Dubai supports 1,690 digital startups in 2025 as Chamber reports 39.7 per cent growth

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has announced that it successfully supported the establishment and expansion of 1,690 digital startups in Dubai during 2025, marking a 39.7 per cent increase compared to 2024.

The performance highlights the chamber’s growing role in strengthening Dubai’s position as a preferred global destination for digital companies and entrepreneurial ventures, particularly across future-focused technology sectors.

Artificial intelligence businesses accounted for around 15 per cent of the companies supported, while fintech enterprises represented 12 per cent.

Companies specialising in mobility technology, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and e-commerce collectively accounted for 20 per cent of the total, while global companies represented 75 per cent of all firms supported during the year.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy

In October 2024, 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, launched Dubai Founders HQ, a flagship initiative designed to consolidate and strengthen Dubai’s startup and small and medium enterprise ecosystem.

The initiative was launched jointly by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy as a first-of-its-kind “phygital” platform combining a physical campus with a comprehensive digital ecosystem to bring founders, investors, corporates, and enablers together.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, stated: “Guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for the digital economy, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains committed to accelerating the shift towards a fully integrated digital economy built on advanced infrastructure, agile legislation, and a pro-innovation business environment.”

He added that the chamber continues to empower digital companies to scale from Dubai by providing the infrastructure, regulation, and market access required for rapid growth.

Services and business support

The chamber’s Business in Dubai platform provides corporate services and business matchmaking in collaboration with trusted partners. During 2025, 48 per cent of supported companies received assistance with business set-up services and access to accelerators and incubators, while a further 31 per cent benefited from wider business support services offered through the platform.

In April 2025, Sheikh Hamdan honoured the winners of the Create Apps Championship, organised by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy as part of the Create Apps in Dubai initiative launched in March 2023.

Since its launch, the championship has attracted more than 5,800 registrations across its first two editions and supported the development and launch of more than 55 smart applications.

In November 2024, the chamber announced the third edition of the championship, alongside a new Participant Support Programme aimed at launching an additional 50 fully developed applications. The championship offers funding packages exceeding AED2.5m ($0.68m) to support winning applications.

Expand North Star and global outreach

October 2025 marked the 10th edition of Expand North Star, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Chamber of Digital Economy at Dubai Harbour.

The event attracted more than 2,000 startups, over 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding $1.1tn, and founders of 40 unicorns with a combined valuation of $900bn.

Throughout 2025, the chamber organised 36 events and conducted 17 international roadshows across markets including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Singapore, South Korea, and Australia, engaging with more than 2,500 digital startups globally.

The chamber also published eight reports during the year, including The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook and a report focused on foreign direct investment destinations in the technology sector.