Abu Dhabi woos businesses from across the UAE with flexible expansion options and premises-free trading
StartUp
Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi launches SME collaboration initiative to boost local craftsmanship, innovation
The collaboration aims to create an exclusive range of innovative, high-quality products that embody the spirit of the museum and resonate with local and international audiences
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 welcomes 27 global tech startups with $145m funding in latest cohort expansion
One in three startups in the Cohort is based in the UAE, showcasing the nation’s growing status as a global entrepreneurship hub
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi sees 16% increase in business licences, freelancer numbers doubled in 2024
Abu Dhabi licensing authority reports notable increase in business registrations
construction industry
BRKZ completes $17mn Series A funding to transform construction procurement in Saudi Arabia
The latest investment takes the total funding to $22.5 million
business incubator
UAE sports startups invited to join Ethara incubator to seek funding boost
Dedicated sports and entertainment innovation hub Ethara 1TW to support UAE startups
Arabian Automobiles Company
Arabian Automobiles launches Urventures to support UAE startups with commercial vehicles
The platform marks a significant shift in the company’s business model, moving beyond traditional automotive sales to become a direct investor in small businesses
Artificial intelligence
Dubai’s e-commerce startup qeen.ai raises $10mn in one of the largest seed investments in MENA
The funding was led by Prosus Ventures, with participation from existing investors including Wamda Capital, 10x Founders and Dara Holdings
crowdfunding
J.P. Morgan backs Saudi’s Lendo with $690mn to boost SME financing
The facility is expected to contribute to an increase in job creation in Saudi Arabia
Dubai Chamber
Dubai sees massive increase in digital startups as Chamber of Digital Economy supports 1,210 entrepreneurs in 2024
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy highlights the city’s appeal to entrepreneurs with support for 1,210 startups
business ventures
‘Side hustles’ in Dubai: The do’s and don’ts of owning a business while working as a full-time employee
In Dubai, anyone looking to engage in economic activity, whether as a full-time employee or otherwise, must obtain the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities
Abu Dhabi
Like ‘London 20 years ago’: Why global entrepreneurs are betting big on Dubai, everything you need to know
The city has several initiatives and support entities to aid the growth and development of startups in Dubai
Funding
Revealed: 2025 predicted to be a break-out year for startup funding in UAE
Rising investor confidence, market stability and growth prospects are to act as major drivers for investments
BNPL
Saudi fintech JeelPay raises $6.6mn in Pre-Series A funding
Joa Capital, AlJazira Capital, and other angel investors participated in the startup’s latest funding round