Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Supported 1,690 Digital Startups in 2025

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy announced that it supported the establishment and growth of 1,690 digital startups in 2025, corresponding to an increase of 39.7 percent compared to the previous year. The results revealed that Dubai accelerated its momentum as a global digital startup hub, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and platform-based business models.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy stated that this growth was a reflection of ongoing efforts to strengthen an innovative business environment supported by advanced infrastructure, agile regulations, and access to international markets. While global companies constituted the majority of the supported firms, this situation demonstrated that Dubai’s attractiveness increased for entrepreneurs seeking to scale at regional and international levels.

Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, and Global Companies Drove Growth

According to Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, approximately 15 percent of the startups supported in 2025 consisted of artificial intelligence-focused companies, while fintech firms accounted for 12 percent. Companies operating in mobility technologies, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and e-commerce covered approximately 20 percent of the total.

The chamber reported that 75 percent of all companies supported in 2025 were global firms. This picture revealed that Dubai became a preferred entry point for international digital companies targeting Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets.

Dubai Founders HQ Strengthened the Startup Ecosystem

One of the significant developments of 2025 was the launch of Dubai Founders HQ in October. The initiative was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

Developed jointly by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Dubai Founders HQ was designed as a “phygital” platform that brings together a physical campus and a comprehensive digital ecosystem. The initiative aimed to encourage collaboration, innovation, and scalable growth by bringing together founders, investors, companies, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stated that the chamber was committed to accelerating Dubai’s transition to a fully integrated digital economy. Al Olama expressed that the strategy focused on providing infrastructure, regulation, and global market access that would enable digital companies to scale from Dubai.

Establishment and Scaling Support Through Integrated Services

The chamber provided corporate services and business matchmaking support together with trusted business partners through the Business in Dubai platform. The platform enabled companies to connect with investors, business partners, and customers to help them launch or expand their operations in Dubai.

In 2025, 48 percent of the supported companies benefited from business set-up services and access to accelerators and incubator programmes, while 31 percent benefited from broader business support services offered through the platform.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s Talent and Application Development Programmes

In April 2025, Sheikh Hamdan honoured the winners of the Create Apps Championship organised by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The competition, which is part of the Create Apps in Dubai initiative launched in 2023, received more than 5,800 applications in its first two editions and supported the development of more than 55 smart applications.

While the third edition was announced in November, a new Participant Support Programme was also announced to help high-potential teams complete the development process. It was stated that the third edition aimed to support the launch of 50 new applications and would offer funding packages exceeding AED 2.5 million, along with training and mentoring opportunities.

Global Outreach and Thought Leadership

In October 2025, the 10th edition of the Expand North Star event, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, was held at Dubai Harbour. The event brought together more than 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding $1.1 trillion.

Throughout the year, the chamber organised 36 sector-focused events and conducted international roadshows in 17 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Korea. These activities reached more than 2,500 digital startups and ecosystem stakeholders.

In parallel, eight reports were published in 2025, including The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook. The reports aimed to support startups in being established and scaled more efficiently by using artificial intelligence tools.

Dubai Founders HQ to Empower Startups and SMEs in the Region