As part of the nationwide initiative “UAE as the Global Capital of Entrepreneurs,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has entered into a partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis, the specialized economic zone dedicated to knowledge and innovation under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). This agreement aims to enhance collaborative efforts in supporting and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs, facilitating the exchange of expertise and data, and developing quality programs and initiatives intended to boost the efficiency of startups and expand their presence both locally and internationally.
The agreement was formalized during a visit by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, to the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (DTEC), a key initiative of Dubai Silicon Oasis, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa focused on technology and co-working spaces. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, CEO of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, welcomed him upon arrival.
The agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Entrepreneurship Sector and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and Badr Bohanad, General Director of Dubai Silicon Oasis, with Badriya Al Midhoor, Assistant Undersecretary of the Support Services Sector at the ministry, in attendance.
Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the significant role played by Dubai Silicon Oasis in establishing Dubai as an ideal hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. He noted that the collaboration between the ministry and the oasis, through the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre, bolsters the country’s vision to build an innovation-driven knowledge economy and supports the competitiveness of the Emirati entrepreneurial environment, aligning with the leadership’s goal of making the UAE the global capital for entrepreneurs.
He further highlighted that the “UAE as the Global Capital of Entrepreneurs” campaign, overseen by the ministry in partnership with the UAE Government Media Office and the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship, serves as a comprehensive national framework that unifies governmental and private sector efforts to empower entrepreneurs, support startups, and provide flexible regulations and competitive incentives that enable them to confidently pursue global markets.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni stated that this collaboration with the ministry reflects DIEZ’s commitment through Dubai Silicon Oasis to support the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country through quality initiatives and projects aligned with the DIEZ 2026 strategy.
He further explained that DTEC plays a crucial role in enabling entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into innovative and competitive projects on a global scale, affirming that the partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism opens new avenues for comprehensive support aimed at national entrepreneurial ventures.
During the visit, Abdullah bin Touq explored some of the key initiatives and programs hosted at DTEC and learned from the DTEC team about various success stories and emerging projects led by Emirati entrepreneurs in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital services, along with the “Real Estate Incubator for Emiratis” initiative developed in collaboration with the Dubai Land Department.
Additionally, Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri engaged with several Emirati entrepreneurs at DTEC.