Dubai Career Diary

Three UAE emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah — have secured their positions among the top ten startup ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Dubai: A Hub for Innovation
Dubai scored a perfect 10 in funding, measuring innovation through early-stage funding and investor activity. With five unicorns, Dubai has established itself as a hub for innovation, marking a significant milestone.

Abu Dhabi: Fastest-Growing Emerging Ecosystem
Abu Dhabi was the fastest-growing emerging ecosystem in MENA, marking a 28% growth in ecosystem value.

Sharjah: Rising Star in MENA Startup Ecosystem
Sharjah rose to 7th in the rankings, featuring in the Top 15 for Knowledge and Performance categories. Sharjah’s success is attributed to its strategic location, $1.5 billion annual investment in education, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Other MENA emerging startup ecosystems in the top 10 rankings include Tel Aviv, Cairo, and Riyadh. Tel Aviv is the only MENA ecosystem ranking in the Top 40 and remains the region’s leading ecosystem.

The Emergence of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s Global Tech Ecosystem
The emergence of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has grown to accommodate over 315 startups that have collectively raised $1.5 billion in funds since its 2019 inception.

Sharjah’s Strengths: Cleantech, Digital & Creative Industries, and Edtech
Sharjah’s strong performance is further evidenced by its rankings in various categories, including 5th in ‘Bang for Buck’ and 6th in Funding, highlighting its strength in sectors like Cleantech, Digital & Creative Industries, and Edtech.

Sheraa: Driving Growth and Empowering Entrepreneurs
Najla Al Midfa, vice chairperson of Sheraa, emphasized the importance of nurturing homegrown talent and ventures, and partnering with stakeholders across the ecosystem to cultivate a founder-focused environment.

As we look ahead, the UAE’s startup hubs are poised for continued growth and innovation, solidifying their positions as leaders in the MENA startup ecosystem.