Supply chains and talent to define next phase of venture capital in the UAE

Supply chains and talent are set to shape the next phase of venture capital in the UAE, according to Noor Sweid, founder of Dubai Global Ventures. As the Iran war concludes, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence will streamline manufacturing, fourth-party logistics, and localization, attracting investment. The report, launched at the launch of a report mapping the UAE's venture capital journey over the past decade, highlighted the rapid changes in supply chains over the past four to five years, accelerating global supply chains even further.

Start-ups have played a vital role in shaping the future of supply chains, but have only scratched the surface, according to Sweid. Venture capital is expected to remain strong during and beyond the conflict, with talent for smaller companies and startups also expected to grow in the UAE due to a business-friendly system that offers access to capital, infrastructure, and incentives.

Regulations in the UAE are highly focused on founders to ensure they can scale faster, and talent and opportunity are what attract capital, accelerating its growth. Venture capital financing in the UAE increased by 47% year-on-year to $419 million in Q1 2026, with international investors continuing to dominate participation, according to start-up tracker Magnitt.

The UAE's venture capital providers include Beco Capital, ADQ-backed Further Ventures, Middle East Venture Partners, and sovereign wealth fund Mubadala. Support organizations for startups in the UAE include Abu Dhabi Startups, Hub71, Dubai Future Accelerators, Dubai SME, Dubai Future District Fund, and Dubai Internet City's in5.

The UAE government extended corporate tax relief for small businesses until 2029, helping entrepreneurs tackle regional challenges and global headwinds. UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq, emphasized the depth of the UAE's venture system during the report.