The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has made significant strides in supporting the growth of the digital landscape in the region. In 2025, it facilitated the establishment and expansion of 1,690 digital startups—an impressive 39.7% increase compared to the previous year. This development underscores Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.

Digital Startups Making Waves

Among the digital startups supported, those focused on artificial intelligence represented approximately 15%, while fintech companies accounted for 12%. Additionally, sectors such as mobility technology, software-as-a-service, and e-commerce collectively made up 20% of the total startups. Notably, international businesses comprised 75% of these startups, highlighting Dubai’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for global digital enterprises.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, serving as the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, stated that these initiatives are aligned with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to make Dubai a leading digital economy center. “Our commitment to developing a fully integrated digital economy includes advanced infrastructure, supportive regulations, and an innovative business environment,” he remarked.

Comprehensive Support Services for Startups

In 2025, the chamber enhanced its Business in Dubai platform to further support startups. By providing business matchmaking services, the platform effectively connects emerging companies with potential partners, investors, and customers. Approximately 48% of the startups took advantage of setup services and participated in accelerator and incubator programs, while another 31% utilized broader business support services offered by the chamber.

The chamber has also been instrumental in initiatives like “Create Apps in Dubai,” launched in 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative aims to accelerate smart application development and bolster Dubai’s standing in the global digital economy. The accompanying Create Apps Championship has already garnered over 5,800 registrations across its first two editions, resulting in more than 55 smart applications being developed.

Engaging with the Global Community

In November 2025, the chamber introduced the third edition of the Create Apps Championship, including a Participant Support Programme to assist teams in completing their projects through accelerator programs. This initiative is set to facilitate the launch of an additional 50 fully developed applications and offers funding packages exceeding AED 2.5 million (around $680,000).

Further showcasing Dubai’s international appeal, the chamber hosted the 10th edition of Expand North Star in October 2025, attracting more than 2,000 startups and over 1,200 investors with assets surpassing $1.1 trillion. Throughout the year, the chamber organized 36 events to foster partnerships within the digital economy and conducted 17 international roadshows, engaging with over 2,500 digital startups and stakeholders.

In addition to these initiatives, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy released eight comprehensive reports in 2025. Highlights included “The Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook,” which aims to educate entrepreneurs on leveraging AI tools for efficient scaling, and a study focusing on foreign direct investment opportunities within the technology sector. These efforts further illustrate Dubai’s robust strategy to cultivate a thriving digital ecosystem.