The Future100 initiative has reinforced its commitment to SME growth and innovation across the UAE, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts for a series of high-level sessions at Investopia 2025 on February 26–27.
Discussions spanned emerging trends in artificial intelligence, new SME financial models, and the role of technology in shaping the next generation of UAE businesses.
Minister Highlights UAE SME Milestones
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Alia Al Mazrouei noted that SMEs constitute 94% of all UAE business operations, and that Emirati youth launched 25,000 new enterprises in 2024 alone. She credited the country's robust legislative framework and the AED 300 million Riyada Fund as central pillars enabling that growth.
The minister also emphasized that Future100 has become a key enabler for UAE SMEs to expand into regional and global markets.
Sessions Cover AI, Female Leadership, and Alternative Financing
The two-day event featured 15 sessions with 48 speakers, including ministers, senior officials, and global technology executives. Key topics included:
- AI-driven entrepreneurship and emerging technologies - Female leadership in business, with a dedicated session titled "Empowered and Enabled: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Impact" - Alternative SME financing structures - The Cisco Digital Innovation Award ceremony, held in partnership with the Ministry of Economy
The initiative also announced six new partnership agreements with institutions including Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Oraseya Capital, DIFC Innovation Hub, Ernst & Young UAE, Middle East Venture Partners, and in5 Incubator.
UAE Ranks First Globally in GEM Entrepreneurship Index
According to the GEM Entrepreneurship Index 2023–2024, the UAE ranks as the world's leading nation for entrepreneurship — a position it has held for multiple consecutive years across 56 economies. Sustainability-focused startup applications under the Future100 program grew by 43% in the same period.
With initiatives like Future100 and the Riyada Fund in place, the UAE continues to position itself as a dynamic global hub for startups and business innovation, working toward its stated target of one million SMEs by 2031.
