His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, recently witnessed the launch of the UAE Future 50 initiative, featuring a list of future-focused Emirati companies.
Jointly developed by the Government Development and the Future Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the initiative is part of the Riyada entrepreneurship ecosystem, which aims to enhance the national startup and innovation landscape.
Sheikh Hamdan underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering an economic environment that supports startups in future-focused sectors. He noted that Emirati innovators are playing a key role in driving economic diversification, advancing future-focused industries, and strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness—efforts that align with the ambitions of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
50 promising startups driving economic growth
The initiative features 50 promising startups launched by Emirati entrepreneurs across 15 future-focused economic sectors that boost the diversification and resilience of the national economy. These sectors include fintech, healthtech, edtech, HR tech, food and agri-tech, space, cybersecurity, sustainability, renewable energy, smart mobility, advanced and creative industries, legal tech and the sharing economy.
The UAE Future 50 initiative aims to highlight promising Emirati startups in future-focused economic sectors by providing targeted support to accelerate their growth, recognizing entrepreneurial achievements, and celebrating the contributions of Emirati innovators. It also seeks to foster a strong culture of entrepreneurship and inspire the next generation of national talent.
Sheikh Hamdan also underscored the crucial role entrepreneurs play in turning innovative ideas into impactful ventures that drive the growth and diversification of the UAE’s rapidly evolving economy. He also stressed the importance of inspiring the younger generation to explore the world of entrepreneurship, commending initiatives that nurture and empower entrepreneurs to reach new heights of success.
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Startups chosen for their ability to boost competitiveness of future economy
The launch of the UAE Future 50 initiative was marked by a dedicated event celebrating these pioneering ventures. The gathering featured an engaging talk by Emirati entrepreneur and Dubai Chambers Board Member Faisal Belhoul, who shared insights on the foundations of entrepreneurial success and the vital role entrepreneurs play in shaping the future economy.
The event also brought together young entrepreneurs, investors, representatives from investment funds, incubators, accelerators, family businesses and leading companies. In addition, it included an exhibition of the selected start-ups, giving attendees a closer look at their innovative ideas, achievements and growth journeys.
UAE startups have exhibited strong growth potential and play a key role in driving job creation, economic diversification and national development objectives. Specifically chosen for their ability to boost the competitiveness of the future economy, these companies reflect the country’s innovation-driven vision.
The UAE Future 50 initiative builds on the success of the Future 100 initiative, launched by the Government Development and the Future Office with the Ministry of Economy. The initiative annually highlights top emerging companies advancing future-focused sectors and supports the UAE’s global standing in innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. By recognizing and empowering high-potential ventures, Future 100 contributes to shaping a resilient, diversified and globally competitive economy.
