'National Entrepreneurship Context Index' The UAE also secured top spot globally in GEM's National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), reflecting the strength of the country's entrepreneurial environment, which was evaluated based on a points system derived from the opinions of entrepreneurship experts. This contributes to reinforcing the UAE's vision of reaching one million SMEs by 2031. The release of this report coincided with the 25th anniversary of GEM, a leading global organisation in the field of entrepreneurship. Recognised by leading international bodies such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and several United Nations (UN) organisations, GEM serves as a critical benchmark for global entrepreneurship. The report features the world's largest study on entrepreneurship and its activities, summarising research conducted by GEM across global economies to evaluate their entrepreneurial vitality. Its methodology focuses on achieving three key objectives: measuring differences in entrepreneurial activity across global economies, understanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem, identifying the factors influencing it, and recommending policies to enhance and develop the level of entrepreneurial activity.
Zawya
03-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE ranks first globally in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025 Report for fourth consecutive year
H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei: The UAE has adopted a forward-looking vision to develop a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The strong entrepreneurship indicators achieved reflect our commitment to fostering a competitive and attractive environment for start-ups. Abu Dhabi - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked number one globally for the fourth consecutive year by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for the year 2024-2025, surpassing many advanced economies. The UAE was also recognised as the world's best destination for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) among 56 economies surveyed in this year's report. The UAE ranked first among high-income countries in 11 out of 13 key indicators, evaluating the institutional frameworks that support entrepreneurship, based on expert assessments. The country outperformed globally in areas including financing for entrepreneurial projects, ease of fund access, government policies supporting entrepreneurship, government-related tax and bureaucracy policies, government entrepreneurship programs, integration of entrepreneurship in school and high education, research and development transfer, commercial and professional infrastructure, ease of market entry in terms of burdens and regulatory frameworks, as well as social and cultural standards towards entrepreneurship. A Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Ecosystem On this occasion, H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, said, 'Thanks to the support and directives of the UAE's wise leadership, our country has built a comprehensive and forward-thinking entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving its advancement as a global leader in entrepreneurship. This is reflected in the UAE's top global ranking for the fourth consecutive year as the world's best environment for entrepreneurship and the preferred destination for start-ups.' H.E. added, 'This accomplishment highlights the UAE's dedication to creating a dynamic and attractive environment for entrepreneurship, aligned with global best practices. By empowering start-ups to expand into digital and advanced economic sectors and providing innovative financing solutions, the UAE is solidifying its position as a global hub for the new economy by the next decade, in line with the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' Leading National Initiatives H.E. Al Mazrouei continued, 'Our national efforts continue to focus on enhancing the UAE's position in global entrepreneurship competitiveness indicators and increasing the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30 per cent to 50 per cent within the next decade. Aligned with the new entrepreneurship framework, these efforts foster a culture of innovative entrepreneurship, offer comprehensive incentives for establishing business, support growth enablers of promising SMEs, and strengthen their access to global markets from the UAE.' $8.7 billion investment to enhance the competitiveness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem According to the report, the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE continues to thrive and make progress globally, driven by supportive business and economic policies, strategic government initiatives, and a competitive investment climate. A key factor in this success is the country's investment of $8.7 billion under the 'Project of the 50' initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and the growth of SMEs. This initiative, along with the country allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of businesses and record-breaking foreign direct investment inflows in 2023, continues to enhance the UAE's position as a global hub for entrepreneurs. High-Level Entrepreneurship Culture The report highlighted that the entrepreneurship culture in the UAE is marked by a high level of awareness and ambition among its people. Around 67 per cent of adults either know an entrepreneur or believe they have the necessary skills to start a business. Additionally, 70 per cent of the UAE population sees strong opportunities for launching a business locally, while 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs prioritise social and environmental impact over profitability. