Dubai’s digital economy is expanding at a significant pace, with 582 startups either established or expanded in the first nine months of 2025. New figures from the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy reveal that international companies are driving this growth, accounting for 70 per cent of the new ventures and cementing the city’s status as a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
Global Entrepreneurs Flock to Dubai
The trend highlights Dubai’s increasing ability to attract tech companies aiming to serve global markets from the Middle East. Many new startups have relocated from Europe, Asia, and North America to scale their operations in the region, drawn by the city’s connectivity, market access, and supportive business environment.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, said the goal is to build an advanced business environment defined by agility and innovation. “This strengthens the emirate’s appeal as a leading destination for digital investment and tech talent,” he stated, adding that it aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Support structures are proving effective. Almost half of the new startups received assistance from an incubator or accelerator, while a third used business development services provided by the ‘Business in Dubai’ platform, which helps entrepreneurs connect with investors and local networks.
AI and FinTech Lead the Charge
Artificial intelligence continues to be a defining feature of Dubai’s startup ecosystem, with AI-focused companies making up 21 per cent of all new digital ventures. Following AI, the most prominent sectors were HealthTech, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and FinTech, which collectively represented 17 per cent of the new businesses.
Startups in these fields are concentrating on practical solutions in automation, health data management, and digital payments. The growing number of companies using AI tools and data analytics also signals Dubai’s role in shaping emerging business models in logistics, finance, and sustainability. The city’s focus on financial technology is attracting new players, with Uzbekistan’s fintech ecosystem eyeing the UAE market through Dubai.
International Outreach and Ecosystem Support
To bolster its global standing, Dubai has actively engaged with the international tech community. Between January and September, local startups and ecosystem players participated in 16 international roadshows across 17 major cities, including London, Berlin, Singapore, and Seoul. These missions are crucial for deepening ties between the Middle East and global markets.
These efforts connected Dubai’s tech community with more than 2,140 international startups, investors, and incubators. Major events like Expand North Star, the world’s largest gathering for startups, have further strengthened Dubai’s position as a launchpad for digital innovation. The Chamber also released “The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook” to guide founders on using AI to scale their ventures.
As founders, investors, and talent converge in the city, Dubai’s digital economy continues to mature. With AI, FinTech, and HealthTech leading the way, the startup ecosystem is emerging as one of the most dynamic in the world, proving that new digital companies are not just part of the economy, but are actively driving its transformation.
