Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem has achieved significant recognition, emerging as one of the fastest-growing hubs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This information comes from the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER), which was launched today at VivaTech in Paris. The GSER is known as the world’s most comprehensive research on startup ecosystems and evaluates data from over 5 million companies across more than 350 entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems globally.

The GSER 2025 report highlights that Abu Dhabi has made impressive progress, climbing into the #51-60 tier of emerging global ecosystems, up from the previous #61-70 ranking. This advancement occurred despite a global 14% decline in the overall value of startup ecosystems. Between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, Abu Dhabi generated $4.4 billion (approximately AED 16.2 billion) in Ecosystem Value, reflecting a 6% annual growth rate.

In addition to its global ranking, Abu Dhabi secured the 3rd position in the MENA region for Performance, a category that assesses startup success based on valuations and exit activities. This recognition affirms Abu Dhabi’s status as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Samantha Evans, Managing Director MENA at Startup Genome, remarked that Abu Dhabi’s rise in global rankings demonstrates the rapid development and cohesion of its innovation ecosystem, with Hub71 playing a central role. She noted that despite a global downturn in startup ecosystem value, Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision is beginning to yield results, showcasing strong leadership and collaborative efforts. Evans anticipates that this momentum will continue, positioning Abu Dhabi for faster growth than many of its global counterparts in the coming years.

The report also lists Abu Dhabi among the top five ecosystems in MENA for key categories such as Knowledge, Funding, and Talent & Experience. Furthermore, the emirate was recognized for providing significant “Bang for Buck,” indicating efficient venture capital utilization and strong returns on investment.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, stated that Abu Dhabi’s rise in global rankings reflects the strength of its startup community and the effectiveness of Hub71’s initiatives to enable the ecosystem. Over the past six years, Hub71 has established a connected network of founders, investors, corporations, and global partners, fostering sustainable startup growth and international scaling. Alwan emphasized that this growth is driven by Abu Dhabi’s focus on innovation and technology, alongside an adaptable business and regulatory environment.

Key sectors driving startup growth in Abu Dhabi include FinTech, ClimateTech, and Digital Assets, which are supported by strategic regulatory frameworks and specialized infrastructure. Developments such as the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) expanded licensing frameworks, substantial venture funding, and partnerships in sustainability and blockchain technology illustrate the emirate’s cohesive strategy for economic diversification and innovation.

Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a startup destination stems from progressive policies, including streamlined regulatory processes and targeted government support for tech-driven sectors. Initiatives like the Khalifa Fund’s MZN HUB play a crucial role in connecting local startups with international innovation networks, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global entrepreneurial presence.

The GSER is recognized as the most thorough assessment of global startup ecosystems, providing data-driven insights vital for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Abu Dhabi’s consistent rise in global rankings over the past three years reflects the effectiveness of its strategy and its growing startup ecosystem, positioning the emirate as a leading hub for innovation.