On June 28, 2025, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, was present at the unveiling of the first UAE Future 50 – Emirati List of Future Companies. This initiative, a collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Government Development and the Future Office, took place at Dubai’s Emirates Towers.
This program is part of the Riyada entrepreneurship ecosystem, designed to enhance the startup and innovation environment in the UAE.
The UAE Future 50 list recognizes and celebrates the most promising Emirati-led businesses across 15 vital economic sectors, including fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, space exploration, renewable energy, and cybersecurity, among others.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the UAE leadership’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and cultivating an economic climate that nurtures startups in future-oriented sectors. He acknowledged that Emirati trailblazers are crucial in fostering economic diversification and promoting industries that align with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
He also pointed out the essential role of entrepreneurs in transforming innovative ideas into significant ventures that contribute to the growth and diversification of the evolving UAE economy. Furthermore, he stressed the need to inspire the younger generation to delve into entrepreneurship, recognizing initiatives that support and enable entrepreneurs to achieve new levels of success.
The launch was attended by various dignitaries, including Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; and H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future.
H.E. Al Roumi remarked on the UAE’s status as a global leader in future preparedness, attributable to its robust innovation ecosystem and investment in homegrown talent. She stated that the ‘UAE Future 50’ illustrates how Emirati entrepreneurs are turning concepts into groundbreaking ventures, aligning with the government’s efforts to equip the economy for upcoming challenges. She also noted that these startups, collaborating with larger enterprises, will stimulate growth in essential industries and enhance the UAE’s competitiveness on the world stage.
Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, spoke about the critical impact of innovative ventures and Emirati talent in the UAE’s shift towards future industries and its enhancement of global stature. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth and reinforcing the national economy.
The initiative is designed to spotlight promising Emirati startups in forward-thinking economic sectors by offering tailored support to expedite their growth, acknowledging entrepreneurial successes, and celebrating the contributions of Emirati innovators. It also aims to cultivate a robust entrepreneurial culture, inspiring the upcoming generation of local talent.
The launch event of the ‘UAE Future 50’ featured a dedicated celebration of these pioneering companies, including an engaging presentation by Faisal Belhoul, an Emirati entrepreneur and Board Member of Dubai Chambers, who shared insights on the keys to entrepreneurial success and the essential part entrepreneurs play in shaping the future economy.
The gathering attracted young entrepreneurs, investors, representatives from investment funds, incubators, accelerators, family businesses, and prominent companies. It included an exhibition of the selected startups, allowing attendees to gain insights into their innovative concepts, achievements, and growth trajectories.
UAE startups demonstrate significant growth potential and are integral to job creation, economic diversification, and the achievement of national development goals. Selected for their capacity to enhance the competitiveness of the future economy, these enterprises exemplify the country’s innovation-driven vision.
The ‘UAE Future 50’ initiative extends the achievements of the Future 100 program, which was launched by the Government Development and the Future Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy. This initiative annually recognizes top emerging companies that are advancing future-focused sectors and reinforces the UAE’s global standing in innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. By supporting and empowering high-potential ventures, Future 100 plays a vital role in fostering a resilient, diversified, and internationally competitive economy.