UAE small-business licences jump over 900% in two decades
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s small and medium-sized enterprise sector has expanded significantly, with the number of active SME licences rising by more than 140% compared with 2020 and by more than 900% compared with 2000, as the country pushes ahead with a national strategy to strengthen entrepreneurship. The growth comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its global standing in entrepreneurship. The…
In two decades, the number of active small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) licences in the UAE has surged by over 900%, according to recent figures presented by the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship. This significant expansion is part of the country's national strategy to bolster entrepreneurship and strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and sustainable economic growth.
The UAE Council for Entrepreneurship, chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, reviewed the results of the national campaign "The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World" launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The council discussed deepening cooperation between federal and local authorities to develop a national entrepreneurship strategy that would prioritize access to finance, innovation, internationalisation, and measurement.
The campaign also led to the registration of 405 businesses in the suppliers' registry and provided incubation support to 30 real estate companies, among other initiatives. Dubai has awarded Dh1.78 billion in contracts to Emirati SMEs, marking a 38% increase in 2025.
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