Future100 Initiative Drives UAE's SME Growth in Future Economy Sectors

The Future100 initiative reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the growth of SMEs in future economy sectors in the United Arab Emirates, fostering a comprehensive investment ecosystem aligned with technological advancements and enhancing economic growth opportunities. This commitment aims to drive a transformative shift in the UAE's economy and solidify the country's position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The initiative featured 15 sessions with 48 distinguished speakers including ministers, senior officials, and industry experts. Discussions revolved around key topics such as artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, tech-driven entrepreneurship, the future of SMEs, innovative investment strategies, the role of innovation and technology in financial models, and mechanisms to support SMEs in expanding within the new economy. These discussions took place as part of Investopia 2025, highlighting the critical role of female entrepreneurs in generating tangible positive impacts on society and the national economy.

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized that the Future100 initiative has become a key enabler for the growth of the UAE's new economy, aiming to accelerate the growth of high-potential SMEs in key future economy sectors and support their expansion into regional and global markets. SMEs currently account for 94% of all businesses in the UAE, with 25,000 SMEs founded by Emirati youth in 2024 alone. The UAE is home to over 50 government and private business incubators and accelerators, contributing to its recognition as the best global destination for business and economic activities in 2024 according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

The UAE also ranked first globally in the GEM Entrepreneurship Index for 2023-2024 for the third consecutive year, excelling in key indicators such as financing, market accessibility, and government support. Developing national entrepreneurship is a strategic priority for the UAE, forming a core pillar of the country's economic agenda led by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with federal and local government entities, the private sector, and academic and research institutions.

The UAE's new entrepreneurship ecosystem initiatives are designed to enhance the country's competitiveness and increase the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30% to 50% by the next decade. Notable initiatives include Riyada Fund, which allocates AED 300 million to support entrepreneurial ventures, and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council, which aims to unify national efforts to accelerate SME growth and strengthen collaboration between key stakeholders. The Future100 session concluded by highlighting inspiring investment stories from companies in the initiative, where entrepreneurs reviewed their investment journeys and the strategies that enabled them to obtain funding and accelerate their growth.