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Abu Dhabi is home to over 500 emerging startup ventures. Join 200+ startups already on Foundersbase - be among the first 50 joining in Abu Dhabi and discover promising early-stage innovation partners today!

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Startup Ecosystem in Abu Dhabi

Map of Abu Dhabi

Startup Ecosystem in Abu Dhabi

Startup Ecosystem in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has rapidly developed into a globally significant innovation ecosystem by combining exceptional capital resources, ambitious government vision, and strategic advantages to build a deeptech hub focused on climate technology, artificial intelligence, and next-generation energy solutions. The city has emerged as home to influential ventures like ecosystem enabler Hub71, AI and cloud computing company G42, and renewable energy pioneer Masdar, while developing particular strength in sovereign technology capabilities, advanced agricultural solutions for arid environments, and increasingly space technology. The funding landscape connects entrepreneurs with substantial resources through sovereign wealth participation via Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, and specialized instruments like Ghadan Ventures Fund, complemented by growing interest from global venture firms establishing MENA headquarters in the emirate. Support infrastructure includes flagship programs like Hub71 offering substantial incentives for relocating startups, specialized initiatives like the Masdar City Free Zone focusing on clean energy innovation, and technology-specific programs through the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Throughout the city, innovation activities concentrate in the Abu Dhabi Global Market on Al Maryah Island offering specialized regulatory frameworks, with additional clusters in Yas Island, Masdar City, and the broader Saadiyat Cultural District. Abu Dhabi startups benefit from exceptional funding access for technologies aligned with strategic priorities, sophisticated infrastructure designed specifically for innovation activities, strategic location connecting Asian and European markets, and increasingly attractive quality of life drawing global talent. Entrepreneurs navigate an ecosystem that particularly rewards ventures with strategic alignment to national priorities, requires navigation of established institutional relationships, sometimes involves complex regulatory frameworks outside specialized free zones, and functions most effectively for startups able to articulate connections to larger economic and technology sovereignty objectives.

Abu Dhabi has rapidly developed into a globally significant innovation ecosystem by combining exceptional capital resources, ambitious government vision, and strategic advantages to build a deeptech hub focused on climate technology, artificial intelligence, and next-generation energy solutions. The city has emerged as home to influential ventures like ecosystem enabler Hub71, AI and cloud computing company G42, and renewable energy pioneer Masdar, while developing particular strength in sovereign technology capabilities, advanced agricultural solutions for arid environments, and increasingly space technology. The funding landscape connects entrepreneurs with substantial resources through sovereign wealth participation via Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, and specialized instruments like Ghadan Ventures Fund, complemented by growing interest from global venture firms establishing MENA headquarters in the emirate. Support infrastructure includes flagship programs like Hub71 offering substantial incentives for relocating startups, specialized initiatives like the Masdar City Free Zone focusing on clean energy innovation, and technology-specific programs through the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Throughout the city, innovation activities concentrate in the Abu Dhabi Global Market on Al Maryah Island offering specialized regulatory frameworks, with additional clusters in Yas Island, Masdar City, and the broader Saadiyat Cultural District. Abu Dhabi startups benefit from exceptional funding access for technologies aligned with strategic priorities, sophisticated infrastructure designed specifically for innovation activities, strategic location connecting Asian and European markets, and increasingly attractive quality of life drawing global talent. Entrepreneurs navigate an ecosystem that particularly rewards ventures with strategic alignment to national priorities, requires navigation of established institutional relationships, sometimes involves complex regulatory frameworks outside specialized free zones, and functions most effectively for startups able to articulate connections to larger economic and technology sovereignty objectives.

Abu Dhabi startups in numbers

Startups in Abu Dhabi on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 45% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 55% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 38.3% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Abu Dhabi are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Abu Dhabi are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Blockchain, Aerospace, and Mobility. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Climate Change Mitigation, Carbon Footprint Reduction, Digital Literacy, and Education & Literacy, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Abu Dhabi offers a great starting point.

Job Offerings

More than (45%) of startups in Abu Dhabi are actively recruiting talent, while (55%) are focused on building with their current team.

Hiring 45%

Startup Stage

The Abu Dhabi startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (38.3%) currently at the Prototype stage.

Funding Need

About (65%) of early-stage startups in Abu Dhabi are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (35%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.

Fundraising 65%

Top innovation sectors

Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Abu Dhabi are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.

Mental Health
Blockchain
Aerospace
Mobility
Big Data
Virtual Reality
Healthcare
Fintech

Impact Focus

Startups from Abu Dhabi on Foundersbase most often focus on Climate Change Mitigation, driving innovation in this area.

Climate Change Mitigation
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Digital Literacy
Education & Literacy

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