Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem has made remarkable strides, emerging as one of the fastest-growing hubs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), according to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) launched at VivaTech in Paris.
Recognized as the world’s most comprehensive research on startup ecosystems, the report leverages the largest quality-controlled dataset in the industry, analyzing data from over 5 million companies across 350+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems worldwide.
“Abu Dhabi’s rise in the global rankings is a testament to the exceptional pace and cohesion of its innovation ecosystem, with Hub71 at the heart of this transformation. Amid a global downturn in startup ecosystem value, Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision is beginning to pay off, demonstrating bold leadership and collaborative strength. We expect this momentum to continue, with Abu Dhabi poised to grow at a faster rate than many global peers in the years ahead,” says Samantha Evans, managing director MENA, Startup Genome.
Abu Dhabi advances to #51-60 tier
The GSER 2025 highlights Abu Dhabi’s impressive leap into the top emerging global startup ecosystems, ranking in the #51-60 tier, up from its previous #61-70 position. This advancement comes despite a global 14 percent decline in overall startup ecosystem value.
Notably, Abu Dhabi generated $4.4 billion in ecosystem value between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, marking a 6 percent annual growth.
Abu Dhabi also ranked 3rd in the MENA region for Performance, a category that evaluates startup success through valuations and exit activity. This recognition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a dynamic, results-driven hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
“Abu Dhabi’s rise in global rankings reflects the strength of our startup community and the impact of Hub71’s ecosystem-enabling initiatives. Over the past six years, Hub71 has built a connected network of founders, investors, corporates, and global partners, enabling sustainable startup growth, international scaling, and the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s early-stage technology landscape. This progress is driven by Abu Dhabi’s deliberate focus on innovation and technology, alongside an increasingly agile business and regulatory environment,” said Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71.
Read: UAE offers relief to small firms with new GPSSA pension compliance initiative
Abu Dhabi among top 5 ecosystems in MENA across key categories
The report also places Abu Dhabi among the top five startup ecosystems in MENA across several core categories, including Knowledge, Funding and Talent & Experience. Additionally, the emirate was recognized among the region’s best for “Bang for Buck,” reflecting efficient use of venture capital and a strong return on investment.
FinTech, ClimateTech, and Digital Assets are key strengths of Abu Dhabi’s innovation landscape, supported extensively by strategic regulatory frameworks and sector-specific infrastructure. Key developments, including ADGM’s expanded licensing frameworks, substantial venture funding, and strategic partnerships in sustainability-focused enterprises, and strategic alliances in blockchain technology, exemplify the emirate’s deliberate and cohesive strategy for long-term economic diversification and innovation.
The emirate’s appeal also lies in forward-thinking policies, such as streamlined regulatory procedures and targeted government support for technology-driven sectors. Initiatives such as Khalifa Fund’s MZN HUB are pivotal in bridging local startups with international innovation networks, further amplifying Abu Dhabi’s global entrepreneurial influence.
Abu Dhabi’s consistent rise in global rankings over the past three years highlights the strength of its strategy and the growth of its startup ecosystem, positioning the emirate as a leading global hub for innovation.