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of early-stage entrepreneurs plan to expand their teams, intending to hire at least six employees in the next five years. The report also revealed that 80 per cent of entrepreneurs plan to integrate technology into their business operations, and 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs are eager to build significant wealth or earn a high income. Moreover, 55 per cent of UAE entrepreneurs cater to clients outside the UAE market, reinforcing the country's position as a global business and investment hub. UAE ranks first globally in the 'National Entrepreneurship Context Index' The UAE also secured top spot globally in GEM's National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), reflecting the strength of the country's entrepreneurial environment, which was evaluated based on a points system derived from the opinions of entrepreneurship experts. This contributes to reinforcing the UAE's vision of reaching one million SMEs by 2031. The release of this report coincided with the 25th anniversary of GEM, a leading global organisation in the field of entrepreneurship. Recognised by leading international bodies such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and several United Nations (UN) organisations, GEM serves as a critical benchmark for global entrepreneurship. The report features the world's largest study on entrepreneurship and its activities, summarising research conducted by GEM across global economies to evaluate their entrepreneurial vitality. Its methodology focuses on achieving three key objectives: measuring differences in entrepreneurial activity across global economies, understanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem, identifying the factors influencing it, and recommending policies to enhance and develop the level of entrepreneurial activity. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NYU Abu Dhabi hosts MENA edition of the world's largest student-driven startup conference
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Violet Ventures, the UAE's largest student startup community based at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), hosted the third edition of NYUAD Slush'D. The event serves as the MENA spin-off of Slush, the world's largest founder-focused gathering. Held in collaboration with Nokia, the NYUAD Career Development Center, Business Finland, the Jackie Jacob Award, and startAD – the startup accelerator powered by Tamkeen – the conference's theme focused on 'The Future of AI in MENA'. Distinguished guests included H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Cultural Affairs; Tuula Yrjölä, Finnish Ambassador to the UAE; and Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYUAD, and more than 500 attendees, including startup founders, professors, and students from 20 universities across the UAE, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Japan. In her speech during the event, H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei outlined the UAE's efforts to support SMEs and the UAE's plans for the next generation of startups. This commitment is reflected through the development of innovative policies and the launch of impactful initiatives that empower young entrepreneurs to achieve their ambitions and transform their ideas into successful projects with tangible economic impact. She highlighted the launch of the 'RIYADA' ecosystem, a collaborative initiative with 16 government entities aimed at supporting and advancing entrepreneurship in the UAE. The initiative seeks to increase the success rate of young entrepreneurs from 30% to 50% by 2031, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for startups and entrepreneurs from around the world, in line with the nation's vision to build a competitive, sustainable, and innovation-driven economy. H.E. said: 'The NYUAD Slush'D event represents an exceptional model of effective partnerships between the academic and private sectors in supporting entrepreneurship, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, which is one of the key drivers of future growth.' She further highlighted the diversity of participants—including entrepreneurs, researchers, and students—as a testament to the UAE's position as a global hub for talent and innovation in the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The event featured 18 sessions with 33 speakers across two stages, covering AI's impact on healthcare, fintech, and aerospace. Experts from Amazon Web Services, Nokia, Careem, e& Capital, BECO Capital, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and Technology Innovation Institute (TII) shared insights on AI startup funding and applications. A key highlight was the AI for Good Hackathon, powered by Nokia. From 344 initial participants, 12 finalist teams pitched live at the NYUAD Slush'D stage. The first prize went to ContosoAE (Khalifa University and UAE University) for 'Socia', an AI-powered social and professional training app. Team Unbreakable 3310 (NYUAD) placed second with 'How To', a digital assistant for seniors, while OptiMinds (NYUAD) secured third place with 'TrueSight', an AI tool combating deepfakes and misinformation. The Student Startup Exhibition showcased 10 promising student-led ventures, while the Career Expo, in partnership with NYUAD's Career Development Center, facilitated over 270 student interviews with 18 employers, including Careem, DarDoc, and Al Maryah Community Bank. Reflecting on the event, the Head of Government and Policy Affairs for Africa and the Middle East at Nokia, said: 'Slush'D, organized by NYUAD and Violet Ventures, brought together top talent to tackle real-world challenges, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. The creativity and problem-solving skills displayed in the AI for Good Hackathon were truly inspiring.' Ashwin Joshi, Director at startAD, added: 'With nearly 40% of global employment exposed to AI, the potential – and risks – are immense. Our goal at startAD is to nurture groundbreaking ideas and create lasting impact. NYUAD Slush'D empowers young entrepreneurs to harness AI for positive change.' Slush is the world's largest founder-focused startup conference, attracting over 13,000 attendees annually. As the sole Slush'D organizer in MENA, Violet Ventures continues to drive networking, knowledge-sharing, and impactful collaborations between students, startups, and investors, reinforcing the UAE's role in the global startup ecosystem. About startAD startAD is an Abu Dhabi-based accelerator, steering local and global startups to scale in the UAE and beyond. Powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi, startAD is a new model for innovation that creates customized and impact-driven programs in partnership with stakeholders including governments, corporations, investors, and innovation entities, furthering UAE's transition into a knowledge-based economy. startAD's unique sprint accelerator model enables corporations to further innovation by partnering with startups disrupting their core businesses, while equipping startups with the training and opportunity to pilot their solutions with industry leaders. startAD offers unparalleled business advancement opportunities to local and global tech startups, SMEs, researchers, investors, and youth through an extensive range of programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong global network. Driving innovation in construction, retail, finance, and other priority industries in the UAE, startAD alumni startups have raised USD 270 million in investment, generated USD 220 million in revenue, secured over 80 global pilot projects with corporations, and created over 2500 jobs worldwide. About Tamkeen Tamkeen LLC is a company that partners with leading local and international institutions to deliver projects that enrich the social, cultural and educational landscape of the UAE. About NYU Abu Dhabi NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity's shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi's high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.
Zawya
30-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ministry of Economy organizes Riyada Development Program in Al Dhafra
In the presence of H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei Event contributes to enabling entrepreneurs to maximize the benefits offered by Riyada entrepreneurship system Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Economy organized the 'Riyada Development Program' in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, recently, with an aim to enhance engagement with entrepreneurs in the region, support them in launching and expanding their startups locally and internationally, and foster the exchange of experiences, while also addressing the challenges related to business expansion. The event was attended by H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; and Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED). Entrepreneurs: The driving force behind the future economy H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized the UAE's firm belief in the importance of entrepreneurs and innovative startups as key pillars for building a prosperous future for current and future generations, accelerating the transition to a knowledge and innovation-driven economy. Her Excellency highlighted the UAE's continued commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in line with global best practices, providing flexible economic policies that facilitate the establishment of startups and accelerate the growth of SMEs, especially with continued developments in the country's entrepreneurship legislative framework. Her Excellency said: "This event serves as a key platform to highlight the unique advantages offered by the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem and how to leverage them. It also offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, insights, and experiences in all aspects of entrepreneurship and SMEs development. The initiative also enables us to learn more about the innovative startups in Al Dhafra, listen to entrepreneurs' ideas and proposals regarding the enablers they need for business growth, and encourage them to launch new ventures that benefit the community and contribute to the UAE's economic progress.' Riyada's initiatives showcased H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei elaborated on the initiatives of the 'Riyada' entrepreneurship system launched by the Ministry of Economy last November, which include the Riyada Fund, the UAE Entrepreneurship Council, the National Unified Entrepreneurship Platform, and the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council. She emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of these initiatives across all seven emirates to boost the competitiveness of the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem and drive it to new heights of growth and prosperity. Exploring entrepreneurial ventures in Al Dhafra H.E. Al Mazrouei said that the UAE's entrepreneurship and SMEs sector continues to experience sustained growth, with Emirati youth establishing 25,000 SMEs in 2024 alone. Currently, SMEs account for 94 per cent of the total companies operating in the UAE market, contributing 63.5 per cent to the non-oil GDP. The UAE is also home to more than 50 government and private business incubators and accelerators. Challenges faced by entrepreneurs addressed The event featured a panel discussion that addressed the key challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Al Dhafra and explored strategies to transform them into new opportunities for innovative projects across various vital economic sectors. The event also highlighted a series of inspiring success stories from entrepreneurs and startup founders in the region.
