Could UAE’s Next Export Be Startups?
For decades, the UAE built the infrastructure that connected
the world: airports, ports, financial centres and free zones. Now it’s building
something different: the companies that will shape the world’s economy.
Tech startups are becoming powerful economic resources, and
the UAE is making it easier for them to launch, grow and scale globally.
The UAE is strongly encouraging entrepreneurship and treating
startups as strategic assets.
Companies that can create intellectual property, attract
talent, advance national AI capabilities, unlock new industries, and expand the
country's global economic footprint have more support than ever.
Last week’s headlines say it all.
Founders
Radar
Dubai is betting big on AI agents.
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy launched a global ‘AI Agents Championship’
as part of its efforts to accelerate the adoption and development of Agentic AI.
The initiative offers a prize pool of over AED 2.5 Million. Find more details
and apply here.
DCDE also signed two MOUs with Nebius Academy - the
education and training arm of AI cloud company Nebius – and Lovable - a leading
software creation platform - to accelerate the adoption of Agentic AI and
deliver specialized training across Dubai's private sector.
A $1 Million boost for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The UAE also launched the ‘100 Dreams’ initiative to
back aspiring entrepreneurs in the media and creative industries with a total
of $1milliom. Each of the 100 selected participants will receive $10,000 in
funding to help get their business off the ground, alongside practical
assistance to establish a company in the UAE. Applications open on November
20.
More capital for high-growth startups.
Incentives are also increasing. The Dubai
Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) doubled its venture capital fund
managed by Oraseya Capital, to AED1 Billion, to support more high-growth startups from Dubai
to the world. Pitch your business here.
Beyond
The GCC
Successful startups are becoming a competitive assets and
around the world, governments are making strategic decisions to support
entrepreneurs.
Ireland is launching Start Up Ireland with €3 Million
to connect founders with funding and support. Its Budget 2027 also proposes a
€1 billion scale-up investment programme and extends key startup and investor
tax incentives.
Taiwan widens its AI National Development Fund to $314
Million to back offshore startups provided they maintain substantial
R&D activity and other qualifying business ties in Taiwan.
Tanzania has launched a TZS 5 Billion loan
programme for youth-owned ICT startups, to develop digital solutions across
sectors. Applications close on 30 May 2027.
Planet
North Star
Governments are increasingly recognising that startups are
more than just small businesses. They're engines of economic growth,
innovation, talent attraction, and global competitiveness.
If startups are becoming strategic assets, then ecosystems
become strategic infrastructure. Expand North Star is where founders
plug into that infrastructure, connecting with the people, capital and market
opportunities that turn ambitious ideas into successful companies.
Find your next investor. Meet your next customer.
Build your next market at Expand North Star 2026.
Summit: 7 December, Dubai World Trade Centre
Expo: 8–10 December, Expo City Dubai