For the fifth time in a row, the UAE ranked first in the world in terms of business development. This follows from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025/2026 report.
The country remains a leader among developed economies and remains one of the most convenient platforms for starting and doing business.
Why the UAE is back in first place
The UAE took a leading position in terms of a number of key indicators:
- well-developed infrastructure
- support from the state
- clear and flexible regulations
- market access and low entry barriers
- business support programs
- technology transfer and R&D
- entrepreneurial education
The country also occupied 2nd in the world in terms of access to funding, which remains one of the key factors for starting a business.
What the report shows
- plus 20% of adults participates in starting a business
- Early Entrepreneurial Activity Index (TEA): 19.2%
- the activity among residents is even higher — 22.4%
This suggests that entrepreneurship in the country is not a niche story, but a mass phenomenon.
Access to international markets
The UAE is part of top 5 countries in the world on opportunities for startups to enter international markets.
This is achieved through:
- developed logistics
- convenient geographical location
- high connectivity to global markets
The role of technology and AI
The report separately notes the high level of readiness for the digital economy:
- entrepreneurs are actively focusing on AI
- the country was praised for sustainable development
- strong digital infrastructure
Education and a new generation of entrepreneurs
The UAE is also part of top 5 countries for entrepreneurship training in schools.
The focus is on:
- creative thinking
- looking for opportunities
- risk assessment
- problem solving
What's the result
The UAE continues to hold the lead through a combination of:
- clear rules
- affordable financing
- the active role of the state
- focus on technology
Entrepreneurship is becoming a normal part of the economy here, not an exception.
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