Dubai powers ahead as start-up hub: Over 580 digital firms backed in '25

Dubai's status as one of the world's fastest-growing digital innovation hubs is gathering speed, with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy announcing support for the establishment and expansion of 582 digital startups in the first nine months of 2025 alone.

- Issac John

The surge underscores the emirate's rising influence in technology entrepreneurship and its drive to attract the next generation of global digital pioneers.

According to the chamber, 70 per cent of these startups were international companies, confirming Dubai's growing appeal among global founders seeking access to Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets. Artificial intelligence (AI) led the way, accounting for 21 per cent of supported firms, while HealthTech, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and FinTech collectively represented another 17 per cent.

The latest figures highlight the momentum behind Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy by 2033 and position it among the world's top three cities for business and innovation.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the numbers reflect Dubai's emergence as a truly global platform for digital entrepreneurship. "We remain committed to consolidating the emirate's position as a central hub in the global digital economy," Al Olama said. "We are building an advanced business environment defined by agility, readiness, and innovation to keep pace with rapid technological change while enabling digital companies to grow from Dubai into global markets. This strengthens the emirate's appeal as a leading destination for digital investment, tech talent, and new-economy solutions."