UAE Tops Global Entrepreneurship Rankings for Fifth Consecutive Year

The United Arab Emirates has done it again. For the fifth year in a row, it has ranked first globally for entrepreneurship in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025/2026 report, holding on to a position many countries would happily fight tooth and nail for.

That’s not a small feat. According to the findings, the UAE outperformed other high-income economies across eight key indicators, including government policy, infrastructure, ease of regulation, R&D transfer and market entry conditions. In simple terms, it’s not just easy to start a business there — the system is built to help you scale it too.

I’ve spoken to enough founders across the region to know that regulatory clarity can make or break a startup. In some markets, setting up is, frankly, a bit of a faff. In the UAE, the structure seems far more straightforward. The GEM data backs that up, pointing to a highly integrated ecosystem where digital infrastructure, institutional backing and funding channels work hand in hand.

Access to capital is another bright spot. The country ranked second globally for entrepreneurial finance, underlining the depth of its funding environment. That’s crucial. Great ideas are everywhere, but without liquidity and investor appetite, even the most promising venture can stall.

Perhaps even more telling is the level of activity on the ground. More than one in five adults in the UAE are involved in starting a new business, with early-stage entrepreneurial activity reaching 19.2%. That signals momentum — real momentum — not just policy on paper. The National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI) score stands at 7.0, reflecting strong confidence among founders and investors alike.

Artificial intelligence is also firmly on the radar. The report notes that entrepreneurs in the UAE overwhelmingly see AI as a key driver of future growth. In both AI awareness and sustainability, the country received an “excellent” rating, placing it alongside economies such as Norway and Sweden. That’s pretty spot on for a nation betting heavily on tech-forward sectors.

And believe it or not, the UAE also ranked among the top five globally for international market access. Its logistics networks and connectivity continue to give startups a gateway to markets well beyond the region. For founders in MENA looking outward, that global bridge can be a game changer.

Officials have linked the consistent top ranking to long-term national strategies such as “We the UAE 2031” and initiatives like “The UAE: Capital of the World’s Entrepreneurs”. These programmes aim to attract talent and channel investment into sectors ranging from fintech and renewable energy to space technology. I reckon that sort of sector-specific focus is what keeps the ecosystem sharp, rather than spreading resources too thin.

Inclusivity is another important piece of the puzzle. Participation rates among both citizens and residents remain high, and support for women entrepreneurs continues to grow. On the flip side, staying number one is harder than reaching it. Global startup hubs are evolving fast, and competition is intensifying every year.

Still, five consecutive years at the top is no coincidence. It suggests a system that adapts, learns and reinvents itself when necessary. For readers of Arageek who watch the region closely — and often build in it — the message is clear: the UAE isn’t resting on its laurels. It’s refining a model that, at least for now, looks definately built for the long haul.

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