UAE Emerges as Entrepreneurial Capital: Experts Predict New Era of Growth

The UAE has launched a national campaign called "UAE: Global Capital of Entrepreneurs" to cement its position as a world hub for startups and business innovation. The initiative aims to support young Emiratis by helping them establish 250 real estate companies and training 50 content creators focused on economics and entrepreneurship. Economic experts see this as the foundation for a new era of growth driven by local talent.

The campaign addresses three key areas that could reshape the UAE's economic landscape. First, it encourages Emirati citizens to embrace entrepreneurship by starting small companies that can grow into major contributors to national income and employment across sectors like retail, real estate, tourism, healthcare, and technology.

Second, the initiative strengthens the UAE's business environment to attract international talent. This influx of skilled professionals typically drives population growth, which in turn fuels economic expansion. The strategy positions the UAE to compete more effectively for foreign direct investment against other global business hubs.

Masoud Al Awar, CEO of investment firm Medallion Associates, explains that the third pillar focuses on developing effective human resources. This ensures sustainable development across various fields while building a competitive future workforce. "The campaign encourages young people, especially new generations with ambition and innovative ideas, to take advantage of government initiatives that support entrepreneurship," he said.

The real estate sector stands to benefit significantly from this push. With the UAE's property market experiencing strong growth, the campaign's goal of establishing 250 citizen-owned real estate companies comes at an opportune time. Ismail Al Hammadi, founder and CEO of Byzint business consultancy, sees this as a chance for young entrepreneurs to develop fresh ideas that support the sector's continued expansion.

The campaign also promises to boost demand across multiple economic sectors. As new businesses launch and create jobs, this will likely increase demand for housing, education, healthcare, retail, and entertainment services. This ripple effect could strengthen the UAE's position as a top destination for both living and working.

Professor Fiona Robson from Heriot-Watt University Dubai views the initiative as an investment in future business leaders. "Many young people have innovative business ideas, but they might not be sure how to start or lack the necessary resources to launch," she noted. The campaign provides training and development across vital sectors, addressing these gaps.

For investors and businesses, this represents a significant shift in the UAE's economic strategy. The focus on homegrown entrepreneurship could reduce dependence on foreign companies while building a more resilient domestic economy. Small and medium enterprises typically form the backbone of developed economies, and the UAE appears to be building this foundation systematically.

The timing aligns with global trends toward supporting local innovation and reducing economic dependencies exposed during recent global disruptions. By nurturing domestic talent and providing comprehensive support systems, the UAE is positioning itself not just as a business destination, but as a creator of businesses that could eventually expand globally.